Kia EV9 vs Rivian R1S - Which is the better Buy?

These two are surprisingly close and in a lot of ways the Kia is better. Which would you choose?
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[@jntaylor63]

The main driver for buying the EV9 over the Rivian is that the nearest Rivian service center is 3 hours away vs 30 mins for a Kia.

[@BryanGibbs-nh9uq]

Does Rivian provide complementary free charge? If yes, which charging company? It seems a lot of vehicle manufacturers like to use Electrify America. EA is always crowded and its corrective maintenance is terrible. I have an EV9 and Ionia 6.

[@ari_young]

We actually have both, my wife drives an EV9 and I drive an R1S. Overall, I'd say they both have their advantages. the EV9 has the captain's chairs in the middle and accessing the rear seats is a bit easier. they both drive well. the software is slightly better in the Rivian. No real complaints with either though

[@angryGTS]

I went with the EV9. I'm 6'7" and the EV9 had more leg room and headroom. The 2nd row has so much leg room that I can even fit behind my drivers seat position and have some room to spare, that never happens. So that impressed me. My wife can fit behind me now (also have an Audi e-tron and she cant fit behind me comfortably and she's only 5'4"). I'm used to Audi's superior ride feel but the Kia isnt bad for not having air suspension and feels better than a Tesla Model X. And the captains chairs, way nicer than a bench in the 2nd row.

[@SnappyWasHere]

I just bought a blue EV9. The interior and the reassurance of a dealer network sold me. I drove and liked an X and Rivian scares me long term. Love the videos and your total seriousness, too many people just joke around too much.

[@TonmoyGhosh]

The Kia dealer network is what kept me away from an ev9. I have friends who have had horrible dealer experiences with KIa

[@RichardJoashTan]

@@TonmoyGhosh Not me, I will buy a fully loaded Kia EV9 GT Line

[@Swwils]

My Kia dealer experience is diabolical. Avoiding because of it.

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

@@SwwilsNot all Kia dealers are diabolical. Some are just hellish 😂. Jokes aside, the Kia dealer near me is better than Honda and Toyota dealer near me.

[@RichardJoashTan]

@@Swwils and I will buy a fully loaded kia ev9 gt line

[@mdribblecastle]

Good comparison. I went for the EV9 because it won with 1-2 row space as well as Android Auto/CarPlay. Btw looks like you had the relaxation package in the 2nd row. Those powered seats eat up about 2” extra inches of space in the third row. The specific reason i didn’t get that package. Finally big Dad tip if you have the money. Nuna Revv car seat that swivels 360. Absolute game changer for getting kids in the car from either side. Also way easier for rear facing car seat usage.

[@mikethebest6]

My friend purchased an EV9 back in January and we test drove it side by side with a new model X and EV9 ride and quality is soooo much better specially the seats are so comfortable, not bashing on the X I love the X but Kia has improved sooo much and with the long range EV9 we were getting 3.1 miles/kwH range of 300+ not to mention the ambient lighting on the EV9 is so futuristic inside and out that the X lacks on and the 3 row in the EV9 is much more comfortable.

[@user-wm8pv3py6g]

I would like to choos EV9, which looks so futuristic.

[@cpkay33]

the ev9 is impressive. i like the look and features. super awesome rivian has production in illinois but the smiley facade is so cheesy

[@fpartidafpartida]

Just did a 8,400+ mile road trip on with the Rivian R1S. From MN, to Colorado, Moab, Sonoma, Palm Springs, Sequoia Yosemite, San Francisco, San Diego and back. It was a beast off road (Broken Arrow trail, Longdale trails and others). I races a Lamborghini in La Joya CA, and won. I car camped in it for days and cooked out of the 1,500W inverter in the back. Best vehicle I’ve ever owned. Period.

[@RichardJoashTan]

And that makes me buy a fully loaded Kia EV9 GT Line.

[@mrwombat24]

@@RichardJoashTan I’ve seen you making mindless comments about buying EV9 on other KZbin videos the other day as well. You must work for Kia and are desperate to sell EV9. Sad that Kia is stooping to this level.

