10 SOLID ALTERNATIVES TO THE KIA EV9

If you're new to the automotive world or even the automotive electric industry, you may not know about Kia's electric lineup. One vehicle in particular, the EV9, is one of the most sought-after midsize SUVs in America. One thing that many people do know is that being at the top of a category, such as electric SUVs, will bring some strong criticism and tough competition.

There isn't just one area in which the Kia EV9 excels, but it masters several points in terms of safety, fuel economy, and affordability. The list goes on with this bold-looking EV, but there have to be some electric SUVs out there that do it better. In terms of its car class, there isn't much competition in three-row electric SUVs, so the EV9 will be compared to a lot of SUVs outside its class.

2024 Kia EV9 Specs

A vehicle's spaciousness and comfort are something many people search for when purchasing any vehicle. The EV9 already one-ups most of its competition, with it being TopSpeed's choice for the best electric SUV in 2024. But that doesn't mean it's out of the woods just yet, with companies such as Tesla, Hyundai, and other EV-leading automotive companies building SUVs with beautiful designs and practical features. In order to compare the upcoming models, certain areas will be examined, such as reliability, range, and powertrains. Of course, knowing what each model has to offer is another integral part, but in the end, no SUV is taking home the win, with all these electric SUVs being great alternatives to one another.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Starting Price: $39,995

The Ford Mustang Mach-E starts the list solely based on its price. It is one of the more controversial electric SUVs on the market because it carries "Mustang" within its name. While it isn't your typical Mustang GT, the Mach E does boast a sleek design, impressive performance, and everyday practicality.

Ford provides several configurations for the Mach-E that center around fuel economy or performance. The Select trim, which is the base for the Mach-E, produces 264 horsepower in the rear-wheel drive and goes up to 325 horsepower in the eAWD. It doesn't stop there, with the GT and Rally trim producing 480 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque . The base model provides the most range of 300 miles and slowly declines when entering the performance spec Mach-E's, around 280 to 265 miles of all-electric range.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

All the Mach-E trims match or provide more range than the Kia EV9. Regarding reliability, the Mach-E sits in the middle with a predicated reliability score of 45 out of 100. Safety wasn't an issue either, with the 2022 model being chosen as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Ford offers several trims that provide either performance or range and even combines the two to get a little bit of both.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Starting Price: $41,800

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an electric SUV that needs no introduction. This compact crossover SUV made headlines with the Ioniq 5 N , setting new times on racetracks and changing the future for performance-based EVs. The Ioniq 5 N doesn't steal the show away from its other counterparts because the lower trims offer great fuel economy and innovative design.

The Ioniq 5 N is in its own class, so it's not the best model to compare to the EV9 or contemplate if it's a solid alternative. The other trims, however, are great alternatives and are practically the same in terms of performance. The Standard Range is an easy way for people to own an electric SUV, but you lose out on performance and range. Owners can expect 220 miles of range and an unimpressive 168 horsepower. If you step up to the higher trims, it gets better, with the range increasing to 260 miles with the AWD and 303 miles with the RWD . Both the SE, SEL, and Limited produce 320 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The Ioniq 5's reliability scores drop even lower than those of the models above, with a score of 33 out of 100. Safety plays a significant role in a vehicle's reliability, which is surprising since the Ioniq 5 passed with flying colors, with an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. Like the Ford Mach-E, it is also a top safety pick in 2024. Unlike some EVs, most of the added money on the higher trims brings in more technology than added performance, which is the case for the Ioniq 5.

Tesla Model Y

Starting Price: $44,990

This Tesla is another SUV that many people might be familiar with or even see on their daily commutes. The Tesla Model Y is one of the more recognizable electric SUVs on the market because Tesla has kept much of its design the same over the years. The Model Y enters the mid-$40,000 range but offers simplistic and practical features.

Tesla offers three diverse trims that focus on certain areas such as performance or range. The base Model Y produces 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The range is 260 miles, but for the Long Range trim both the power increases by almost 100 and the range increases to 330 miles. If people are more interested in overall power, the Performance trim offers 456 horsepower and 303 miles of range. In terms of range, the three models discussed match the EV9's fuel economy.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

So far, reliability is an issue with these SUVs because most are below average in terms of the scores. The Model Y's predicated reliability score is 41 out of 100, but its safety is as good as the others. This electric SUV is another Top Safety Pick for 2024 and receives an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. The Tesla Model Y is a tough contender and one of the more sought-after electric SUVs on the market.

