u/UnhappySwing

Got the front cam (Viofo 229+) hardwired no problem, but there's very little online offering step by step for running the rear cam. I'm concerned about just shoving wire into the headlined if it might interfere with side airbags? Just looking for advice or suggestions.

CBB live is coming to my city on Father's Day so of course this grad had to take his Dad! My dad loves comedy but he's definitely from the boomer era and has no points of reference for CBB or anything from the alt comedy scene. I want to give him some recommendations so he can get attuned to the vibe and enjoy the show. Suggestions?

Coming up on a month in our i9 and I'm curious what other drivers are generally seeing in mi/kwh. What's your overall average, what trim, and how do you tend to drive?

I know I'm not the only one who is interested in how the ownership experience really stacks up between these two vehicles, but I am probably one of only relatively few people who has actually owned both, so I thought I would share. I owned an EV9 for about two years before the HV battery failed and it was bought back by Kia, and I now own an I9. Specifically we had a Light Long Range (second lowest trim) EV9, and moved to an I9 SE (also second lowest trim).

Trim levels

This is one of the most interesting areas of difference to me and obviously a major consideration when you're shopping for a car. Overall, the EV9 gives you more creature comfort perks at the lower end of the trim options, while the I9 gives you more practical benefits.

• Our EV9 LLR came with ventilated seats, which we loved. No dice with the I9 SE
• The I9 SE doesn't have power side mirrors, which is kind of insane. Why not have manual roller windows too???
• Newer EV9 LLRs come with a sunroof in the front, I9 SE does not. For me this is a win for the I9, I hate sunroofs
• I9 SE comes with AWD, which the EV9 LLR did not have
• I9 SE also comes with a heat pump, which you don't get in the EV9 unless you go up to Wind trim
• Finally, I9 SE comes with roof rails, again not present on EV9 LLR

While I miss the comfort options of the EV9, I think the I9 is the winner here from a practical buying standpoint

Ride quality

These are very similar cars in so many ways. After having driven the EV9 for a few years, I jumped into the I9 and immediately knew where all the controls were and how everything worked. So I will try to avoid splitting hairs and just focus on the few real differences I've noticed.

• I do think the I9 rides a little smoother. There is less side to side motion, it doesn't feel as boat-like. It's not a huge difference but it is noticeable
• I feel a little lower down in the I9. Might be in my head a little bit but during the week we had both cars it felt noticeable. For shorter drivers this might be a little annoying
• The regen brake is noticeably more powerful in the I9. Not sure if this is a function of the dual motor? I tend to use the pull-and-hold left paddle technique for braking on neighborhood streets to maximize efficiency and reduce wear on the brake pads. The I9 comes to a full stop much more quickly than the EV9 did when doing this

I'd offer a slight win to the I9 here for ride smoothness but I don't think it's a huge difference.

Interior

Here again the cars are super similar and I think some of the review videos that try to squeeze content out of stuff like, "ooooh these door handles are round!" is pretty lame.

• The I9 is specced out to be a little longer. Personally I don't notice much difference in terms of passenger legroom in either row. I'm about 6' and the EV9 feels equally comfortable to me
• However, I do notice more rear cargo space in the I9 when the third row is down. That's when the length does become significant. If you are loading groceries or equipment back there you will feel a difference
• The "electric hearse" design component of the I9 is very real when you're looking through the hatch. Even though the inside is larger, the opening you have to get things inside is considerably smaller than the EV9. It's a very weird design choice

I'd call this category a tie. I do appreciate the additional cargo room but I can already see myself getting annoyed trying to get suitcases or home repair stuff into this small hatch.

Things that seem almost completely the same

• Software. Some people hate it, I think it's fine. But no difference in either vehicle
• App. They both kind of suck
• Sound system. Admittedly I am the furthest thing from an audiophile. But I hear no big differences
• HDA2. Love it in both cars, functions identically
• Technical issues/customer service. Unfortunately both vehicles have had them and both companies have done a poor job of providing timely service

Overall verdict

It's hard to argue against the I9 from a practical point of view, both in terms of what is included at the lower trim levels and a few other things like the slightly larger battery. At the same time, the EV9 tends to be priced a little more aggressively. In our case we happened to find a great deal on an I9 so that it was worth it to us to switch. But my overall recommendation would be to take whichever vehicle is cheaper, and most of the time that's going to be the EV9.