2026 Kia EV9: EPA Range, NHTSA & IIHS Safety
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2026 Kia EV9 scores well for safety and reliability, with NHTSA's 5-star rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation but below average for fuel cost. NHTSA has 1 recall campaign on file, fewer than the 1.7 average for SUVs.
- Starting MSRP
- $54,900 - $71,900
- EPA Electric Range
- 305 mi range
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $850 - $950 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 10 / 10 (Low Emissions)
- Recalls on File
- 1 recall on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $6,500 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 13 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,004 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.80
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
The 2026 Kia EV9 is a fully electric SUV offering up to 305 miles of EPA-rated range, starting at $54,900.
- Fuel cost $1,636 per year below premium SUVs average
- Avg repair cost $216 per year below SUV average
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
2026 Kia EV9 at a Glance
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Kia EV9 are high published crash-test results and an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, with lower estimated five-year cost, but fuel cost is a weak spot.
- safety
- reliability
- estimated 5-year cost
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP+. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable SUVs 2026 →
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup is about $11,403 below the similar-vehicle average. Lowest cost to own 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- Fuel cost is a real drawback here: Above-average fuel cost among electric SUVs. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
- AAA estimates $4,960 per year in depreciation for the Compact SUV (Electric) class. This is a class-level estimate.
- The trim range spans about $17,000 from entry trim to top trim, so value depends heavily on what you actually spec.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Kia EV9?
The 2026 Kia EV9 is one of 82% of SUVs to earn NHTSA's top 5-star rating. It also received TSP+ from IIHS, which tests different crash configurations. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 10.7%
Crash testing is only as useful as the scenarios it covers. NHTSA and IIHS test overlapping but different crash types, giving the 2026 Kia EV9 a more thorough evaluation than either program provides alone.
How Did the 2026 Kia EV9 Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS recognized the 2026 Kia EV9 with a TSP+ award. This designation reflects strong performance across frontal, side, and roof strength evaluations, plus crash avoidance capabilities. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Vehicle) | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | G Good |
IIHS vehicle class: Midsize SUVs
Lab testing and real-world performance do not always match. The recall section below covers any defects NHTSA or Kia have identified since the 2026 EV9 went on sale.
Does the 2026 Kia EV9 Have Any Recalls?
The 2026 Kia EV9 has 1 recall campaign on record with NHTSA, involving ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. That is below the 1.7 average for SUVs. Recall repairs are performed at no cost at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Most recent: January 2026
Units affected: 341,416
What Do 2026 Kia EV9 Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Kia EV9. This is above the average of 9 complaints for 2026 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
10 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-04-02
Most-reported problem areas
- Electrical10
- Fuel System2
- Visibility2
- Structure1
- Speed Control1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
For an EV, fuel cost means electricity cost. The EPA estimates below show what you can expect to spend per year powering the 2026 Kia EV9.
What Is the 2026 Kia EV9 Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Kia EV9 offers up to 305 miles of EPA-rated range with an estimated annual energy cost of $850. Electric vehicles typically cost significantly less to fuel than gasoline equivalents. EPA range estimates are based on standardized testing. Real-world range varies with driving conditions, temperature, and speed. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
Ranges from 78 to 89 combined MPGe depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost | EV Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 89 MPGe | 100 | 78 | $850 per year | 305 mi |
| Light Long Range | 89 MPGe | 100 | 78 | $850 per year | 305 mi |
| Wind | 78 MPGe | 83 | 72 | $950 per year | 260 mi |
| Land | 78 MPGe | 83 | 72 | $950 per year | 260 mi |
| GT-Line | 78 MPGe | 83 | 72 | $950 per year | 260 mi |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $4,250 to $4,750 depending on trim.
All trims earned EPA SmartWay certification for lower emissions and fuel cost. EPA smog rating: 9 out of 10.
EVs eliminate fuel and oil change costs but still carry insurance, tire wear, and depreciation. AAA's ownership cost estimates below cover the expenses that remain.
What Does the 2026 Kia EV9 Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Kia EV9 ranges from $101,335 to $118,335 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Compact SUV (Electric) class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,449 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $2,028 per year |
| Depreciation | $4,960 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $895 per year |
| Financing | $1,121 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $11,192 per year |
With 5 trims available, the main differentiators are range, charging capability, and price. The comparison below breaks down each option for the 2026 Kia EV9.
How Do the 2026 Kia EV9 Trims Compare?
