Compare the2025 Lexus LXVS 2025 Kia EV9

The Lexus LX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The EV9 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The LX has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The EV9 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

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

Both the LX and the EV9 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, 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 LX’s corrosion warranty is 1 year and unlimited miles longer than the EV9’s (6/unlimited vs. 5/100,000).

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the LX’s reliability 23 points higher than the EV9.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 52 more problems per 100 vehicles, Kia is ranked 8th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus second in overall reliability. Kia is ranked 9th.

The LX has more powerful engines than the EV9:

The LX stops shorter than the EV9:

For better traction, the LX has larger tires than the EV9 (265/55R20 vs. 255/60R19).

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

The Lexus LX’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Kia EV9 only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

The LX 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 LX has a standard 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 maneuverability, the LX’s turning circle is 1.2 feet tighter than the EV9’s (39.4 feet vs. 40.6 feet).

For greater off-road capability the LX Premium has a greater minimum ground clearance than the EV9 (7.9 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the LX to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The LX Luxury/Ultra Luxury/F Sport’s minimum ground clearance is .5 inch higher than on the EV9 (8.3 vs. 7.8 inches).

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

The LX has a standard third row seat which folds flat into the floor. This completely clears a very large cargo area quickly. The EV9 doesn’t offer seats that fold into the floor.

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

The LX’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the EV9’s (8000 vs. 2000 pounds).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Kia. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 60% lower rating, Kia is ranked 27th.

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

If the windows are left open on the LX the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Lexus service department.) The driver of the EV9 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The LX’s standard Smart Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open 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.

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

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the LX has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The EV9 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The LX 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.

Both the LX and the EV9 offer available massaging front seats. The LX Ultra Luxury also has standard massaging second row seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging second row seats aren’t available in the EV9.

The Lexus LX 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.

Both the Lexus LX and the Kia EV9 have a standard Qi wireless phone charging system in the front seat. To easily keep personal devices charged in the second row seat, without cables tangling and wearing out, the LX Ultra Luxury also has a standard wireless charging system in the second row seat. The EV9 does not.