While electric crossovers have gained significant popularity, electric SUVs haven’t been as common. Tesla does classify the Model X as an SUV, but many people have a specific silhouette in mind when they think of an SUV, and the Model X doesn’t really fit that mold. However, true electric SUVs are beginning to hit the market, like the Rivian R1S and the Kia EV9.
The Rivian R1S comes from a smaller, less well-known brand, which doesn’t make it inferior. In fact, being a smaller company might make Rivian more agile and innovative. Still, established brands do offer the reassurance of reliability.
So, which one stands out — the Kia EV9 or the Rivian R1S? Let’s dive into the details.
At a glance, the Rivian R1S and Kia EV9 share some design traits but have distinct appearances. The front of the Kia EV9 showcases what Kia calls the “Digital Tiger Face,” featuring sharp, angular headlights and an assertive look. Its roof gently slopes back to more angular taillights.
The Rivian R1S offers a different aesthetic. Its front is marked by a continuous light bar interrupted only by Rivian’s signature oval headlights. On the rear, another light bar serves as taillights, giving the SUV a friendlier appearance compared to the edgier Kia.
Both SUVs have their own charm: the EV9 looks handsome and more aggressive, while the Rivian feels fresher and more modern. Personally, I appreciate both designs equally.
When you step inside, the differences continue. The Kia EV9 interior feels modern and tech-savvy, equipped with dual screens for instrument information and entertainment. It’s also very comfortable, offering three rows and options for six or seven seats, making it spacious enough for most families. Apart from the dual screens, its interior design leans towards being traditional.
The Rivian R1S takes a more innovative approach. It also features two screens, but one of them is a larger 15.6-inch center display with an infotainment system powered by Unreal Engine, offering stunning graphics. The software in the R1S is user-friendly and well-designed, standing out as more modern compared to the EV9’s system. The R1S also offers seven seats.
While the EV9 offers familiarity and ease of use, the Rivian impresses with its forward-thinking design. This round goes to Rivian for its bold interior.
When we look under the hood, we see that each vehicle offers something compelling. The Kia EV9 comes in three variants, including two rear-wheel drives with 76.1kWh and 99.8kWh batteries. These may not perform as well as the dual-motor model but will likely offer a longer range, which Kia estimates to be around 300 miles, though official numbers from the EPA are still pending. We don’t yet have acceleration details for the EV9.
On the Rivian R1S, even the base model features a dual-motor AWD setup that goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Upgrading to the Performance Dual-Motor AWD trims this time to 3.5 seconds, while the top-tier Quad Motor AWD boasts 835 horsepower and accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds. It offers a range between 260 to 340 miles, depending on the model.
Even without acceleration figures for the EV9, it’s clear that Rivian, with its impressive performance, comes out ahead.
Regarding pricing and availability, the Rivian R1S is currently available in the U.S., while the Kia EV9 is expected to arrive soon. In South Korea, the EV9 is available and is expected to start at around $55,000 when it reaches U.S. shores, with top models going up to $70,000.
On the other hand, the Rivian R1S is available for reservations, but deliveries are projected for late 2023 or early 2024. It comes with a heftier price tag, starting at $78,000 and rising to $92,000 for the performance version.
Clearly, the EV9 will be the more affordable option once it arrives in the U.S.
So, which is the better electric SUV? The Rivian R1S stands out with a more modern design, advanced software, and all-wheel drive as standard. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that it’s in a different price bracket compared to the Kia EV9. The EV9 offers a great overall design, solid range, and sufficient acceleration, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to save some money.