It seems like SUV drag race battles are very stylish this week, so why not finish on an exciting note? Today, on the tarmac shores of the Canadian wilderness, we're watching an old-school duel between three very intriguing models, each different than the last. We have the new-age Kia EV9, the stoic Volvo XC90 T8, and the flashy Range Rover Velar. Who will win down the 1/4-mile? Let's find out.
First, we have the blue new-born fully electric 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD. No one would be guilty of calling it gorgeous, but its perks are underneath the seats. This AWD model has a dual-motor setup that, in total, delivers 379 hp or 384 ps with 516 lb-ft or 700 Nm of torque. Each individual motor outputs the same amount of power, 189 hp (192 ps) with 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque.
It weighs 5,839 lbs. or 2,648 kilograms on its lonesome, and if you want to spring for one, it will set you back about $76,390. However, if that's too pricey for the ugly duckling, then the Land AWD version costs $71,395, the Wind AWD is $65,395, the Light Long Range RWD is $60,695, and the cheapest one, the Light RWD package costs $56,395.
Next, we have the fancy-schmancy Range Rover Velar P400. This British mild-hybrid comes equipped with a 3.0-liter turbo and supercharged engine that can deliver 395 hp (401 ps) and 405 lb-ft or 549 Nm of torque.
It has an all-wheel drive system, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and weighs 4,450 lbs. or 2,018 kilograms. The Range Rover Velar Dynamic SE P400 Gas Mild Hybrid starts from $78,125. The P250 Gas version costs $72,000, and the Range Rover Velar S P250 Gas can set you back at least $62,775.
Photo: Sam CarLegion
Not too long ago, some still expected Land Rover to pull the plug on the Velar. Still, if this mid-cycle refresh proves anything, it's that the manufacturer isn't planning on discontinuing this model anytime soon.
Finally, we're moving over to the safety expert, the Volvo XC90 T8 model. This fully white giant comes packing quite a powerful punch. Its 2.0-liter inline-four twin-turbocharged engine can deliver up to 312 hp (316 ps) with 295 lb-ft. (400 Nm) of torque.
Now for the fun part! The electric motor provides an extra 143 hp (145 ps) and 228 lb-ft (309 Nm) of torque. This means the T8 has a total power output of 455 hp (461 ps) and 523 lb-ft (709 Nm) of torque. It, too, drives all four of its wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and on top of everything, it's not even the heaviest of the bunch, unlike the Kia. The Volvo weighs 5,194 lbs. or 2,356 kilograms, costing around $76,000.
The first race took place between the Volvo driven by Sam from the "Sam CarLegion" YouTube channel and the Velar. They started out at 37 mph or 60 kph, and the race was as close as an old-school Italian shave, but by the end, the XC90 won by about two or three car lengths. The second roll race had them flooring it at 50 mph or 80 kph, and this time, the Range Rover was first across the finish line.
Photo: Sam CarLegion
Then, they went for the classic 1/4-mile drag race, where the Volvo pulverized the Range Rover twice in a row. The XC90 reached 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and finished the race in 13.3 seconds, while the Velar reached 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and completed the race in 13.9 seconds.
After the Volvo beat the Range Rover, it was time to face the KIA EV9. The former won both roll races, but the latter destroyed the XC90 in the drag races. The Kia won by quite a margin, hitting 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and finishing the quarter mile in 13.3 seconds. The Volvo went from 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and crossed the finish line in 13.6 seconds.
Still, everything considered, the race time difference between these two doesn't apply in the real world, and let's be honest... given that they cost the same, more or less, who wouldn't pick the more aesthetically pleasing Volvo over the Kia EV9?
Codrin just loves American classics, from the 1940s and ‘50s, all the way to the muscle cars of the '60s and '70s. In his perfect world, we'll still see Hudsons and Road Runners roaming the streets for years to come (even in EV form, if that's what it takes to keep the aesthetic alive). Full profile
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