Comparison of Kia EV9 and Voyah Free

Neither the electric SUV Free nor the electric MPV Dream will cost less than two million crowns, so they enter the territory of large premium models from brands such as Mercedes, Lexus or BMW. However, their more natural competition is the high-end cars of mainstream brands. That’s why we briefly pitted the Free SUV against the Kia EV9, the flagship of the Korean automaker, at the event of the leasing company Drivalia.

No, they’re not direct competitors – the Voyah only seats five, the EV9 is a seven-seater as standard. The Kia is also slightly larger, over five meters long, dangerously approaching the two-meter mark in width, and has a 3.1-meter wheelbase between the axles. Voyah is approximately 10 centimeters shorter and has 2960 mm between the axles, but the width is practically the same, only it is significantly more squat.

But both cars can pamper the crew in an unprecedented way. Heating and ventilation of the front seats are a matter of course, both cars also offer a massage. Kia only for the driver, Voyah for the passenger as well. But the Korean model also has heated and ventilated seats in the second row.

The fighter from China counters with an air suspension, with which the 2.3-ton SUV moves gracefully across the landscape. Although the Kia does not have such convenience, automatic ground clearance also helps a smooth, comfortable ride.

The interior air of the Voyah can be scented with any of the three built-in scents, and the entire dashboard of the car, made up of three screens, can change its position even while driving. It can be extended completely or only partially and provide the driver with only the most necessary information. The interplay of displays is something that both cars are betting on.

Kia has two 12.3-inch screens under the common cover, separated by a small display for climate control and heating, Voyah bets on three side-by-side displays with a 12.3-inch screen in the middle. This means that, for example, as in the Porsche Taycan or Mercedes EQS, the passenger has his own screen at his disposal. It can be used to control the air conditioning, seats (also for the driver) or the audio system. The car does not speak Czech yet, but it is said that it will soon.

We transferred to Voyah practically directly from another Chinese electric car, the three times cheaper BYD Dolphin. Of course, for a car with a price tag of over two million, you expect adequate materials and processing, but the “comparison” between the base and the top of the Chinese offer was shocking in places. At first glance, the designers have done a good job with the choice of materials for the Free model, although the blue leather on the dashboard may seem somewhat unusual.

But the surface is pleasant to touch and look everywhere, this also applies to the massive gear selector or buttons near the center screen for quick access to the most important functions. The materials in the Voyah are a bit in contrast to the EV9, which makes extensive use of recycled materials (however, also of high quality to the touch and look) with a matte surface, as the Chinese model is more suited to glossy surfaces that get dirty quickly and also natural leather.

We have already mentioned the external dimensions of both SUVs. Both also offer a small luggage compartment in the front, the so-called frunk, even though they have two electric motors and thus all-wheel drive. A volume of 72 liters is available for the Voyah, 52 liters for the Kia. Behind the second row of seats, as expected, the more boxy Kia dominates, offering 728 liters of space, the competitor from China has 520 liters. But the space in the back seats in both cars is literally royal.

As already written, both cars have all-wheel drive. With the Voyah, a total of 360 kW is the only option, the Kia can also be had only with rear-wheel drive, which reduces power (150 versus 283 kW), but saves weight and also adds kilometers to the range. Both SUVs have a large battery with a usable capacity of 100 kWh. Considering the weight and size, this is a must. There was not enough time for a closer examination of the consumption, so we can help ourselves with the official numbers.

Voyah Free should manage 500 kilometers on a single charge, Kia EV9 505 kilometers. There is a significant difference in charging, while the Chinese can handle only 120 kW with direct current, the Korean gets twice as much thanks to the 800V architecture. With a value of 11 kW for alternating current, both cars are the same, and both also offer the V2L function, where it is possible to charge electrical appliances from their battery with the help of a specific adapter.

The shock for many will come when looking at the price list. Chinese cars are still fixed by many people as the cheap ones, but Voyah Free is not like that. The basic price is 2,124,900 crowns, and the version with air chassis or aroma diffuser costs 2,199,900 crowns. That’s a hundred grand more than the all-wheel-drive EV9 in top GT-Line trim, which is richer than the Voyah. And the rear wheel even starts at 1,949,980 crowns.

No, this Chinese certainly does not undercut its price, even though it is definitely an interesting addition to the Czech car market. It has a lot to interest, but it also comes with undeniable ailments. For example, a sparser service network or long-term reliability and quality shrouded in question marks. And if you’re looking for a seven-seat alternative to the EV9, Voyahu’s MPV Dream will probably suit you better in the end.