2024 Kia EV9 vs 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a bold evolution in Kia's electric vehicle lineup, showcasing a design that was both familiar and futuristic. Its exterior maintained the brand's signature style but introduced a more angular, digital clock-inspired aesthetic. The lighting elements were particularly striking, with the "Star Map" daytime running lights and the "Digital Tiger Face" grille setting it apart. The top trims, Land and GT-Line, featured a unique Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, adding a constellation of lights visible only when the vehicle was on. The wheels complemented the blocky design, with the base 19-inch wheels offering a sense of motion, while the higher trims sported more geometric patterns. Inside, the EV9 felt spacious and modern, with a light gray two-tone interior and dual sunroofs enhancing the airy atmosphere. The seats were comfortable, with various power adjustments available, and the SynTex surfaces felt durable and premium.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, aligning it more closely with Chevrolet's larger SUVs like the Traverse and Suburban. The new model featured a flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive "shark fin" C-pillar, giving it a more robust and modern appearance. Each trim level had unique styling elements, with the base LT offering chrome or a Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim added sporty touches like black mirrors and red emblems, while the new ACTIV trim emphasized adventure with all-terrain tires and a rugged design. The interior of the Equinox was also updated, with a more open center console and a larger infotainment screen. The RS and ACTIV trims featured distinct interior themes, with the RS offering a darker, sportier look and the ACTIV providing a lighter, two-tone design. Overall, the Equinox's cabin felt modern and well-thought-out, with practical features like a flat floor and a well-placed dead pedal.

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, with a larger 99.8-kWh battery, reduced horsepower to 201 but extended the range to 304 miles. The higher trims, Wind and Land, featured dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems with 379 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, offering 280 miles of range. The GT-Line prioritized performance with 516 lb-ft of torque and a slightly reduced range of 270 miles. During testing, the EV9 GT-Line delivered smooth power delivery and good handling, with adjustable regenerative braking and a fast-charging capability that promised a 10 to 80 percent charge in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied with the drivetrain, offering 184 lb-ft in front-wheel-drive models and 203 lb-ft in all-wheel-drive versions. The new model introduced a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for FWD models and an eight-speed automatic for AWD, the latter providing smoother and quieter shifts. The Equinox's acceleration was responsive at low speeds, but the engine's limitations became apparent during highway merges. The AWD models could tow up to 1,500 pounds and featured selectable drive modes, including Off-Road mode for better performance on loose surfaces.

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, depending on the middle row's configuration. The EV9 could seat up to seven passengers, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. Cargo space was competitive, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 81.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The interior featured a floating center console with limited flat surfaces but offered practical storage solutions for second-row passengers.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox provided consistent headroom throughout the cabin, with 38.2 inches in the front seats with the moonroof and 37.8 inches in the rear. The flat floor and well-placed dead pedal added to the comfort and practicality of the interior. Cargo space was slightly reduced compared to the previous generation, with 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded. A hidden storage compartment beneath the load floor added versatility, though overall cargo volume was small for the class.

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. 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 was a highlight, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store allowing owners to purchase additional features and upgrades.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration projected onto the driver information display, allowing for seamless multitasking. The new infotainment system featured an 11.3-inch touchscreen, 30% larger than the previous model, and included a wi-fi hotspot and a six-speaker audio system. Wireless charging was standard on RS and ACTIV trims, with no option for an upgraded sound system.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance as standard. Higher trims included additional 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 received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox included most safety features as standard, with the Chevy Safety Assist suite offering rear park assist, lane-change alert, and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The Safety & Technology package added rear pedestrian alert and HD surround vision. Teen Driver Technology was also standard, allowing parents to set speed and volume limits and receive a report card on driving behavior.