Mercedes EQB

Starting Price: $53,050

The Mercedes EQB is the first SUV on the list to immerse its passengers in pure luxury. You may also be surprised that this electric Mercedes has a starting price of $53,050. The EQB is a great contender, and the German manufacturer provides an option for an additional third row.

If you're interested in power and range, the EQB might be a bit disappointing. The base 250+ trim produces 188 horsepower and only goes up to 288 in the EQB 350 4MATIC SUV. The range is also unimpressive, with the 250+ offering an all-electric range of 251 miles . The range goes down with high trims, which sit around 205 miles. Compared to the Kia EV9, the EQB fails in most areas, but if high-quality materials and tech features are a must, then the EQB can provide plenty of said features.​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

Reliability

If you thought it could perform even worse, the EQB isn't rated for safety just yet. It also missed a reliability score, leaving it up to the public to determine how safe it is. The good news is that the front-wheel and all-wheel drive models stayed clear of recalls, showing promise that the German automotive company had built a practical but safe SUV.

VinFast VF9

Starting Price: $69,800

You may have heard of some of the previous models, but here's one that may be unfamiliar to most. VinFast is a Vietnamese automotive manufacturer that has been rapidly producing electric vehicles in the last eight years. The VinFast VF9 is the flagship electric SUV and is expected to hit the streets later this year.

The VinFast is powered by a competitive performance electric powertrain that produces 402 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. Performance isn't the only thing that is brought to the table with this SUV. The VF9 produces an impressive 330 miles of all-electric range, which blows the EV9 out of the park. The large 123 kWh battery is to thank for the VF9's long-lasting range and high performance.​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

Reliability

You'll leave empty-handed if you are looking toward the scores and ratings of the VinFast VF9. With deliveries estimated to land in late September, safety institutions have yet to score the SUV in America. It's safe to assume that the VF9 is worth a look when researching alternatives for the Kia EV9, especially with how few three-row electric SUVs there are. VinFast expands this list with the VF9, which looks to pull in some exciting features.

Audi Q8 e-tron

Starting Price: $74,400

Audi unveiled the concept of its all-electric vehicle, the e-tron, and since then, several models have joined the lineup, such as the Audi Q8 e-tron. The Q8 e-tron is another SUV that makes the list, sharing luxurious features with some sprinkled performance on top.

The Q8 e-tron comes in several trims but can be configured with the two motor configurations. Both trims share the same dual-motor setup and a 106.0 kWh battery, with the range being the main difference. Performance ranges from 355 to 402 horsepower and 390 to 414 pound-feet of torque. Its range matches the EV9, with an all-electric range of 300 miles for the higher trim. The Q8 e-tron focuses on both performance and fuel efficiency while showcasing Audi's iconic sporty design.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The Q8 e-tron shares an identical reliability score to the Tesla Model Y, with a 41 out of 100. This score is still below average but comes close to the EV9's 48 out of 100. The Q8 e-tron ends the trend of no safety ratings with an overall safety score of five out of five stars. The large SUV also makes the list for Top Safety Pick in 2024, which, if you didn't know, the EV9 did as well. So far, many models stay within the range of the EV9, but none excels past it or distinguishes itself from the rest of the playing field.

Rivian R1S

Starting Price: $77,650

The Rivian R1S is one of the more desirable SUVs on the market, and there's plenty of justification for that. The American electric vehicle manufacturer provides a trim suitable for almost anyone. The R1S's strengths over the EV9 include its fuel economy, timeless design, and motor configuration.

Rivian is one of the few manufacturers with three powertrains in its vehicles, ranging from dual, triple, and quad motors. This allows the R1S to focus on several areas, such as performance or range, depending on the motor configuration. As you'll see, some of these setups get the best of both worlds and can be added to almost any trim.