[@GadielVaStar]

How was the charging on your Rivian?

[@jysmtl]

@@RichardJoashTan?

[@marcguindon8499]

​@@GadielVaStar I'll answer if that's ok. My R1S will charge up to 220kW on an unlocked Supercharger. (Although by reading charging reviews, my R1S seems to charge better than the other Rivians for some reason I still don't understand... great for me, but all Rivians should charge the same.)

[@RobbieRedanauer]

I just bought a Telluride n love it

[@Barlow_business]

Your car tours are amazing, learn so much off of these, love the work.

[@Oscar_Robertson]

I have fallen in love with rivians look of their vehicles

[@user-rf6cx7tv1h]

Always a good chuckle to go along with excellent reviews and info. Bravo GJeebs

[@robp3431]

R1S for "the looks" 'cuz every time I see one in public, I could see myself driving one. I test-drove a top spec EV9, and it does ride amazing....more ICE-like luxury, but the captains chairs-only in second row in the upper-trims, is a negative for my needs, as is lack of frunk. The Y still meets my needs the most, but waiting on the re-fresh with improved seats

[@ASD-DAD]

Tesla, Rivian, Lucid are new car manufacturers with no reliability history long enough to persuade me. Kia on the hand, no need to say the EV9 is the clear choice. Tesla sales keep decreasing not only here in the States but crucial markets, specially in China. My sister's Model Y is insanely harsh on your body, umcomfortable ride is an understatement.

[@EverydayChris]

NICE MAN! This is the next one I wanted to tackle since it has legit 3 rows. The model x one vs ev9 is too small

[@solroseberg155]

The Rivian is a great vehicle, but its service and warranty support are spotty. The Kia has a better warranty, is priced better, and has a supporting dealer network. There are eight Kia dealers with service departments within 40 miles of my house. I’m not doing rock-climbing, so the Kia does everything I want in the GT line trim and saves me money and service headaches over the Rivian.

[@Cttechexpress]

Rivian has mobile service and gives out another Rivian for loaner vehicles. Unless you just like really far away, the service I'd a lot better than any I experienced in 10+ years of owning Kias at 4 area dealers. All could best be describes as "fine". About the same treatment whether you bought a $75K EV9 as a $23K Forte.

[@justo711]

This is the video I’ve been waiting for.

[@AvocadoAtrocity]

As Sandy Munro said about the KIA EV9's frunk, "it enough space to fit a wallet." 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@RichardJoashTan]

Not me, because I will buy a Kia EV9 GT Line

[@JonathanRootD]

If you get the RWD it actually has a very deep frunk.

[@Cttechexpress]

@@JonathanRootD but then it's unreasonably slow for 2024

[@douglake5834]

I am an EV fan. I had an R1S and I live in Phx. I pre-ordered in 2019; finally got the R1S in June of 2023. After about a month, I reluctantly sold it. Lack of a sliding sunroof shade means the glass sunroof cooks your head when you get into the car after it's been sitting in a parking lot. Note: Phx temps get 115°F. OK, so just pre-condition vehicle for 10 mins? Not when the AC barely blows cool air. I think the AC is undersized for the R1S, but OK for the R1T (less sunroof). So take it to the Rivian service center? They are 6-8 weeks out, then delay another 2 weeks. 8 weeks of no/poor AC in 115°F Phx heat is a non-starter. What you didn't mention is that the cooling vents are below the center display such that the "cool?" air never makes it to your sunroof-cooked head. But it might make your right forearm less warm if your hands are on the steering wheel. Rivian: That's poor engineering. Note that Rivian fixed this issue in the upcoming R2. Air vents are higher in the R2 prototypes. Hope they keep the vents higher. Almost everything else about the R1S is pretty cool (lots of head toss though...). Thanks for reviewing EV9. I am eager to look at it. Not sour on Rivian though- I hope Rivian succeeds. They just need to learn how to design and manufacture vehicles.

