2024 Kia EV9 vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester, despite its familiar and somewhat unremarkable exterior, offered a practical and functional design that appealed to those who valued utility over aesthetics. Its Cascade Green Silica paint was a nod to its heritage, making it blend seamlessly with its predecessors. The Forester's design was characterized by its boxy shape, flared fenders, and distinctive lighting, which, while not particularly attractive, served its purpose well. The Touring trim stood out with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, adding a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Forester Touring featured Saddle Brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents, creating a traditional yet functional cabin. The interior was cluttered with buttons and knobs, which, although busy, made it easy to operate and clean.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia EV9 presented a bold and modern design that set it apart from its predecessors. Its exterior was distinctly Kia, with a blocky, digital clock-inspired look. The EV9's lighting signature was a standout feature, with the "Star Map" daytime running lights and the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille on higher trims. The wheels, ranging from 19 to 21 inches, complemented the blocky design. Inside, the EV9's interior felt airy and fresh, enhanced by a light gray two-tone color scheme and dual sunroofs. The seats were comfortable, with power-adjustable options and SynTex surfaces. The EV9's interior design emphasized comfort and modernity, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a contemporary electric SUV.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic. The Forester's SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness, while the X-Mode off-road traction management system provided various driving modes for different terrains. The Forester Touring, despite its modest power, handled well in challenging weather conditions, showcasing its capability in rain and mud. Its driving dynamics were commendable, with light steering, effective brakes, and excellent suspension tuning. However, the Forester's fuel economy fell short of expectations, returning 25.9 mpg compared to the EPA's 29 mpg rating.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the Light trim's single motor RWD setup, delivering 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque with a 230-mile range. The Light Long Range model extended the range to 304 miles with a larger battery but slightly reduced horsepower. The AWD trims, Wind and Land, boasted 379 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a 280-mile range. The GT-Line prioritized performance with 516 lb-ft of torque but sacrificed some range. The EV9's power delivery was smooth and refined, with good handling and adjustable regenerative braking. While charging details were limited, Kia claimed fast charging capability, reaching 80% in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC charger.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and straightforward design. It featured a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable seats, and heated elements in higher trims. The Forester's visibility was excellent, thanks to its high seating position and large windows. However, the sunroof's lack of tinting could lead to excessive solar heating. The interior provided ample storage, with well-sealed doors and a spacious cargo area. The Forester offered 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 39.5 inches of headroom and up to 32.0 inches of legroom. It could seat up to seven passengers, with second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat. The EV9's cargo space was competitive, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 81.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The interior featured a floating center console, providing storage space and a wireless charging pad. Second-row passengers enjoyed additional storage options, enhancing the EV9's practicality.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated at first glance, but its simplicity was appealing. The Base trim featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's user interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a better choice for navigation.

The 2024 Kia EV9 featured a cutting-edge technology suite with a curved display housing three screens. It included 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 audio system and a head-up display. The EV9's connectedness was noteworthy, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store allowing for future upgrades and customization.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras for improved performance. It included Automatic Emergency Steering on models with blind-spot monitoring, and Rear Automatic Braking on higher trims. The Forester's DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System was exclusive to the Touring trim. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with some areas for improvement in new tests. It received five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance. Higher trims added features like the Blind-spot View Monitor and reverse parking collision avoidance assist. The EV9 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.