The Dual Standard trim, which is the lowest trim, produces 533 horsepower and 610 pound-feet of torque . That's a lot of power for the lowest trim, but it goes all the way up to 1,025 horsepower with the Quad electric motor setup. For range, the Dual Standard starts at 270 miles, and the Tri-Max reaches 371 miles, making it one of the top electric SUVs with the most range.

Performance Specifications

Reliability

There aren't any SUVs on the list that stole the show when looking at the reliability scores. The Rivian R1S is one of the models that might attract some people's interest, but its reliability score sits low at 23 out of 100. With the Rivian being a broader SUV than the others, you would think it would ace the safety tests. The R1S did well overall, but there were some areas it did poorly in, such as seat belt reminders. This isn't the end of the world, and it was still chosen as a 2024 Top Safety Pick.​​​​​​​

Tesla Model X

Starting Price: $79,990

When people think of Tesla, the word "luxury" isn't the first word that comes to mind. Tesla doesn't produce vehicles that aren't high quality; it's just the American automotive company likes to keep its exterior and interior design simple. This would be true if you didn't mention the Tesla Model X in the conversation because this electric SUV is a benchmark in the luxury electric SUV market.

Unlike its cheaper counterpart, the Model Y, the Model X only comes in two trims, and both illustrate Tesla's iconic performance. The base trim produces 670 horsepower and 557 pound-feet of torque, more than the EV9's highest trim and some of the other models on the list. If you're willing to spend $20,000 more off of the base trim, you can have the Model X Plaid that offers 1,020 horsepower. ​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The Model X isn't going to be the SUV that steals the show either in terms of reliability, with it scoring a 27 out of 100. On the plus side, if you're in the market for a three-row electric SUV that received five out of five stars for safety, then add the Model X to your list. But you're not buying the Model X to play it safe with the endless power and long-lasting range. ​​​​​​​

Volvo EX90

Starting Price: $79,990

Volvo, a Swedish company renowned for its commitment to safety, has produced one of the more bold and exciting SUVs for 2024. The Volvo EX90 is set to hit dealerships in the last quarter of 2024. This electric family-sized sedan will compete with models such as the Tesla Model X in range, performance, and price.

The EX90 comes in two trims, the Plus and the Ultra, which are around $80,000. Each trim can be configured with two powertrain setups. The first is the twin motor that produces 402 horsepower and 300 miles of range. The second is optional at $5,000, bumping up the performance to 510 horsepower but keeping it at the same 300 miles of range.​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

Reliability

You might've realized that some SUVs on the list aren't available yet. That's the case for the Volvo EX90, which resulted in it getting no scores in both its reliability and safety ratings. If it's anything like its gasoline-counter part, the Volvo XC90, you can expect it to receive an overall rating of five stars and a Top Safety Pick for 2024 or 2025. Only time will tell how well the EX90 will perform in safety, but it's one of the electric SUVs that people should keep on their radar if they're in the market. ​​​​​​​

Mercedes EQS SUV

Starting Price: $104,400

Mercedes has been up in the air with its decision over the future for many of its electric vehicles. The Mercedes EQS SUV is one of these models expected to be replaced by a future model but is still in the lineup for now. On paper, the EQS shows excellent performance and impressive fuel economy, which sets it up to be a possible alternative for the EV9.

Similar to the Model Y, the EQS provides three ranges focusing on performance and fuel economy. The base 450+ SUV offers an all-electric range of 339 miles but isn't the best option when looking at the higher trims. If you opt for the 450 4MATIC or the 580 4MATIC, you can have higher 0–60 mph sprints and only lose out on a few miles, with both providing an all-electric range of 330 miles. The 580 4MATIC SUV produces a whopping 536 horsepower and 633 pound-feet of torque.​​​​​​​

Performance Specifications

Reliability

The Mercedes EQS SUV doesn't end the list with an above-average reliability score. Sitting way low on the scoring, the EQS receives a predicted reliability score of 23 out of 100. It didn't land itself in the Top Safety Pick for any year and also missed a safety score. Reliability isn't everything, and every SUV on the list didn't get a score above fifty, so it's safe to assume it's just an added bonus for your future SUV to be extra reliable.

2024-09-15T06:12:04Z dg43tfdfdgfd