2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 presented a sophisticated and graceful exterior with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, embodying a stately presence at over 16 feet long. The standard 19-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim, enhancing its elegant appearance. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy shape, contributing to its elegant look, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the dash featured thin horizontal air vents. The center console was highlighted by three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, and the unique two-spoke steering wheel added a distinctive touch. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor annoyance in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2024 Kia EV9 marked a new direction for Kia EVs with its blocky, digital clock-inspired design, yet retained a distinctly Kia SUV feel. The body lines followed octagonal wheel arches, and the rear window angled sharply upward. The lighting signature was a standout feature, with the "Star Map" daytime running lights outlining the "Digital Tiger Face" grille, and LED headlights varying by trim. The top trims, Land and GT-Line, included a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille with customizable light points. The wheels continued the blocky theme, with the base 19-inch wheels offering a sense of motion, while the Land and GT-Line trims featured more geometric patterns. Inside, the EV9 felt airy and fresh, enhanced by a light gray two-tone interior and dual sunroofs. The eight-way power-adjustable front seats and SynTex seating surfaces provided comfort, with additional customizations available in higher trims.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered all-wheel drive with a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2024 Kia EV9 Light trim featured a single motor with rear-wheel drive, producing 215 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. The Light Long Range model offered a 99.8-kWh battery, reducing horsepower to 201 but extending the range to 304 miles. The higher trims, with all-wheel drive and dual motors, produced 379 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 280 miles. The GT-Line trim prioritized performance with 516 pound-feet of torque and a range of 270 miles. The EV9 provided smooth power delivery and good handling, with adjustable regenerative braking and a one-pedal driving mode. Fast charging capability allowed the EV9 to charge from 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered luxury features such as heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front and rear seats. The Ergo Motion driver’s seat provided fatigue reduction through inflatable pockets. While a third row was available, its limited legroom made it suitable only for children. The GV80 featured a tri-zone climate control system, a 21-speaker stereo system, and a panoramic glass roof. It boasted a large cargo space of 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 39.5 inches of headroom and 30.8 to 32.0 inches of legroom. It could seat up to seven passengers with a second-row bench seat. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 43.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 81.7 cubic feet with only the front-row seats in place. The EV9 featured a high and flat load floor for easy luggage retrieval. The front storage space was limited, but second-row passengers in higher trims enjoyed a large drawer and tray table.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for infotainment, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. The infotainment system had a learning curve, with a dial for navigation and handwriting detection. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, though not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a remote smart parking assist feature, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2024 Kia EV9 featured a three-screen curved display, including a 12.3-inch driver information display, a 5-inch Climate Display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio system and a head-up display. The EV9’s connectedness allowed for over-the-air updates and additional feature purchases through the Kia Connect store, offering future customization options.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver’s aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. It featured a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster and Highway Drive Assist for hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS, though the headlights and LATCH system were rated as Acceptable.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with navigation-based machine learning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance. The Blind-spot View Monitor and reverse parking collision avoidance assist were available on higher trims. The EV9 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA but received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.