Compare the2025 Land Rover DefenderVS 2025 Kia EV9

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Defender. But it costs extra on the EV9.

The Land Rover Defender’s rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the Kia EV9 does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the Defender and the EV9 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The Defender’s corrosion warranty is 1 year and unlimited miles longer than the EV9’s (6/unlimited vs. 5/100,000).

The Defender has more powerful engines than the EV9:

For better stopping power the Defender V8’s brake rotors are larger than those on the EV9:

The Defender stops much shorter than the EV9:

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Defender offers optional 22-inch wheels. The EV9’s largest wheels are only 21-inches.

The Defender has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the EV9; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The Defender offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The EV9’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Defender is 1.2 inches wider in the front and .5 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the EV9.

For better maneuverability, the Defender 90’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the EV9’s (38 feet vs. 40.6 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Defender 90 has a 1.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the EV9 (8.9 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the Defender to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Defender 110 OCTA’s minimum ground clearance is 4.9 inches higher than on the EV9 (12.7 vs. 7.8 inches).

The Land Rover Defender may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 500 pounds less than the Kia EV9.

The Defender 90 is 1 foot, 4.7 inches shorter than the EV9, making the Defender easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Defender 130 offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the EV9 can only carry up to 7.

The Defender 130’s cargo area provides more volume than the EV9.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Defender. The EV9 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Defender’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the EV9’s (7716 vs. 2000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Kia EV9 AWD is only 5000 pounds. The Defender offers up to a 8201 lbs. towing capacity.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the EV9 Land/GT-Line, the Defender offers an optional driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle and climate settings and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The Defender’s standard Keyless Entry allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Smart Key standard on the EV9 doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are optional on the Defender to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The EV9 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The Defender offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The EV9 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The Defender has standard heated front and optional heated second and third row seats, which keep the driver and passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Kia doesn’t offer heated seats in the third row of the EV9.

The Defender has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the EV9 Wind/Land/GT-Line.

The Land Rover Defender has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Kia charges extra for Homelink® on the EV9.

The Land Rover Defender comes in two door and four door bodystyles; the Kia EV9 isn’t available as a two door.

Motor Trend selected the Defender as their 2021 Sport Utility of the Year. The EV9 has never been chosen.

The Land Rover Defender outsold the Kia EV9 by 27% during 2024.