[@j_merlotte5467]

just starting this video, but GJEEBS - been looking for an ownership update on your R1T. At one point you almost insinuated you would have rather had a model S for similar money (but you did it for the channel). Regardless, R1T dual motor, standard+ seems like alot of truck for the money... I'm tempted myself, hence me looking for an update video from you. Thanks and love your videos!

[@Gjeebs]

Update is coming soon!

[@marcguindon8499]

I went for the Rivian because I needed the range. But, man, it's a great car, especially for us rural folks who enjoy offroading. I got to see an EV9 that was charging beside me. That car is gorgeous. Had the EV9 been available when I ordered my Rivian in 2021, it would have been a tough choice.

[@Airistas]

What about the rear cargo area??

[@benwillvv]

Both are excellent!

[@BrianNedry]

Well would you look at that a Ev with a glass roof that actually as sunshades built-in because well you know it get freaking hot 🔥 in the summertime with the sun beaming through. Yes you can buy aftermarket sunshades but manufacturers should have these as standard if it's a glass roof. Nice review Gjeebs, I would go with the Kia EV9 all day everyday, that Blue paint is beautiful.

[@ryancarlson1494]

You would never know my Tesla Model 3 has a glass roof in the summer unless you look up! Not hot at all

[@chewieone1064]

I fancied the Rivian, but no chance in Germany. Recently test drove the EV9, and i am surprised what a good car this is. Kia make really nice cars now, not too fancy like Tesla or Merc, and the EV9 is an excellent ride, much smoother than the 2021 Explorer PHEV i have now. Some detail in the EV9 is downright crappy, like some of the buttons. But i love the HUD. The seats are ok but could be a bit wider. All i really wish for is some more horsepower, and a way to disable all the beeping. But i dont think i will go for the upcoming performance model. Its probably gonna cost around 100k and be less comfortable.

[@jake-ly]

I love the Rivian UI way more than any CarPlay car I've tried, it just works. However they just need to add it in so it ticks people's checklist when buying

[@RichardJoashTan]

And I will buy a fully loaded Kia EV9 GT Line.

[@yuchan063]

R1S is better, but EV9 is cheaper and has much much better service infrasturcture in North America. I will choose EV9

[@supra800]

Can use kia Ev9 off road sand desert?

[@ericanderson1753]

Infotainment (EV9)?

[@stockey]

The EV9 has a smaller frunk, because, Kia prioritise inside space than frunk space, in Canada, the Rivian is almost twice the price of the EV9.

[@romanivanov6183]

Man, do you remember you said my Tesla has the same functionality as a new one? What do you think now after the news that only AMD models will get the new UI?

[@JonathanRootD]

He's utterly devastated. Life is ruined.

[@nguyep4]

And the functionality for the others will never change as those are stuck with the same software. Lack of major software updates.

[@terencestephenson4727]

I'm Just here for Gjeeb's humor. Good comparison but one thing that wasn't mentioned is the difference in software and updates. My Ioniq 5's updates are few and infrequent especially compared to Rivian.

[@Gjeebs]

Yea that's true the Rivian software updates have been great so far

[@RichardJoashTan]

Not me, I prefer the Kia.

[@JonathanRootD]

I've had 4 software updates in the EV9 since January.

[@mannyman4103]

I accidentally opened the description... Man was that a mistake!!!!

[@bigoldjim4696]

I really like the EGMP cars but CCS charging is total garbage and even when they can use the Superchargers they charge slowly at 400v. Rivian is beautiful, can Supercharge. Rivian wins at least for now. In a few years when 800v is common, we'll see. Also gives time to see if Rivian makes it.

[@RichardJoashTan]

And I will buy a fully loaded Kia EV9 GT Line anyway.

[@marcguindon8499]

​@@RichardJoashTan And that's why I bought a fully loaded Rivian R1S... And I didn't need to copy-paste this message onto different posts, you sorry propagandist.

[@RichardJoashTan]

@@marcguindon8499 And I will buy a fully loaded Kia EV9 GT Line, you Rivian lover.

[@malhaar707]

no cups holders in R1S?

