2024 Kia EV9 vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, resulting in subtle yet impactful changes. The exterior updates included redesigned headlights and grille, along with a light strip connecting the smaller taillight assemblies, giving the vehicle a rejuvenated appearance without a significant price hike. The test model showcased the new "Pluton Blue" paint, which was particularly striking. Inside, the Seltos introduced two new interior colors, "Gentle Brown" and "Midnight Green," although the test model featured the standard black interior. The most prominent interior update was the expansive digital panel covering two-thirds of the dashboard, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia EV9 marked a bold step forward for Kia's electric vehicles, with a design that was both distinctly Kia and cutting-edge. The exterior featured blocky lines reminiscent of digital clock numbers, with octagonal wheel arches and a sharply angled rear window. The lighting signature was a standout feature, with "Star Map" daytime running lights and a "Digital Tiger Face" grille. The top trims, Land and GT-Line, boasted a Digital Pattern Lighting Grille with customizable lighting patterns. The EV9's interior felt airy and modern, enhanced by a light gray two-tone color scheme and dual sunroofs. The seating was comfortable, with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and additional customizations available on higher trims.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The base LX trim came standard with all-wheel drive, while the S and EX trims offered front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The X-Line and SX trims were equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 40-to-60 mph situations, and handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.

The 2024 Kia EV9 Light trim was powered by a single motor, offering rear-wheel drive with 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and 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, offered all-wheel drive with dual motors, producing 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 refined, with good handling and adjustable regenerative braking, including a one-pedal driving mode.

The 2024 Kia Seltos provided up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 26.6 cubic feet with the seats in use. The SX trim offered a hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos featured an upright seating position with ample headroom and good rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area included decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the SX trim offered a removable cargo cover.

The 2024 Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 39.5 inches of headroom, surpassing competitors like the Kia Telluride and BMW X7. 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 measured 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-row seats in place. The EV9 featured a high and flat load floor, making luggage retrieval easier.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent large digital bezel across its trim lineup, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster. Higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The SX trim offered an upgraded eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2024 Kia EV9 took technology to the next level with a three-screen curved display, including 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, along with a wireless charging pad, were standard. The Land and GT-Line trims featured a 14-speaker Meridian Premium Audio sound system. The EV9's connectedness was a highlight, with over-the-air updates and the Kia Connect store offering additional features and customization options.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came with standard driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-follow assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. The S trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The SX trim offered advanced features like smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist.

The 2024 Kia EV9 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) as standard, including adaptive cruise control with navigation-based machine learning and stop-and-go capabilities. Blind-spot collision avoidance and warning were standard, with the Blind-spot View Monitor available on higher trims. The EV9 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA but received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.