The Perfect Rivian SUV Alternative Could Be $20,000 Cheaper
Rivian is producing one of the most impressive SUVs of all time. Electric vehicles have opened up a whole new world of possibilities for automakers thanks to their unique powertrain systems. Off-road electric vehicles get a long list of benefits from electric powertrain systems, including the inability to stall. EVs also can produce massive amounts of instant torque. Unfortunately, Rivian’s SUV isn’t affordable enough for everyone. The perfect Rivian SUV alternative might be the Kia EV9, a $20,000 cheaper option.
Is the Kia EV9 the perfect Rivian SUV alternative?
Hyundai Motor Company and its portfolio of brands are producing several competitive electric vehicles, from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 to the Kia EV6. Kia’s latest electric vehicle is garnering plenty of attention because of its resemblance to a certain popular midsize SUV.
The Kia Telluride is massively popular. Consumers love it because of its value proposition and long list of standard features. When drivers heard that Kia was working on an electric midsize three-row SUV, they naturally assumed it would be an electric iteration of the Telluride due to the success of the nameplate.
Kia’s EV9 midsize SUV is its own vehicle, but it certainly draws inspiration from its older sibling, the Telluride. The 2024 Kia EV9 starts at $54,900. It has a maximum of seven seats, and there are multiple powertrain options available.
The 2024 Kia EV9 has up to 7.8 inches of ground clearance. Its Light Long Range RWD configuration has an estimated available driving range of 300 miles. Is the EV9 a real Rivian SUV alternative, or does it pale in comparison when set side by side? It’s a bit too early to tell, but we’ll compare the information available to see how the two models contrast.
2023 Rivian R1S vs. 2024 Kia EV9
| Electric SUV | 2023 Rivian R1S | 2024 Kia EV9 |
| Starting MSRP | $78,000 | $54,900 |
| Max Power Output | 835 Horsepower, 908 LB-FT of Torque | 379 Horsepower, 516 LB-FT of Torque |
| Driving Range | 260 Miles (Standard Pack) 340 Miles (Large Pack) 390 Miles (Max Pack) | 300 Miles (Light Long Range RWD) |
Though there’s still much to learn about the 2024 Kia EV9, there are clear differences between the two electric SUVs. The first major difference is the starting prices. Rivian’s SUV is out of reach for most average consumers. The midsize EV9, on the other hand, has the pricing of an average full-size SUV model like the Chevrolet Tahoe. It’s pricey for its size but not so expensive that the masses can’t afford it.
The next major difference between the two nameplates is their maximum power output. Rivian’s model is much more powerful than even the most impressive EV9. Based on the information available, Rivian’s SUV can also travel for further distances.
Should you get a 2024 Kia EV9?
If you aren’t already sold on the idea of electric vehicles, jumping into EV ownership with the EV9 may not be for you. It’s one of the first mainstream midsize electric SUVs. As a result, it will come with its own unique set of perks and challenges.
Additionally, there’s still more to learn about the upcoming electric SUV before recommending it. So, the EV9 appears to be an exciting new electric SUV, but consumers should give it a beat to find its legs. If the EV9 turns out to be as successful as its smaller older sibling, the EV6, it will be a huge hit for Kia. That being said, it does not offer the same power or capability that the Rivian SUV does, but you probably knew that from the massive price difference.