5 trims are available for the 2026 Kia EV9, spanning $54,900 to $71,900. All trims use an Electric powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Drive Type | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost | EV Range (mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light | $54,900 | RWD | 215 hp | 5,106 lbs | $101,335 | 305 mi |
| Light Long Range | $57,900 | RWD | 201 hp | 5,326 lbs | $104,335 | 305 mi |
| Wind | $63,900 | AWD | 379 hp | 5,714 lbs | $110,335 | 260 mi |
| Land | $68,900 | AWD | 379 hp | 5,776 lbs | $115,335 | 260 mi |
| GT-Line | $71,900 | AWD | 379 hp | 5,811 lbs | $118,335 | 260 mi |
Price changes since 2024
- GT-Line $73,900 (2024) → $71,900 (2026) -$2,000
- Light Long Range $59,200 (2024) → $57,900 (2026) -$1,300
- Land $69,900 (2024) → $68,900 (2026) -$1,000
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | $54,900 89 MPGe | $54,900 89 MPGe | $54,900 89 MPGe |
| Light Long Range | $59,200 89 MPGe | $59,900 89 MPGe | $57,900 89 MPGe |
| Wind | $63,900 83 MPGe | $63,900 83 MPGe | $63,900 78 MPGe |
| Land | $69,900 83 MPGe | $69,900 83 MPGe | $68,900 78 MPGe |
| GT-Line | $73,900 83 MPGe | $73,900 83 MPGe | $71,900 78 MPGe |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
The trim comparison above covers what you pay at purchase. The reliability data below covers what you pay to maintain it over time.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Kia EV9?
The 2026 Kia EV9 scores 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal's reliability index, above the average for premium SUVs. RepairPal data reflects repair frequency and severity from shops nationwide. Source: RepairPal.
Kia backs the 2026 EV9 with the warranty terms shown below. Coverage begins from the original purchase date and varies by component.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Kia EV9 Come With?
Warranty coverage defines Kia's financial commitment if something fails. The terms below apply to all 2026 EV9 trims. Longer powertrain coverage reflects the manufacturer's confidence in drivetrain durability.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k |
What Are the 2026 Kia EV9 Specs?
Technical specifications for the 2026 Kia EV9 from manufacturer data. Engine size, horsepower, curb weight, and dimensions are shown for the primary configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Mid-size crossover SUV
| Horsepower | 201 - 379 hp |
|---|---|
| Power-to-Weight | 75.5 - 132.7 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $169 - $288 |
| Torque | 258 - 516 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drive Type | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | electric |
| Length | 197.2 - 197.4 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 77.9 in |
| Height | 68.9 - 70.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 122.0 in |
| Curb Weight | 5,106 - 5,811 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Kia EV9?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
- Recall status changed
All data shown for the 2026 Kia EV9 comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. EV range and ownership costs are updated as agencies release new figures.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Kia EV9 FAQ
Which 2026 Kia EV9 trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 5 available trims, the Light has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $101,335, starting at $54,900 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $118,335. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Kia EV9?
In the suv segment, the closest alternatives to the 2026 Kia EV9 are 2026 Lincoln Nautilus (starting at $53,995, 5-star NHTSA, 24 MPG); and 2026 Lexus TX (starting at $56,440, 5-star NHTSA, 23-27 MPG / 27 MPG (Plug-In Hybrid)); and 2026 Lincoln Aviator (starting at $56,910, 5-star NHTSA, 20-21 MPG). Each page on this site covers the same data sources so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
How much does a 2026 Kia EV9 cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Kia EV9 include about $933 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $71 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,004 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Kia EV9 electric?
Yes, the 2026 Kia EV9 is a fully electric vehicle. It offers 305 mi range. Electric vehicles have no direct fuel costs but do use electricity. See our All electric vehicles 2026 list.
Where is Kia based?
Kia is a South Korea-based automaker. The 2026 Kia EV9 may be assembled in a different country than where Kia is headquartered. Check the window sticker or VIN decoder for the specific assembly location of any individual vehicle. See our South Korea-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Kia models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Kia model on this site has its own fact sheet covering available safety, fuel, reliability, cost, and recall data. Visit our Kia models page for the full lineup.
What is the real-world charging cost for the 2026 Kia EV9?
EPA estimates the 2026 Kia EV9's annual energy cost based on national average electricity rates. Actual cost depends on your local utility rate and whether you charge at home or at public stations. See the fuel economy section above for the EPA estimate.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.