2024 Kia EV9 vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a bold new direction for Kia's electric vehicles, while still maintaining a familiar SUV aesthetic. Its exterior design was characterized by a blocky, digital clock-inspired look, 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. The top trims, Land and GT-Line, included a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, adding a constellation of light points. The interior of the EV9 felt spacious and modern, enhanced by a light gray two-tone color scheme and dual sunroofs. The seats were comfortable, with power-adjustable options and durable SynTex surfaces.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan exuded a premium feel, often perceived as more upscale than its non-European competitors. The exterior featured standard LED headlights and taillights, with an illuminated grille light line on the SEL R-Line trim. The rear end showcased the model name in all-caps, alongside the classic Volkswagen badge. The Tiguan's color options were limited, with the base trim only available in grayscale. The interior offered firm seating, with the SEL R-Line trim providing real leather and additional features like front-seat ventilation and a heated steering wheel. The Tiguan's design was cohesive, though the configurator for color and material combinations could be complex.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a range of powertrains, 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 featured a larger battery, reducing horsepower to 201 but extending the range to 304 miles. The higher trims, equipped with all-wheel drive and dual motors, delivered 379 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 280 miles. 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, with adjustable regenerative braking and fast charging capabilities.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The AWD system slightly reduced fuel economy, with the base Tiguan S achieving 27 mpg combined, while AWD trims rated at 24-25 mpg. The Tiguan's power delivery was inconsistent, with some lag in acceleration, but it offered good visibility and handling. The ride was comfortable, though the seating surfaces received mixed reviews.

The 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 seats folded. The interior featured a floating center console, with ample storage options for second-row passengers.

The Volkswagen Tiguan, in its two-row configuration, provided 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 73.4 cubic feet. The three-row version offered less cargo space but maintained passenger comfort, with 39.6 inches of headroom and 40.2 inches of legroom in the front. The third row was tighter, with 33.8 inches of headroom and 27.9 inches of legroom. Despite its compact size, the Tiguan offered a third row, a rarity in its class.

The Kia EV9 featured a three-screen curved display, with a 12.3-inch driver information display, a 5-inch climate display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad. Higher trims offered a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio system and a head-up display. The EV9's connectedness was notable, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store allowing for feature upgrades.

The Volkswagen Tiguan's infotainment system included an 8-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base trim had a smaller 6.5-inch screen. The Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch display. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was a highlight, providing excellent sound quality.

The Kia EV9 came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, 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.

The Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. For 2024, the IQ.DRIVE suite became standard, offering adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous highway driving. Additional features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection.