With a confident design, Kia has recently unveiled the Kia EV9, its ground-breaking all-electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is the top model in Kia's wide range of electrified models and is inspired by the design philosophy "Opposites united." It offers six- or seven-seater options, generous spaces thanks to the efficient E-GMP electric car platform, and advanced features and technologies.
But how does the Kia EV9 compare to the Ford Explorer electric SUV, which will launch in late 2023? The Ford Explorer electric SUV is based on the Volkswagen MEB platform and is a compact, stylish, and zero-emission vehicle that showcases Ford's commitment to the electric car revolution. It also offers three power outputs, two battery options, and a range of innovative features, such as Ford Intelligent Backup Power and Active Aero.
I will compare and contrast the Kia EV9 and the Ford Explorer electric SUV in terms of design, performance, range, charging, features, and price. I will also recommend which one is the better choice for your family.
Design
The Kia EV9 and the Ford Explorer electric SUV have different design approaches reflecting their brand identities. The Kia EV9 has a bold and futuristic design that combines elements from nature and various materials. It has sharp lines and large smooth surfaces that contribute to efficient aerodynamics, while the profile conveys a strong SUV identity. The front of the Kia EV9 features a distinctive "Digital Tiger Face" with upright headlights surrounded by cube-shaped light elements. The rear of the Kia EV9 mirrors the front with clean, straight lines and elegant LED taillights.
The Ford Explorer electric SUV has a more conventional and conservative design combining American flair and European practicality. It has a boxy shape with a bluff front end, LED headlights, a large grille with an illuminated logo, and black cladding around the wheel arches and lower body. The rear of the Ford Explorer electric SUV also has a similar look with LED taillights and a spoiler. The Ford Explorer electric SUV has a spacious interior with a roomy three-person rear bench, a large boot with over 400 liters of space, and a big center storage area up front that can fit a laptop. The dashboard features a 5-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system that can be moved up and down to suit different drivers.
Performance
The Kia EV9 and the Ford Explorer electric SUV have different power outputs and drivetrain options that affect their performance. The Kia EV9 offers only one power output of 306bhp from two electric motors that drive all four wheels. The Ford Explorer electric SUV offers three power outputs: 168bhp, 282bhp, and 335bhp. The first two are from a single electric motor that drives the rear wheels, while the last one is from two electric motors that drive all four wheels. The Ford Explorer electric SUV also has more power than any version of the Volkswagen ID 4 based on the same platform.
The Kia EV9 and the Ford Explorer electric SUV have not yet revealed their acceleration or top speed figures. Still, based on their power outputs, we can expect them to be similar to or slightly faster than their competitors in the segment. For example, the Volkswagen ID 4 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and has a top speed of 99 mph, while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 can do it in 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 115 mph.
Range
The Kia EV9 and the Ford Explorer electric SUV have different battery options and ranges that affect their usability and convenience. The Kia EV9 offers only one battery option of 77kWh, which provides an official range of up to 310 miles on a single charge. The Ford Explorer electric SUV offers two battery options: 52kWh and 77kWh, which also provide an official range of up to 310 miles on a single charge. However, this depends on which power output you choose as well as other factors such as driving style, weather conditions, and terrain.
The Kia EV9 and the Ford Explorer electric SUV have similar ranges that are comparable or slightly better than their competitors in the segment. For example, the Volkswagen ID 4 has a range of up to 250 miles, while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a range of up to 300 miles.
Charging
The Kia EV9 and the Ford Explorer electric SUV have different charging capabilities and speeds, affecting their flexibility and convenience. The Kia EV9 supports fast charging up to 350kW, which means it can replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes. The Ford Explorer electric SUV supports fast charging up to 125kW, which means it can replenish its battery from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes. Both vehicles also have wireless charging pads for smartphones and other devices.
The Kia EV9 and the Ford Explorer electric SUV have different charging networks and access, affecting their availability and affordability. The Kia EV9 has access to the Ionity charging network, which is a joint venture of several car manufacturers, including Kia, Hyundai, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Volkswagen. The Ionity network has over 400 ultra-fast charging stations across Europe and plans to expand to 1,000 by 2025. The Kia EV9 buyers will get discounted rates when using the Ionity network. The Ford Explorer electric SUV has access to the FordPass charging network, which collaborates with several charging providers, such as Electrify America, Ionity, BP Pulse, and Shell Recharge. The FordPass network has over 500,000 charging stations across Europe and North America and plans to grow further in the future. The Ford Explorer electric SUV buyers will get free access to the FordPass network for two years.
