2024 Kia EV9 vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2024 Kia EV9 presented a bold new direction for Kia's electric vehicles, with a design that was both futuristic and distinctly Kia. Its exterior featured a blocky, digital clock-inspired aesthetic, with octagonal wheel arches and a sharply angled rear window. The lighting signature was particularly innovative, 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 was airy and fresh, enhanced by a light gray two-tone color scheme and dual sunroofs. The seats were power-adjustable and comfortable, with SynTex surfaces and durable fabric lining.

In contrast, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner maintained a more traditional design, evolving rather than revolutionizing its look. The exterior featured a bulkier, industrial personality with deep beveled creases and flared wheel arches, giving it a broad-shouldered stance. The design paid homage to previous generations, with elements like the slanted rearmost window. Inside, the 4Runner shared similarities with the Toyota Tacoma, with a purposeful and comfortable cabin. The materials were durable, with hard plastics and light cushioning. The interior was more refined than a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco but not as luxurious as a Land Rover Defender.

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 a 230-mile range. The Light Long Range model featured a larger battery, reducing horsepower to 201 but extending the range to 304 miles. The higher trims, Wind and Land, had dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems with 379 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, offering a 280-mile range. The GT-Line trim prioritized performance with 516 lb-ft of torque and a 270-mile range. The EV9's power delivery was smooth, with good handling and adjustable regenerative braking. Fast charging capability allowed for a 10 to 80 percent charge in 25 minutes.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner came with two engine options. The base model featured a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain combined the four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid offered improved power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling was more composed on pavement, with reduced body roll and improved steering. Off-road capabilities remained strong, with nine trims offering varying levels of off-road prowess.

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. It could seat up to seven passengers, with second-row captain's chairs or a bench seat. 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 and ample storage options for second-row passengers.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with minimal gains in passenger space. The front seats were roomy, but the middle row offered only adequate legroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate controls and off-road controls. Storage included door pockets, a dashboard tray, and a center armrest bin. Cargo capacity was slightly reduced, with 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and the hybrid's batteries further reduced it to 42.6 cubic feet. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits.

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, with a wireless charging pad. Higher trims had a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio system. The EV9's connectedness was notable, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store offering additional features and upgrades.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 14-inch option available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, along with a wireless charging pad. Off-road models featured external camera views and on-screen menus for off-road information. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, with a portable center speaker. Remote monitoring and a digital key function were also offered.

The 2024 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 received the highest rating from Euro NCAP but had not yet been tested by IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner included the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, with features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional. Crash test results were not yet available, but the Tacoma, on which the 4Runner is based, was a Top Safety Pick by IIHS.