2024 Kia EV9 vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a bold new direction for Kia's electric vehicles, with a design that was both familiar and futuristic. Its exterior featured a blocky, digital clock-inspired aesthetic, 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 wheels complemented the blocky design, with the base 19-inch wheels offering a sense of motion, while the Land and GT-Line trims featured more geometric patterns.

Inside, the EV9 felt spacious and modern, enhanced by a light gray two-tone interior and dual sunroofs. The front seats were eight-way power-adjustable, with additional customizations available on higher trims. The SynTex seating surfaces were comfortable, and the fabric lining was durable. The interior design emphasized comfort and practicality, making it a pleasant space for both drivers and passengers.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade distinguished itself with a bold and unmistakable design, especially after the 2023 refresh that introduced a more angular and technical look. The SUV's exterior was characterized by balanced forms and tasteful body sculpting, giving it an upscale appearance that belied its sticker price. Inside, even the base SE trim offered a clean and modern look, with premium materials like leather, artificial suede, and metal speaker grilles in higher trims. However, some metallic-surface control markings were difficult to read in daylight.

The Palisade was packed with thoughtful details, such as USB charging ports in the front seatbacks, smartphone storage pockets, and accessible drink holders. It was available in seven trim levels, with prices ranging from $37,200 to $54,500, excluding destination charges. Our test vehicle, the Calligraphy trim, featured AWD, Robust Emerald paint, and carpeted floor mats, bringing the MSRP to $55,205, including destination.

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, Wind and Land, came with dual motors, delivering 379 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a range of 280 miles. The GT-Line prioritized performance with 516 lb-ft of torque and a range of 270 miles.

During testing, the EV9 GT-Line demonstrated smooth and refined power delivery, with good handling and minimal body roll. The regenerative braking system was adjustable, allowing for a natural feel comparable to gas-powered vehicles. The EV9 also featured fast charging capability, with Kia claiming it could charge from 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes on a high-speed DC fast charger.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The SUV offered a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in combined driving, or 21 mpg with AWD. Despite its age, the Palisade's driving dynamics remained competitive, with a firm ride at lower speeds and a softer ride on highways.

The Palisade's powertrain was smooth and refined, with the V6 engine providing ample power and a pleasing sound. The automatic transmission delivered silky shifts, and the SUV's handling was commendable, with well-calibrated brakes. However, fuel efficiency was a downside, with recorded figures falling short of EPA estimates. The Palisade's suspension tuning offered a comfortable ride, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 39.5 inches of headroom, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride, BMW X7, and Rivian R1S. Third-row legroom ranged from 30.8 to 32.0 inches, 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 43.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 81.7 cubic feet with only the front seats in place.

The EV9's interior featured a "floating" center console, with limited flat surfaces but ample storage space. Second-row passengers in higher trims enjoyed a large drawer and tray table. The overall design emphasized practicality and ease of use, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offered three rows of seats, with our test vehicle featuring a seven-passenger configuration with second-row captain's chairs. The Calligraphy trim included Nappa premium leather, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, and a massaging driver's seat. Both front seats were heated and ventilated, and the steering wheel was heated. The second-row seats were also heated and ventilated, with good thigh support and legroom.

The Palisade's third-row seat was heated, a rarity in the segment, and offered USB-C charging ports, drink holders, and air vents. Storage space was generous, with adjustable front cupholders, door panel trays, and dedicated sleeves for devices. The Smart Liftgate provided hands-free access to the cargo area, which offered 18 cubic feet of space behind the third row, expandable to 48.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 86.4 cubic feet with only the front seats in place.

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 included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a Meridian Premium Audio sound system on higher trims. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store offering additional features and upgrades.

The EV9's tech offerings allowed for future customization and upgrades, making it a forward-thinking choice for tech-savvy buyers. The ability to purchase additional features post-purchase added flexibility and value to the ownership experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's technology was functional but starting to show its age compared to newer models. It featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Palisade included two-device Bluetooth support, wireless smartphone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluelink+ connected services.

The Palisade's voice recognition system performed well, and the Harman Kardon audio system delivered commendable sound. The SUV also offered a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and Hyundai Pay, an integrated payment system. While the tech was impressive, the lack of wireless smartphone connectivity was a notable drawback.

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. Higher trims offered 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 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, offering standard features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like the Blind Spot View Monitor and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS through 2024 but missed the accolade in 2025 due to a Poor rating in a new frontal-impact test. The NHTSA awarded it five-star frontal impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.