Hey there! Looking closely at the Kia EV9 and Rivian R1S? As an EV analyst and advisor, I‘ll walk you through everything to know – from cargo space to performance, charging speed to price and resale value.
Buying an electric SUV marks a major milestone these days. Beyond saving gas money and helping the planet, you deserve next-level features and technology making every drive more comfortable, convenient and fun.
The Kia EV9 and Rivian R1S both aim incredibly high in the still-nascent electric SUV segment. One prioritizes affordable utility for families. The other delivers unmatched off-road performance and luxury you‘ll love flaunting.
I‘ll contrast these compelling SUVs factor-by-factor so you can determine the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget. Let‘s dive in!
Kia EV9 vs Rivian R1S: At a Glance
Before weighing each vehicle‘s strengths and weaknesses, here‘s a head-to-head overview:
| Specs | Kia EV9 | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $50,000 (est. base) | $78,000+ |
| Range | 300 miles (est.) | 316 miles |
| 0-60 mph | 5 seconds | 3.1 seconds |
| Cargo Capacity | 87 cubic ft (est.) | 104 cubic ft |
| Seating | 7 passengers | 5-7 passengers |
| Availability | Late 2023 (est.) | Delivering Now |
The Rivian edges ahead on raw performance metrics, while the Kia promotes flexible utility at a far cheaper price. Both vehicles pack impressive EV tech that outshines gas-powered options.
Now let‘s analyze five key scoring categories in detail…
Interior Flexibility and Comfort
Hauling families or gear makes maximum interior roominess crucial. The Rivian R1S touts luxury and the Kia EV9 focuses on modular seating for added practicality.
Kia EV9 Interior
The Kia EV9 concept highlights a 3-row layout with seats for 7. But what makes it truly unique are seats that swivel and fold.
- Rear seats rotate 180 degrees to face inward or outward
- Second row seats fold down into a flat table surface
- Creates movable lounge space for relaxing or working
With a 122" wheelbase akin to Kia‘s 3-row Telluride SUV, passenger and cargo volume should prove ample. Expect 87+ cubic feet of storage with all rear seats folded down.
Clever versatility like this will appeal to families needing flexible room for passengers and their gear.
Rivian R1S Interior
The Rivian R1S interior oozes refinement befitting its luxury aspirations with more conventional (yet still comfortable) seating for up to 7.
- Vegan leather seats with ash wood accents
- Panoramic glass roof for added atmosphere
- 34 cubic feet behind 3rd row, expanding to 104 cubic feet total
- Under floor storage adds capacity without compromising flat cargo floor
An extra front trunk ("frunk") allows 11 cubic feet more storage. Rivian also touts clever features like a Gear Tunnel pass-through and Camp Kitchen for overlanding.
If you crave upscale amenities for road tripping in sublime comfort, the R1S rewards occupants handsomely.
Winner: Tie – The Kia EV9 promotes flexibility for families while the Rivian R1S offers elegant luxury appointments.
Battery Range and Recharging
Sweating range anxiety undermines the EV experience, but capable batteries with fast charging help. The Kia and Rivian runners demonstrate cutting-edge solutions.
Kia EV9 Range and Charging
Kia targets approximately 300 miles maximum range for the EV9 based on a 77-87 kWh battery size. Real-world range will likely land 20-30% lower accounting for climate, speed and other factors.
- 240-270 mile realistic range estimate
- 800V architecture enables fast charging
- 10-80% charge possible in 20-30 minutes (advertised)
- Level 2 charging hardware still unconfirmed
The 800V platform means home and public L2 charging should also prove speedy when specs are finalized.
Rivian R1S Range and Charging
Rivian currently only produces the R1S with a hefty 128 kWh battery and quad motors good for an EPA-rated 316 miles.
- 260 to 400 mile range variants coming later
- 10-80% fast charging in 42 minutes (tested)
- 140 mile quick boost in 20 minutes claimed
- Slow home L2 charging (25 miles per 1 hour)
The Rivian‘s battery can‘t quite recharge as rapidly as Kia‘s, but its additional range provides a bit more leeway. Both easily quash range anxiety, especially with frequent top-ups.
Winner: Rivian – Slightly more max mileage coupled with additional variants tip the scales for road trips.
Performance, Towing and Off-Road Talent
Electric motors unlock tremendous torque. Do these SUVs transform into high-speed haulers despite their bulk?
Kia EV9 Performance
The dual-motor EV9 boasts a sports car-like 5 second 0-60 mph sprint per Kia‘s estimates. Horsepower should land around 308 hp for brisk acceleration.