Features
The Kia EV9 and the Ford Explorer electric SUV have different features and technologies that affect their comfort, convenience, safety, and entertainment. The Kia EV9 has a range of advanced features, such as:
- Kia Connect: a connected car service that allows users to remotely control various vehicle functions, such as climate, locks, lights and windows. It also provides real-time information on the vehicle status, battery level, range, charging options, and location. It also enables over-the-air software updates and smart home integration.
- Kia Smart HUD: a head-up display that projects key information on the windshield, such as speed, navigation, alerts, and lane-keeping assist. It also has an augmented reality mode that enhances the visibility of the road and the surroundings.
- Kia Smart Sense: a suite of driver assistance systems that include adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, lane-keeping assist with lane-change assist, blind-spot monitoring with collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert with collision avoidance assist, park assist with surround-view monitor, emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, driver attention warning with leading vehicle departure alert, highway driving assist with lane-following assist and speed limit recognition, and remote smart parking assist.
- Kia Sound Mood Lighting: a feature that creates a relaxing or stimulating atmosphere in the cabin by synchronizing the ambient lighting with the sound system. It also has a voice recognition mode that changes the color and intensity of the lighting according to the voice commands.
The Ford Explorer electric SUV has a range of innovative features such as:
- Ford Intelligent Backup Power: a feature that allows the vehicle to act as a backup generator for your home in case of a power outage. If rationed, it can supply up to 10kW of power to your home appliances and devices for up to three days or longer.
- Active Aero: a feature that adjusts the vehicle's aerodynamics to optimize efficiency. It includes an active front grille that opens or closes depending on the cooling needs of the battery and an active air suspension that lowers or raises the vehicle depending on the speed and terrain.
- Ford Co-Pilot360: a suite of driver assistance systems that include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function, lane-keeping assist with lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, park assist with 360-degree camera, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, evasive steering assist with post-collision braking, and active park assist 2.0 with perpendicular park assist.
- Ford Sync: a responsive, intuitive, and compatible infotainment system that runs on a 15-inch touchscreen. It supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and over-the-air software updates. It also has a natural language voice recognition system that can understand complex commands and queries.
Price
The Kia EV9 and the Ford Explorer electric SUV have different price ranges that affect their affordability and value for money. The Kia EV9 is expected to start at around $64,800 for the base model and go up to $86,400 for the top model. The Ford Explorer electric SUV is expected to start at less than $49,000 for the base model and go up to $64,800 for the top model. Both vehicles are eligible for various incentives and subsidies in different countries that can lower their final cost.
The Kia EV9 and the Ford Explorer have different price points that reflect their different positioning and target markets. The Kia EV9 is a premium electric SUV that competes with the likes of the Tesla Model X, the Audi e-tron, and the Mercedes-Benz EQC. The Ford Explorer electric SUV is a more affordable electric SUV that competes with the likes of the Volkswagen ID 4, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Nissan Ariya.
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Recommendation
The Kia EV9 and the Ford Explorer electric SUV are both excellent choices for your family if you are looking for a spacious, comfortable, and eco-friendly vehicle that can take you on any adventure. However, depending on your preferences, needs, and budget, you may find one more suitable than the other.
Suppose you are looking for a more luxurious, powerful, and futuristic electric SUV that has a bold and distinctive design, a longer range, a faster charging speed, a larger battery capacity, and more advanced features and technologies. In that case, you may prefer the Kia EV9. However, you will have to pay a higher price for it and may not find it as practical or versatile as the Ford Explorer.
Suppose you are looking for a more affordable, efficient, and conservative electric SUV that has a more conventional and familiar design, a shorter range, a slower charging speed, a smaller battery capacity, and more innovative features and technologies. In that case, you may prefer the Ford Explorer. However, you will have to compromise on some aspects of performance, comfort, and style compared to the Kia EV9.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Both vehicles are great options that will serve you well for years to come. The best way to decide is to test drive both vehicles and see which one feels right for you. You can also compare their specifications, features, reviews, ratings, and prices online or at your nearest dealer.
I hope this will help you decide which electric SUV is better for your family.
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