Kia EV9 vs. Rivian R1S: Which Electric SUV Wins?

October 9th, 2024 by

A 2024 KIA EV9 electric SUV parked on a scenic road with the ocean in the background, showcasing a serene coastal view.

2024 World Car of the Year. 2024 World Electric Car of the Year. Red Dot’s Best of Best Winner. Car and Driver 10Best Trucks & SUVs. We can go on, but you get the point — the EV9 is one of, if not, the best full-sized electric SUV on the market right now. Simply put, the EV9’s  practicality, comfort, and tech is unparalleled in this segment. However, a new contender rises to meet the challenge, the impressively specced Rivian R1s. Sure, it has the stigma of being a tech-bro-garage-queen stigma, but that’s beside the point. Will the Rivian R1s outdo the EV9? Dive in with Safford KIA of Fredericksburg, VA and find out!  Spoiler alert: The Kia EV9 wins. Let’s break down why.

Performance and Range

Kia EV9: The Kia EV9 may not have the outlandish horsepower of the Rivian, but its 379-hp dual-motor setup, paired with 516 lb-ft of torque, provides ample acceleration for normal commutes. The EV9 also does 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds in the AWD configuration, making it quick enough for overtaking on the highway. Plus, with a 304-mile range on the long-range trims, it offers a great balance of power and efficiency.

Rivian R1S: With the Rivian R1S, you get up to 1,025 hp in its insane Quad-Motor setup, shooting it to 60 mph in around 2.9 seconds. The R1S also offers a maximum 7,700-lb towing capacity compared to the EV9’s 5,000 lbs. However, this level of performance is overkill for most families and results in a much steeper price tag.

Winner: Rivian, but at what cost?

Let’s face it. While the EV9 is purpose built for commuting, with a focus on family comfort and convenience, the Rivian R1s is designed ground up to wreak havoc off-road. The performance matches its intent for off-road performance. However, to get the pinnacle of R1s performance, you’d be shelling out a titanic $112,800 for the R1S Tri Max trim. Compare that to the EV9’s $73,9000 GT-line AWD trim, and things look a bit more sobering.

Interior Comfort and Features

KIA EV9 interior vs Rivian R1s interior

Kia EV9: Kia knows how to design a comfortable, family-friendly cabin, and the EV9 is no exception. With 20.2 ft³ cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row, a modern dual-screen setup, and luxury features like available Ergo Motion massaging seats and a floating center console, the EV9 is ready for long road trips or daily commutes. It even offers 42.8 inches of second-row legroom, 2nd-row captain’s chairs, and seating for six or seven passengers, ensuring everyone can stretch their legs during those long road trips. Plus, the use of sustainable materials and non-leather seating shows Kia’s commitment to eco-friendly design.

Rivian R1S: The Rivian R1S has a spacious, upscale interior with premium materials like leather and wood, and 17.6 ft³ of cargo space behind the third-row. It also provides a decent 36.6 inches of rear legroom. However, it lacks basic tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it feel out-of-touch for today’s drivers. Rivian’s reliance on touchscreen controls, for everything—even climate—can also be cumbersome.

Winner: EV9

With its more intuitive tech, family-focused features, and sustainable design, the Kia EV9 edges out the Rivian in terms of overall comfort and usability.

Infotainment

Kia EV9: Inside the EV9, you’re treated to dual 12.3-inch displays, blending both infotainment and vehicle controls. Kia offers over-the-air updates, ensuring that your EV9 stays up to date with the latest features. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, and Kia even throws in an available 14-speaker Meridian sound system for audiophiles.

Rivian R1S: Rivian does offer a large 15.6-inch touchscreen, but it doesn’t support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which is a significant drawback in today’s connected world. The in-house Rivian Connect+ system is solid, but the lack of popular integrations may frustrate some users. Rivian does make up for this with frequent software updates, improving features over time.

Winner: EV9

While Rivian’s screen is larger, the EV9’s integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a game-changer for families who rely on smartphone connectivity.

Charging and Range

Kia EV9: Built on an 800V architecture, the EV9 can charge from 10% to 80% in under 25 minutes on a fast charger. With a maximum range of 304 miles, it’s designed to handle long road trips without too many pit stops. The standard Level 2 home charger allows you to juice up overnight without any hassle.

Rivian R1S: The Rivian R1S can hit up to 410 miles with the Max battery, but charging it takes longer—about 40 minutes to go from 10% to 80%. So while the R1S can go farther, the charging speed isn’t quite as impressive as Kia’s ultrafast DC charging capabilities.

Winner: EV9 wins Charging. Rivian R1s wins Range.

Keep in mind the 304-mile EV9 Light Long Range RWD starts at $59,200 while the 410-mile Rivian R1s Performance Dual Max costs a mind-boggling $96,650. Shelling out an additional $37,450 for about 100 more miles seems a bit…overpriced.

The Kia EV9 Dominates Where It Matters

While the Rivian R1S is undoubtedly an impressive vehicle with its off-road chops and powerhouse performance, the Kia EV9 proves to be the better all-rounder. It offers a luxurious, tech-packed interior, fast charging, and excellent value, making it the perfect electric SUV for families in Fredericksburg and beyond. But don’t take our word for it, see for yourself! Give us a call or visit us at 10663 Patriot Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 for a test drive today!

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