- Top speed not yet released
- Towing capacity likely 5,000+ pounds
- Ground clearance and off-road credentials unknown
Built on a dedicated EV platform, the low center of gravity and instant electric torque give the EV9 an impressively agile edge.
Rivian R1S Performance
The current R1S packs a ridiculous quad-motor powertrain producing 835 horsepower rocketing this 5,886 pound SUV from 0-60 mph in just 3.1 seconds – faster than most supercars!
- Top speed 125 mph
- Can tow a stout 7,700+ pounds
- Up to 15" ground clearance for off-road domination
- Wading depth rated at over 3 feet
No other SUV production EV on Earth can outpace the R1S whether barreling on roads or traversing boulders. Its capabilities defy physics.
Winner: Rivian – With nearly triple the horsepower and greater rated towing/off-road talent, the R1S crushes this category.
Pricing Breakdown and Incentives
Saving money matters when budgets get stretched. What outlays or savings should you expect from either electric SUV?
Kia EV9 Pricing
As an affordable mainstream brand, Kia smartly aims to minimize EV sticker shock luring gas vehicle owners migrating to electrons.
- Base model price: $50,000 (approx.)
- Mid-tier trim pricing: $55,000 to $65,000
- Eligible for full $7,500 federal tax credit possibly by 2025
With no pricing formally announced yet, Kia clearly wants the EV9 to tempt families on value proposition alone. Note that inflation could bump retail costs higher as production nears.
Rivian R1S Pricing
Positioned firmly in luxury territory given its bleeding-edge performance and tech, Rivian prices the R1S considerably higher than Kia‘s entry.
- Base Dual Motor R1S pricing: $78,000
- Quad Motor R1S pricing: $92,000+
- Federal tax credit eligibility unlikely for most builds
And that‘s before tacking on pricey add-ons like 22" wheels ($4,500), off-road upgrades ($5,500+) or a camping-friendly accessory kit. Personal customization matters at this tier – for a price.
Winner: Kia – The EV9 narrowly beats the R1S on base MSRP alone. But syncing federal tax credit timing could expand savings even further.
5 Year Ownership Cost Projections
Taking a longer financial view beyond MSRP also helps gauge affordability given insurance, maintenance, charging and resale values.
Kia EV9 Ownership Costs
- Insurance coverage: approximately $1,800 per year
- Maintenance over 5 years: $2,500
- Charging costs: $3,500 ($35 monthly public L2 charging)
- Resale value after 5 years: $22,500 (45% retained value)
- Total 5 Year Cost: $41,300
Rivian R1S Ownership Costs
- Insurance coverage: approximately $3,200 per year
- Maintenance over 5 years: $7,500
- Charging costs: $4,200 ($50 monthly public L2 charging)
- Resale value after 5 years: $50,400 (55% retained value)
- Total 5 Year Cost: $102,700
Tallying all costs of ownership over a 5 year span reveals Rivian‘s steep premiums. The Kia EV9 saves over $60,000 despite higher depreciation – great news for budget-focused families.
Winner: Kia – Massive savings over 5 years cement Kia‘s value advantage.
The Verdict: Which Electric SUV Is Right For You?
Both the 2023 Kia EV9 and Rivian R1S make compelling cases stretching perceptions of electric vehicles‘ capabilities. But smart shoppers need to weigh trade-offs deciding which crossover SUV best aligns with your priorities.
Good Fit For Kia EV9 Shoppers
If you highly value:
- Family-friendly flexibility
- Cost savings
- Leading technology on a budget
The innovative Kia EV9 promises satisfying electric driving minus extreme luxury frills at mass-market pricing.
Good Fit For Rivian R1S Shoppers
If you highly value:
- Pinnacle off-road performance
- Cutting-edge digital interfaces
- Premium brand cachet
- Latest tech features and autonomy
The phenomenally quick and capable Rivian R1S rewrites assumptions of an electric SUV’s talent – if your budget allows.
Parting Thoughts
I hope this comprehensive comparison guide between the hotly anticipated Kia EV9 and current luxury pacesetter, Rivian R1S, illuminated the key contrasts.
Kia seems poised to carry its tradition of value forward into the electric age with EVs priced in reach for mainstream buyers. That bodes well attracting curious crossover shoppers migrated from internal combustion.
Meanwhile Rivian firmly targets a rarified demographic of affluent adventure-seekers who expect bleeding-edge tech and talent from their daily driver.
Different audiences, different vehicular visions – yet both point toward an all-electric automotive future faster than skeptics previously predicted. Greater choice benefits us all as EVs blossom into maturity.
Have more questions or want personal guidance finding your perfect electric vehicle this year? Feel free to reach out directly! I‘m always happy to chat cars, trucks or SUVs.
Drive electric, drive the future 🚗⚡
