2024 Kia EV9 vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

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 features were particularly striking, with the "Star Map" daytime running lights and the "Digital Tiger Face" grille setting it apart. The interior of the EV9 was airy and modern, enhanced by a light gray two-tone color scheme and dual sunroofs. The seats were comfortable, with power adjustments and durable SynTex surfaces, making it a pleasant space for both driver and passengers.

In contrast, the 2025 Land Rover Defender exuded rugged charm with its distinctive design. The Defender 110 was the most balanced in terms of proportions, offering a robust and customizable appearance. The test vehicle, a Defender 130 X, featured premium materials and advanced off-roading technology. The interior was industrial yet purposeful, with Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric adding a touch of luxury. Despite its utilitarian roots, the Defender's cabin was comfortable and well-equipped, though not in the traditional luxury SUV sense. The vehicle's design and features catered to those seeking adventure and off-road capability.

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 extended the range to 304 miles with a larger battery but slightly reduced horsepower. The higher trims featured all-wheel drive with dual motors, delivering up to 379 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, with the GT-Line trim offering 516 lb-ft of torque. The EV9's driving experience was smooth and refined, with adjustable regenerative braking and fast charging capabilities.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender, equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, delivered 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Its mild-hybrid system and eight-speed automatic transmission provided robust acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The Defender's off-road prowess was enhanced by its adaptive air suspension, Terrain Response 2 driving modes, and advanced off-road technology. While the Defender excelled off-road, its on-road performance was less agile, with noticeable body motion and a heavy curb weight affecting handling. Fuel economy was lower than expected, with an observed 16.2 mpg.

The Kia EV9 stood out with its spacious third row, offering 39.5 inches of headroom and up to 32 inches of legroom. It could seat up to seven passengers, with a second-row bench or captain's chairs available. Cargo space was competitive, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 81.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The interior featured a floating center console and ample storage, though front storage was somewhat limited.

The Land Rover Defender 130 provided three rows of seating, with the front seats offering 12-way power adjustments and effective ventilation. Visibility was excellent, though the side mirrors were small. The interior felt open and airy, thanks to a panoramic sunroof and large windows. The Defender's cargo space was less accommodating, with 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 89 cubic feet with seats folded. The side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, but the air suspension could be lowered for easier loading.

The 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 offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The Kia Connect store allowed for over-the-air updates and additional feature purchases, providing future-proofing and customization options.

The Land Rover Defender's Pivi Pro infotainment system, accessed via an 11.4-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. The system's response and accuracy had improved, providing a more intuitive user experience. The Defender also featured a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing visibility and ease of use.

The Kia EV9 came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and collision avoidance features. While it had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations, it received the highest rating from Euro NCAP.

The Land Rover Defender was equipped with numerous driver aids, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-keep assist was assertive, and the adaptive cruise control operated smoothly. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, as low-volume models like the Defender are typically not tested by U.S. safety organizations.