2024 Kia EV9 vs 2024 Mazda CX-30

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a bold new direction for Kia's electric vehicles, while still maintaining the brand's recognizable SUV design language. Its exterior featured a modern, blocky aesthetic reminiscent of digital clock numbers, with octagonal wheel arches and a sharply angled rear window. The lighting signature was a standout feature, with the "Star Map" daytime running lights and the "Digital Tiger Face" grille, which was further enhanced in the Land and GT-Line trims with a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille. The interior of the EV9 felt spacious and airy, accentuated by a light gray two-tone color scheme and dual sunroofs. The seats were comfortable, with power-adjustable options and durable SynTex surfaces, providing a pleasant driving experience.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 aimed to ensure it was unmistakably a crossover, despite its excessive use of charcoal-colored plastic on the lower body. The overall design was appealing, with short overhangs, a long hood, and a rakish roofline. Inside, the CX-30 exuded a sense of luxury with its refined materials and attention to detail, featuring clear gauges, a well-integrated infotainment screen, and artistic climate controls. The test model's Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta interior upholstery added a unique touch, though the exterior color was polarizing. The CX-30's interior felt a class above, offering a comfortable and stylish environment for its occupants.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the Light trim's single motor, rear-wheel-drive setup producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles. The Light Long Range model, with a larger 99.8-kWh battery, provided a range of 304 miles but reduced horsepower to 201. The higher trims, including Wind and Land, featured dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems with 379 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, offering 280 miles of range. The GT-Line trim prioritized performance with 516 lb-ft of torque and a range of 270 miles. The EV9's power delivery was smooth and refined, with good handling and adjustable regenerative braking, making it a pleasant drive.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The powertrain response was tuned for a gradual build, providing a smooth and satisfying driving experience. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission shifted flawlessly, and the standard all-wheel-drive system ensured power was distributed effectively. However, fuel economy was a downside, with an observed 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route, and the small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited range to around 270 miles. Despite this, the CX-30 was fun to drive, offering nimble handling and excellent visibility.

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, accommodating up to seven passengers. Cargo space was competitive, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 81.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The interior featured a floating center console with limited flat surfaces, but second-row passengers in higher trims enjoyed additional storage options.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's interior was well-designed, with quality materials and logical controls. The cabin featured a three-gauge digital instrumentation setup and a traditional shifter. While front-seat occupants enjoyed comfort and ease of access, the rear seat was cramped. Cargo space was flexible, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, offering practicality for a small SUV.

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. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a premium audio system in higher trims. The EV9's connectedness was notable, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store allowing for future upgrades and customization.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 Turbo models received a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring platforms. While the screen was far from the driver, it represented an improvement in Mazda's approach to reducing driver distraction. The CX-30 included a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services, with additional features like USB-C ports and a Bose audio system in higher trims.

The 2024 Kia EV9 came with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control with navigation-based capabilities, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance. However, some features were reserved for higher trims. The EV9 had not yet been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received high marks from Euro NCAP.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 emphasized safety with new standard features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offered adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-30 earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, providing peace of mind for drivers.