Rivian R2 vs Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it’s an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn’t completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn’t cheap — but it’s a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn’t the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Contents

Design
Interior and tech
Performance
Range and charging
Price and availability
Conclusions

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That’s why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.

Design

Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs — not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

But that’s not to say they look the same. The Rivian R2 continues Rivian’s much-loved design aesthetic, with the oval headlights at the front and the long light bar at the back. The R2 is actually pretty minimalistic apart from that though — it’s sleek and stylish, and those who don’t like too much going on in the design of their cars will appreciate the overall approach.

The EV9’s design is a little busier, but it’s still a great-looking vehicle. The EV9 has Kia’s “digital tiger nose” design at the front, with headlights that angle down the two sides in a “Z” shape, and taillights that that branch down the back of the car. The EV9 is arguably a little more traditional in design than the R2, however it still looks relatively modern and stylish.

The cars are slightly different in size too. The Rivian R2 is 185.6 inches long, 66.9 inches tall, and 75 inches wide — while the EV9 steps that up to 197.2 inches long, 77.9 inches tall, and 77.9 inches wide. That extra space will make a difference in the interior — so if you really want room, the EV9 might be a better option.