Kia EV9 vs. Rivian R1S: Which Is the Better 3-Row Electric SUV?

If you’re looking for an electric SUV with three rows of seats, the Kia EV9 and Rivian R1S are two of your best options. We’re big fans of both SUVs, and each has a very different take on the 3-row SUV. But which one is right for you? In this comparison test video, Edmunds’ Brian Wong goes through the ins and outs of both the EV9 and R1S to help you find out.

00:00 Intro
00:42 EV9 Interior
04:25 R1S Interior
08:54 EV9 Tech & Infotainment
10:30 R1S Tech & Infotainment
12:48 Safety & Driver Aids
14:07 Cargo
16:17 Pricing
17:10 Driving Test Results
18:21 Driving Impressions
22:04 EV Range
23:59 Best Value
26:13 Edmunds' Rating

[edmundscars]

While there aren't many electric three-row SUV options, at least the primary pair of contenders are both excellent choices in their own right. Which one speaks to you more? Let us know in the comments below!

[nicholaskolnik]

I love my EV9.
Few things you missed:
- The little plus in the mini HVAC screen brings up the full controls on the bigger screen. Then hitting that button again will take the big screen back to where you were before
- the EV9 has the ability for you to manually pre-condition the batter without putting anything in the map.

[ezeeo]

rivian 3rd row does have USB-C under the side arm rests.

You can change the following distance by scrolling on the right thumbwheel.

[ericanderson]

The vent situation in the R1S has a super practical application. My wife hates having air directly blowing on her. I want the vents pointing directly at me. Since the vents position is software-based and linked to driver profile, when either of us gets in the car, the vents return to our preferred positions automatically. It’s actually great.

[J-eg]

How come every journalist does not understand with the climate control in the EV9 you can tap the little X marks the spot button in the upper right hand corner of the climate, and it expands the climate controls across the entire display 3:20 bought the GT in December 2023 and it is the best vehicle we have ever owned range is like 320 miles and 0-60 in under 4.5 seconds

[akc]

Rivian R1S charge port for 3rd row are on the sides in the cupholders and there is also a standard household outlet in the 3rd row.

[cranfktubner]

I tried both cars top of the line.
I chose the EV9 without any doubts.
As much as like the Rivian's style, i don't like the price and the lack of comfort options.
Not mentioning numerous known problems, and the noise in the cabin 🙄

[Roger-svik]

I have a R1S. You can change the temperature and fan speed in the back. You just have the kid screen lock on 😅

[adamd]

Can change follow distance on Rivian by rotating right scroll wheel on steering wheel. And do not have to pay for subscription data plan to use Spotify, Apple Music etc as able to tether to mobile phone.

[raemill]

Yes, you can manually precondition the EV9 battery. It is an option in the EV menu.

[imudevco]

I'm all things EV. I'm glad Kia is killing it with the EV9 and for those moving from a traditional ICE SUV and want to maintain similar characteristics, it's for you. We have the R1S and for reasons I can't mention here, it just works for us and prefer it over the EV9. It's a machine capable of everything and we have the quad motor. There are no losers here, just want works and what you can really afford.

[jake-ly]

While I understand they're in a similar segment, are people cross shopping these? One is basically on offroad truck platform, and the other a crossover/minivan. This also missed a lot of those truck like use cases the Rivian excels at, such as towing, and cargo capacity

[randyhou]

Out of spec did a range test on the EV9 GT line and got 266 miles and completely drained the battery. I do not trust Edmunds number of 302 miles. Why would Kia undersell their range by that much? In that case, the base R1S is priced exactly in line with the EV9 as they are both comparably equipped except the Rivian has air suspension. For me, 270 mile range is just not enough for a family car that we will be taking on road trips so that is a deal breaker for me for the EV9. I also want good snow and off road performance for skip trips and off grid camping. The only thing the EV9 has over the R1S is passenger space and comfort, including ride and driving noise. So if that is a priority than go with the EV9. But everything else, including cargo space, range options, performance, off road capability, and IMO looks and vibe, go with the Rivian. So for me hands down the R1S is the better all around vehicle.

[paulbram]

Umm... there are charge ports in the 3rd row. Check out the arm rests on either side. Chargers are inside.

[ericfhernandez]

Did they take out the third row chargeports out of the R1S or did the Edmunds staff not bother to realize that the arm rests are also doors to cubbies with ports inside? 🤔

[pearldiver]

Not sure if it was mentioned in the review, but the Rivian's Sport Mode setting makes it a quite competent handling sports coup for anyone interested in such performance. Paticularly considering its size and weight.

[ryanreel]

There are USB C for the 3rd row you missed them in the review they are under the 3rd row arm rests on either side, you just need to pop up the arm rest and you have storage and a USB C port

[jmendiola]

No comparison between the charging curve and max charging capabilities? I take that as one of the most important point for "long range" EVS.

[paulbram]

Did he completely skip the air compressor in the Rivian?

[paulbram]

First time I've ever seen someone award technology to the EV9. Are they also getting monthly over the air upgrades like Rivian?