[@Gjeebs]

it has them they are in the center console recessed. you press in and they pop out just beyond the charging pad

[@marcguindon8499]

It'll take you more than a month to find all the easter eggs hidden in the R1S. I'm still finding some 5 weeks after taking ownership.

[@BeanEW]

What about software? I like KIA; they have good cars for the money. However, the EV9 is like a mini-van with normal doors for second row. If I still have young kids, EV9 for sure; otherwise I would go with the adventure.

[@RichardJoashTan]

But for me, I will buy a fully loaded Kia EV9 GT Line anyway

[@susanyoon288]

Forgot to show the leg rests on all 4 seats. That's a major one

[@ahmadsiddiqui13]

Which one would you get?

[@RichardJoashTan]

A fully loaded Kia EV9 GT Line

[@jysmtl]

A base R1S.

[@marcelmazpule2287]

Wow 285 width tire the Telluride is the same size and it 245 width.

[@HoSway0]

Alright Folks becoming PTSD but in a good way. Shoutout Gjeebs

[@majidfarahani1107]

Rivan vs Discovery is a more interesting comparison when it comes to design. Rivian has already won the crowd of specially younger generation. Affordability could be an issue. What is the starting price of EV9?

[@isaacclarke3037]

Id go with rivian r2

[@jerrellherod7709]

Divorce court and child support are very specific uses for a pricey SUV. Maybe I should check the other videos on the intended audience for this 😂

[@abyalex235]

Rivian should come to India too.

[@user-vt2fm4kq9x]

Rivian r1s ❤

[@sidney1234usc]

I'mma purchase one of these just for the purpose of driving to court to pay child support lol

[@user-jj6tk2fs1p]

ev9 good^^ 반가워용

[@cellpc360]

Using it to get a divorce and pay child support is crazy work!!! 😅😅😅

[@rudiemur]

A handgun. 😂 Americans always so concerned with their guns...

[@Cttechexpress]

The Rivian all day long, there's no question. The only reason to get the EV9 is the price - the Land trims and lower are down into the mid to low 60s (and lower) and that's a good bargain.

[@RichardJoashTan]

Not me,, because I will buy a fully loaded Kia EV9 GT Line anyway because all of the above.

[@Cttechexpress]

@RichardJoashTan you miss a lot in the GT line compared to a Rivian. Slower acceleration, lower range, tiny frunk, lower towing capacity, no off road capability, no air suspension, clunky app, no meaningful updates as the vehicle isn't software defined... the Kia is fine but to compare it to the Rivian, it's not up there. Plus you have to deal with Kia dealerships for service to boot. Rivian does mobile service, and gives out service loaners.

[@RichardJoashTan]

@@Cttechexpress the ones that you mention, are fine for me. And there is one thing the Rivian lacks: The Kia EV9 is named 2024 World Car of the Year

[@Cttechexpress]

@RichardJoashTan lmao don't believe all the press hype. I'm not a Kia hater or an EV haters by any means. Again I think nothing competes with the lower EV9 trims for $50-60K (although Rivian is doing some very attractive lease deals that make payments even on upper trims pretty reasonable). I say this as someone who owned and mostly enjoyed a 2016 Kia Optima, a 2018 Stinger and a 2020 Telluride SXP. There's just no way I'd have paid over $70K for an EV9 when I could get the Rivian.

[@RichardJoashTan]

@@Cttechexpress And my comment still stands.

[@ChrisParayno]

The Kia

[@user-sj8bt7kg5s]

Rivian ❤ handsome ❤

[@pmorcostube]

This two vehicles are incomparable. It's actually insane to me that these could be considered in any way similar. The frunk alone is all you need to compare. lol. The Rivian is a solid luxury car in comparison to something that will give you nothing but long term problems. Go drive both and make your own opinions...don't rely on marketwatch hacks.

[@kevinn1158]

A hand gun? Welcome to America.

