Volkswagen ID.4 vs Kia EV9

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a revolutionary design path for Kia's EV lineup, though it stayed distinctly within Kia’s aesthetic language for SUVs. Its exterior boasted a blocky, futuristic design, emphasized by unique, octagon-following body lines and sharply angular rear windows. One of the standout features was its elaborate lighting signatures. The standard "Star Map" daytime running lights traced a precise path from the fenders to the grille, highlighting the "Digital Tiger Face". Depending on the trim, the LED headlights varied between clusters of two dashes or 12 dots. High-end trims like Land and GT-Line featured an advanced Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, revealing a constellation of lights when the car was active.

Similarly aligned with the geometric aesthetics, the EV9's wheels varied by trim, from visually dynamic 19-inch base wheels to interlocking triangles on the 20-inch wheels of the Land trim, and squared patterns on the 21-inch wheels of the GT-Line. Inside, the EV9 felt airy and fresh, its light gray two-tone interior and dual sunroofs contributing to this ambiance. The front seats, adjustable in eight ways with lumbar support, offered further customization in higher trims, ensuring comfort. The SynTex surfaces and hardy fabrics meant durability against everyday wear and tear.

Contrastingly, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 maintained Volkswagen’s signature conservative yet timeless styling, anticipating longevity in its design appeal. AWD versions upgraded to standard 20-inch wheels, while the S Plus trim featured 21-inch designs. The ID.4’s layout comprised two models: the base ID.4 with a 62-kWh battery and the Pro with an 82-kWh battery. The trim levels included base, S, and S Plus, with AWD available in Pro models. The sleek yet understated look was supplemented by practical enhancements aimed at improving longevity and usability.

Inside, the ID.4 offered simpler, albeit functional changes. The transmission selector moved to a stalk on the steering column, and touch-sensing controls for wipers and lights became standard. Interior choices varied between light gray and blue Cosmic designs, and black and gray Galaxy themes. The Pro S and Pro S Plus trims added comfort with available ventilated seats and a premium Harman Kardon sound system option. Volkswagen emphasized daily usability with features like the 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and user-friendly climate controls, showing the brand’s practical focus.

The Kia EV9's powertrain varied by trim. The base Light trim featured a single motor producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a 230-mile range. The Light Long Range trim increased the battery size to 99.8 kWh, reducing horsepower slightly to 201 but boosting range to 304 miles. Higher AWD trims, Wind and Land, featured dual motors, producing 379 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque with a 280-mile range. The GT-Line, prioritizing performance, offered 516 lb-ft of torque but reduced range to 270 miles.

The EV9 GT-Line impressed during testing in Napa Valley, providing smooth acceleration and refined power delivery. Handling was stable, with minimal body roll, and regenerative braking could be adjusted easily via steering wheel paddles, offering a natural feel akin to gas-powered vehicles. Although charging information was pending, Kia claimed the EV9 could charge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The Volkswagen ID.4 improved significantly for 2024 with a new rear motor in the Pro models, offering 282 hp and 402 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 62-kWh models retained the previous motor, yielding 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. The AWD Pro model added a front motor, increasing total output to 335 hp and making 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The ID.4 Pro (82 kWh) provided an EPA-rated range of 291 miles (RWD) and 263 miles (AWD), while the 62-kWh version had a range of 206 miles.

During a media event in Pasadena, the ID.4 Pro S (RWD) showcased improved acceleration and steady performance across city, freeway, and mountain roads. With an efficiency rate of 28.6 kWh/100 miles, it outperformed its EPA rating. The ID.4’s handling was enhanced by its firm ride and slot-car-like grip, though road noise at higher speeds was noted. The brake pedal's natural feel was highlighted, though it lacked a one-pedal driving system, which didn't detract significantly from the overall driving experience.

The 2024 Kia EV9’s third row set it apart, offering substantial space, particularly in headroom, surpassing even larger SUVs like the BMW X7 and Rivian R1S. The EV9's adjustable second-row and spacious design comfortably seated up to seven passengers. Cargo capacity was competitive, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.5 cubic feet with it folded, and 81.7 cubic feet with only the front seats up. While front storage was slightly compromised due to the floating center console design, second-row amenities in higher trims, such as a large drawer and tray table, enhanced passenger convenience.

The Volkswagen ID.4 continued its pragmatic approach with interior tweaks enhancing usability and comfort. The redesigned control placements aimed to improve ease of use. The introduction of a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system enhanced functionality, especially with newly illuminated controls for nighttime use. Comfortable front seats provided a commanding view, with the Pro S and Pro S Plus trims adding ventilated front seats and triple-zone climate control. The rear seats offered modest legroom and support, supplemented with A/C vents and USB-C charging ports. Cargo capacity in the ID.4 was slightly smaller, holding 30.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with them folded.

The EV9 featured a pioneering triple-screen curved display, integrating a 12.3-inch driver information display, a distinctive 5-inch climate control screen, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. Higher trims boasted a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio system. Notably, the EV9’s OTA update capability and Kia Connect store allowed owners to purchase additional features and upgrades post-purchase, future-proofing the vehicle and providing customization flexibility.

The Volkswagen ID.4’s main tech highlight was its new 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering an improved user experience despite less appealing graphics. The system featured customizable home screens, always-visible climate controls, and illuminated touch-sliders for ease of use at night. The Pro models included an enhanced navigation system with battery preconditioning for DC fast charging sessions. The S Plus trim offered a premium Harman Kardon sound system. VW provided complimentary access to several connected services, including a digital voice assistant, for enhanced convenience.

The Kia EV9 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included adaptive cruise control with navigation-based machine learning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance. Higher trims added Blind-spot View Monitor and reverse parking collision avoidance assist. Though the EV9 lacked safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA due to its newness, it received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.

Volkswagen's ID.4 featured a post-collision braking system and the IQ.Drive suite of ADAS, including Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. The Travel Assist managed following distance and lane-centering effectively during brief testing. The semi-autonomous parking assist system with Memory Parking was a standout feature, capable of autonomously executing saved parking maneuvers. The ID.4 earned favorable crash-test ratings from NHTSA, though IIHS evaluations were incomplete.