2024 Kia EV9 vs 2025 BMW X3

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-like appearance, 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 top trims with a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille. The wheels complemented the blocky design, with the base 19-inch wheels offering a sense of motion, while the higher trims featured more geometric patterns. Inside, the EV9 felt spacious and modern, with a light gray two-tone interior and dual sunroofs enhancing the airy feel. The seats were power-adjustable and comfortable, with additional customizations available in higher trims.

In contrast, the 2025 BMW X3 was redesigned to offer a seductive and athletic appearance. Its long hood, aerodynamic flanks, and tapering greenhouse gave it a sporty look, emphasized by the expressive 21-inch wheels. The Arctic Race Blue paint added a touch of elegance, complemented by gloss black M Sport details and Calm Beige upholstery. Inside, the X3's cabin was simple yet functional, with quality materials in expected areas, though some lower cabin plastics revealed its price point. The seats were comfortable, with Veganza artificial leather and optional ventilation. However, the rear seats were less comfortable, with low positioning and hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area was practical, with 31.5 cubic feet of space and additional storage under the load floor.

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 99.8-kWh battery, reducing horsepower to 201 but extending the range to 304 miles. The higher trims, including the Wind and Land, came with all-wheel drive and dual motors, delivering 379 hp 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, and its handling was stable, with adjustable regenerative braking and fast charging capabilities.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite its weight, the X3 achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved responsiveness and fuel economy, though real-world mileage fell short of the EPA rating. The M50 xDrive variant offered a more powerful 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided an engaging driving experience, though the ride quality was firm on imperfect roads.

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 seats folded. The interior featured a floating center console, though storage space was limited. Second-row passengers enjoyed additional storage options in higher trims.

The 2025 BMW X3 provided a driver-focused experience with a power-adjustable seat and a view of the long hood. The cabin felt spacious, with a simple dashboard and a BMW Curved Display housing digital instruments and infotainment. Front seats were comfortable, but rear seats were less so, with low positioning and hard panels. The cargo area offered 31.5 cubic feet of space, with practical features like a grocery bag hook and additional storage under the load floor.

The 2024 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 offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a premium audio system in higher trims. The Kia Connect store allowed for over-the-air updates and additional feature purchases, providing future-proofing and customization options.

The 2025 BMW X3 introduced the iDrive 9 system with Quick Select user experience, though our test vehicle experienced issues with profile creation and system responsiveness. The navigation system with augmented video worked well, but we relied on wireless Apple CarPlay for a seamless experience. The infotainment system's performance may have been affected by test vehicle limitations.

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

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a range of driver assistance features, with the standard Active Driving Assistant suite including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Parking Assistant Plus, while the Driving Assistant Professional Package offered hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and other advanced features. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with four-star ratings in frontal-impact tests.