[@ModernCowboy78]

How does he know what bird big mac poo looks like lol

[@bluedog9935]

I think it’s the special sauce that gave it away…

[@EsenbekAliev_]

3 minute into the video and already 3 ads... cmon

[@pusherreviews7028]

Court and divorce. 😂

[@JacobPorterLadder]

You lost me at "handgun and cigarettes"

[@Gjeebs]

Yea if you can't see that's a joke then this isn't the channel for you

[@lovswr]

Divorce & child support. 😂

[@thaigers]

Rivian starts at 74K - 100K to a KIA EV9 starts at 53K to 74K, can you really compare? But the front of the Rivian is so ugly looks like a kids toy, such a joke looking car. Agree on space of the EV9 front trunk, so small.

[@shanewilfon6860]

Wait one year and buy both for less than cost of both new 😂

[@lflyr6287]

Kia EV9 is by faaaar superior in tech gadgets, build quality and build reliability....therefore it's simply a better car in every aspect.

[@luisbraz-ruivo]

If I want an ICE car I buy an ICE car…..EVs should be different, otherwise what is the point.

[@GazDaa1]

your joke is like... hmm

[@matthewvernon8876]

lol not even close. Rivian. By far. Much more capable. You want a mom suv…Kia.

[@richardcoughlin8931]

Give me buttons or give me death! (Tesla Model Y owner)

[@AvocadoAtrocity]

Use the S3XY buttons if you need them that badly 😂😂😂😅

[@ChrisBarnes199]

Are you getting divorced?

[@panosb3545]

i cannot think of an uglier car than this rivian....

[@UncleAlpha1]

I need 7 seaters not 6. Sorry Kia.

[@RichardJoashTan]

But for me, I will buy ba fully loaded Kia EV9 GT Line anyway because World CAr of the Year

[@JonathanRootD]

EV9 has a 7 seater option lol

[@RB78545]

no nacs ?👎

[@kerberos514]

Rivian is sending out the adapters for NACS charging, both Rivian and Ford are getting supercharger access this year, some already have gotten their adapters.

[@Kailaniandkiara7165]

@@kerberos514 Both already have SC access. Rivian has been several weeks, Ford even longer. Both are supposed to have the NACS ports natively in 2025 on the new vehicles.

[@ericliberty1776]

I would never buy either of these overpriced cars

[@luckylenny]

Rivian is on life support. As of 12/31/22, Rivian had $11.6 bill of cash. In '23, Rivian raised $3.2 bill by issuing convertibles. Yet on 12/31/23, Rivian's cash and equivalent balance was down to $9.3 bill. Started '23 w/ $11.6 bill. Raised $3.2 bill. Ended '23 with only $9.3 bill. How can any company raise $3.2 bill in convertibles and still have a cash balance decrease of $2.3 bill? It's only possible because Rivian's loss for 4Q23 was $1.5 bill. If Rivian continues to lose $1.5 bill/qtr, Rivian's dwindling cash pile of $9.3 bill will be gone in 7 quarters. Hence, 3Q26 is when Rivian goes broke. Due to increased spending to bring out the R2, and liabilities of $7.6 bill as of 12/31/23, Rivian probably declares bankruptcy sometime in late '24 or mid-2025 at the latest is my guess. No sane person would pay $90k for a vehicle from a company headed for bankruptcy

[@ab185]

That was a lot of nonsense, congrats.

[@richardcoughlin8931]

If you truly believe that you should be shorting Rivian stock with every dollar you can spare.

[@mdribblecastle]

have you see the stock. might already be too late to short. I have an EV9 but still love the Rivian brand and styling. Really rooting for them but i agree with the risk in investment. I actually have an R2 reserved to replace our other gas car, so i hope they make it to 2026. I thought they or Lucid would be a prime option for Apple to get into the car business…. but even Apple sees that it’s very tough business.

[@RichardJoashTan]

​​@@mdribblecastleAnd I am happy that I will buy a fully loaded Kia EV9 GT Line anyway.

[@esquiredan2702]

Rivian is on track to be profitable by Q4 2024. If you followed the industry at all you would know that.

[@Annette_Hons]

Shout out to Everyday Chris! LOL