Shoppers thinking about buying a three-row SUV have plenty of options. Unless they want an electric SUV, that is. Fortunately, there are two models that hold a lot of promise: the Kia EV9 and the Rivian R1S. The EV9 is Kia’s latest and largest electric SUV. Think of it as a Kia Telluride that’s electric. As for the R1S, it hails from
RANGE AND CHARGING
The EV9’s base model provides a modest EPA-estimated range of 230 miles on a full charge. But for a small price increase, shoppers can upgrade to get an EPA-estimated 304 miles. Those models are rear-wheel-drive. You can also get all-wheel drive and more power, though range drops to 270-280 miles. Edmunds tested an EV9 with an estimated 270 miles and found it could go 306 miles in its standardized real-world range test.
For a family-oriented EV that might be used on road trips, charging times can be just as important as range. When hooked up to a high-powered fast-charging station, the EV9 topped the R1S in Edmunds’ testing by adding 100 miles of range in an average of 11 minutes. To gain 100 miles, the R1S needed an average of 19 minutes.
Essentially, the Rivian R1S offers a longer maximum driving range but the EV9 reduces the time spent charging on long road trips. Consider this a toss-up.
Winner: tie
COMFORT AND INTERIOR FEATURES
The EV9 isn’t a luxury SUV but it comes standard with premium features like synthetic leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. There’s also plenty of tech including big display screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and many standard advanced driver aids. The Kia is also as comfortable as many luxury SUVs thanks to its cushy seats and smooth ride. As another bonus, the EV9 can fit adults in all three rows.
The R1S is a luxury SUV that sports premium features such as an adjustable air suspension, wood trim and a panoramic glass roof. Tech features include a large 16-inch center touchscreen and a Meridian audio system, but smartphone integration is missing. The Rivian’s ride quality and seat comfort are a little disappointing and not as good as the EV9’s. But like the EV9, all three rows are large enough for adults.
Winner: Kia EV9
POWER, UTILITY AND TOWING
The EV9 seats six or seven passengers and provides 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 43.5 cubic feet when it’s folded down. This is a little less than what you get from a comparable gas-powered three-row midsize SUV but still plenty useful for weekend shopping and recreational use. It also has a small front trunk. When properly equipped, certain models can tow up to 5,000 pounds. The EV9 produces between 201 and 379 horsepower depending on the model you get.
The R1S seats seven passengers and can carry 17.6 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row and 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded down. Its large front trunk is considerably larger than the EV9’s, giving you another spot to store gear. The R1S tops the EV9 with its impressive max towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. It’s also a powerhouse, producing 533 to 835 horsepower depending on the motor configuration, and it’s capable of going off-road.
Winner: Rivian R1S
PRICING AND VALUE
The EV9 starts at just
The R1S starts at
Winner: Kia EV9
EDMUNDS SAYS
The Rivian R1S stands out with its distinctive styling and impressive performance. But the EV9’s combination of value, comfort and all-around performance makes it the winner of this comparison and one of Edmunds highest-rated electric three-row SUVs.
____
This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
, source