Kia EV9 vs Rivian R1S

What's the difference?

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Kia EV9
Kia EV9

2024 price

Rivian R1S
Rivian R1S

2025 price

Summary

2024 Kia EV9
2025 Rivian R1S
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type
Electric

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Fuel Efficiency
0.0L/100km (combined)

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Seating
7

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Dislikes
  • Exterior styling is too boxy
  • Digital side mirrors are superfluous
  • Ride and handling performance is mixed

  • Unresolved suspension
  • Slow infotainment system
  • Not available in Australia
2024 Kia EV9 Summary

The Kia EV9 has landed and it’s a big bruiser-looking thing; all squared edges with a healthy dose of swagger thrown in.

It’s an upper-large SUV that can comfortably host a family of seven and features trimmings to rival a Christmas tree but it’s also the most expensive Kia to ever launch in Australia.

Did I mention it’s also only one of two cars in its class? That’s right, the nearest competitor is the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS450 SUV.

Yep, the Kia EV9 is fully electric but built like a tank. Yet is it breaking new ground or is it just the Carnival dolled up and sitting on electric underpinnings?

I’ve been driving it for the a week with my family of three to find out.

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2025 Rivian R1S Summary

An American all-electric car brand with a unique take on the automotive industry, an up and down share price and a cheaper model in its future plans. You could be mistaken for thinking I’m talking about Tesla, but I’m not.

Recently CarsGuide got the opportunity to experience an alternative electric car brand, and one that, despite having many similarities to Tesla, is also in many respects its polar opposite.

I’m talking about Rivian, which is very much behind Tesla in terms of sales, market cap and just about every other measure. But what it does have is a compelling line-up of electric vehicles, with plans for expansion, including an eventual entry into Australia.

Back in 2023 we drove the brand’s ute, the R1T, but on a recent trip to Los Angeles we sampled the brand’s other model, the R1S SUV. It was an eye-opener to see how far the brand has come in two years and showcased just how different Rivian is from Tesla.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Kia EV9 2025 Rivian R1S

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