The highly anticipated Rivian R2 has finally been unveiled, offering an enticing option for those seeking an electric SUV that doesn’t completely blow the budget. While the R2 isn’t exactly cheap, it’s more affordable than many other electric SUVs on the market. But Rivian isn’t alone in this space; the Kia EV9 is now available too, featuring a contemporary design and a host of useful features.
With both the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 priced similarly, you might be curious about which one suits your needs better. Let’s compare these two electric SUVs to help you decide.
Both the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are genuine SUVs, not just crossovers posing as SUVs like many others out there. They both boast spacious, boxy designs, making them ideal for families or anyone who needs extra storage space.
However, their designs do differ. The Rivian R2 sticks to Rivian’s beloved design elements, with oval headlights at the front and a long light bar at the back. Overall, it’s minimalistic, sleek, and stylish, appealing to those who prefer a cleaner look. The EV9, on the other hand, has a busier design but still looks great. It features Kia’s “digital tiger nose” design at the front, with Z-shaped headlights and taillights extending down the backside. The EV9’s design might be more traditional but remains modern and stylish.
In terms of size, the Rivian R2 measures 185.6 inches in length, 66.9 inches in height, and 75 inches in width. The EV9 is larger, coming in at 197.2 inches long, 77.9 inches tall, and 77.9 inches wide. So, if you need more interior space, the EV9 might be the way to go.
Moving inside, the two companies take different approaches. The Rivian R2, unlike its three-row R1S counterpart, only offers two rows with no option for a third. In contrast, the Kia EV9 comes with three rows of seats, configurable for either six or seven seats, depending on the model. While the extra seating capacity could make the EV9 more appealing, there are other factors to consider. The Rivian R2 allows the first and second-row seats to fold down, creating enough space to fit an air mattress for camping. Its interior has a more rugged feel, based on images. The EV9’s interior is more traditional, featuring physical controls for climate settings alongside a dual display for infotainment and instrument monitoring.
When it comes to technology, the Rivian R2 leans more tech-focused, featuring Rivian’s self-developed, user-friendly infotainment system. However, it lacks support for CarPlay and Android Auto. On the upside, it offers hands-free and eyes-free driving on highways, thanks to numerous cameras and radars. Kia’s infotainment system, while not as well-designed, does support wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. The EV9 also offers Kia’s Level 3 autonomous driving, allowing hands-free driving in certain scenarios but still requiring driver attention. Both vehicles include driver-assist technologies like parking assistants, lane-centering, and blind-spot monitoring.
Performance details on the Rivian R2 are still limited. We know it will be available in single, dual, and tri-motor variants, with the fastest model capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds. We’ll have to wait to learn about the performance of other models.
For the Kia EV9, which is available now, we have full performance specs for the 2024 model. The EV9 Light Long Range RWD offers 201 horsepower and can accelerate to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. The fastest variant, the EV9 GT-Line AWD, reaches 60 mph in 5.0 seconds with 379 horsepower. Even with these specs, the fastest Rivian R2 is expected to significantly outperform the fastest EV9.
As for range, Rivian has mentioned that some R2 models will exceed 300 miles, likely the ones with a single motor and a larger battery pack. We also know that it will have two battery options and charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Exact details for other R2 models are still unknown.
Kia’s EV9 range starts at 230 miles for the EV9 Light RWD, with the highest-range model hitting 304 miles. The EV9 supports DC fast charging up to 350kW, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in around 24 minutes.
If you need a new car right now, the Kia EV9 is your only choice since the Rivian R2 won’t start shipping until the first half of 2026. Rivian is accepting refundable $100 deposits to reserve an R2, with prices starting at $45,000, though this could change.
The Kia EV9 is priced higher, starting at $54,900, approximately $10,000 more than the expected starting price of the R2. Currently, the EV9 doesn’t qualify for the federal EV tax credit, but that may change as Kia plans to manufacture it in North America. Rivian anticipates the R2 will qualify for these credits.
In conclusion, both the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are compelling electric SUV options. For now, the EV9 is the available choice. When the R2 is released, it could appeal to those who prefer Rivian’s design and can wait for its availability, while the EV9 may attract those needing a third row and CarPlay support.