Here's Why The 2024 Kia EV9 Has So Much More Value Than A Rivian R1S
Is Rivian deserving of all the attention with their R1S, or is Kia’s EV9 stealing the spotlight? With the latest 2024 Kia EV9 holding much more value, we’re not surprised that Kia is hitting all the news outlets with their EV lineup. Find out what’s so great about the EV9 before stopping by your local dealer at Kia of Bedford, or view our new inventory online to see new electrified Kia vehicles near you.
Meet Your 3-Row All-Electric SUVs
If you think about it, there aren’t many 3-row SUVs that are fully electric. The R1S was one of the only choices in this niche market. That is until Kia came out with the EV9. Even with both of these EVs being among the only notable choices, the EV9 still comes out on top with greater value, especially with a base price that’s roughly $30K less than Rivian’s R1S.
Read more > Kia EV9 Wins Autotrader’s Best New Cars of 2024 Award - Here’s Why
What Are the Rivian R1S’s Flaws?
The Rivian R1S’s high price has much to do with its powertrain. It’s capable of up to 665 horsepower and can deliver up to 400 miles on a full charge. That might be nice to have for other vehicle types but really think about the demographic for 3-row SUVs. The target market is most likely large families, and it’s normal for larger families to have tighter budgets. 665 horsepower isn’t necessary for a vehicle that’s just being used to pick up your kids from school or commute to work.
A couple more gripes we have about the R1S’s price are that we know the authentic wood trim is partly to blame and that the design isn’t very intuitive. Some might like the natural aesthetic, but again, some families would much rather have a lower cost than splurge on something that brings no real value to their driving experience. Another thing we don’t like is that every function is via touchscreen, even down to adjusting the side mirrors. The all-glass roof is another detriment disguised as a luxury, causing the interior to build up heat during peak summer weather.
How the Kia EV9 Offers More Value
So what makes the 2024 Kia EV9 better than the Rivian R1S? The lower cost is definitely a plus, but we also like how it offers everything you need for fun and accessible family driving despite its more affordable price range.
For example, the Kia EV9 Land delivers 379 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque which is all most families need for daily drives and a few vacation trips. You can get up to 280 miles on a full charge which is still a great rating for a 3-row SUV. And despite having three rows, the EV9 is on the more compact side without it feeling cramped in the cabin. You still have up to 10.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, and 23.4 behind the second row. We also appreciate the sliding center console that’s adaptable for road trips.
Learn more about which Kia EV9 trim is right for you in our detailed breakdown!
Surprisingly enough, the higher-end Rivian R1S doesn’t support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto like the EV9 does. The fixed suspension in the latest EV9 has also been reported to offer a much smoother ride than the R1S’s air suspension. That’s just something you’ll have to see for yourself to believe!
Find Your New EV at Kia of Bedford!
Visit Kia of Bedford today to try out Kia’s EV lineup and find the best ride for you and the whole family. Browse our new inventory online before scheduling your next test drive!