Head-to-head
2025 Kia EV9 vs 2025 Toyota Highlander
The Kia EV9 wins clearly, 87.2 to 78, on fuel & range, tech & comfort. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on price and performance.
C
2025 Kia EV9
The 2025 Kia EV9 is sold in the U.S. as an electric large SUV with 4 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the EV9 Long Range RWD, is EPA-rated a…
vs
C2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 5 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Highlander Hybrid …
Verdict · default weights
2025 Kia EV9
Clear winThe Kia EV9 wins clearly, 87.2 to 78, on fuel & range, tech & comfort. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on price and performance.
Fuel & range 2025 Kia EV9 leads by 69.6
Tech & comfort 2025 Kia EV9 leads by 41.3
Price 2025 Toyota Highlander leads by 28
| Category · weight | 2025 Kia EV9overall 87.2 | 2025 Toyota Highlanderoverall 78 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 72 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 30.4 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 85.1 | 84.9 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 92.8 | 98.2 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 77.9 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 58.7 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 87.2 | 78 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Kia EV9: base trim Light RWD · Toyota Highlander: base trim LE FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2025 Kia EV9 wins
- It is rated 89 combined against 25 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It lists 48 standard driver-assist features against 23.
- It costs $1,850 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($850 against $2,700).
Where the 2025 Toyota Highlander answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (11 against 21 filed with NHTSA).
- It starts $15,380 lower ($39,520 against $54,900 base MSRP).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
54 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $54,900 | $39,520 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | — | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | — | 4 |
| Engine displacement | — | 2,393 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), Single Rear Electric Motor | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged DOHC |
| Fuel injection system | — | D-4S |
| Valve configuration | — | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 215 hp | 265 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 99 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 88 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 77 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 13.16:1 | 3.329 |
| Transmission speeds | — | 8 |
| Transmission type | Single-speed direct drive | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 7 in | 8 in |
| Overall height | 68.9 in | 68.1 in |
| Overall length | 197 in | 195 in |
| Overall width | 77.9 in | 76 in |
| Wheelbase | 122 in | 112 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 81.7 cu-ft | 84.3 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 43.5 cu-ft | 48.4 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 3rd row | 20.2 cu-ft | 16 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 159 cu-ft | 142 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 7 | 8 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 41.2 in | 41.2 in |
| Second-row headroom | 39.8 in | 39.4 in |
| Third-row headroom | 39.5 in | 36.1 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.4 in | 42 in |
| Second-row legroom | 42.8 in | 38.7 in |
| Third-row legroom | 30.8 in | 28 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 5,093 lbs | 4,155 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 5,093 lbs | 4,155 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 6,415 lbs | 5,870 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | MacPherson Strut + Dual Lower Arm Type | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar; trailing-wishbone |
| Rear suspension type | 5-Link Multi-Link Rear Suspension | Multi-link with stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Rack & Pinion - Rack Mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) | Electric Power Steering (EPS); power-assisted rack-and-pinion |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 20.3 ft | 18.7 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 361 mm | 338 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | 345 mm | 338 mm |
| Rear brake type | ventilated disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 19 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | forged alloy | alloy |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | — | P235/65R18 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | — | 17.9 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | — | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | — | Toyota Safety Connect / Drive Connect / Remote Connect / Service Connect / Wi-Fi Connect |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 12 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 120 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 61.6 in | 59 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 60 in | 58.7 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 55 in | 55 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
178 features · differences first, then sharedSafety41 differ · 56 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) | std | — |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2 with Car, Cyclist and Pedestrian Detection (FCA 2) | std | — |
| Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) | std | — |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | std | — |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist - Junction Crossing (FCA-JC) | std | — |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist - Junction Turning (FCA-JT) | std | — |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist - Lane change Oncoming (FCA-LO) | std | — |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist - Lane change Side (FCA-LS) | std | — |
| Lane Following Assist (LFA 2) | std | — |
| Dual front advanced airbags | std | — |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist - Evasive Steering Assist (FCA with ESA) | std | — |
| Front center airbag | std | — |
| Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control-Curve (N-SCC-C) | std | — |
| Downhill Brake Control (DBC) | std | — |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) | std | — |
| Dual rear seat-mounted side airbags | std | — |
| Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) | std | — |
| Parking Distance Warning - Forward (PDW-F) | std | — |
| Parking Distance Warning - Reverse (PDW-R) | std | — |
| Safe Exit Assist (SEA) | std | — |
| Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) | std | — |
| 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions; driver's-side Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractor (ALR/ELR) on all passenger seatbelts | — | std |
| Adjustable front seatbelt shoulder anchors and driver and front passenger seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters | — | std |
| Backup camera with projected path | — | std |
| Burglar Alarm | std | — |
| Child-protector rear door locks and power window lockout control | — | std |
| Driver and front passenger seatbelt warning | — | std |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | std | — |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist - Direct Oncoming (FCA-DO) | std | — |
| Front and rear 3-point seat belts | std | — |
| Front seat-belt pretensioners | std | — |
| Height-adjustable front seat-belts | std | — |
| Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) | std | — |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors and tethers on outboard second-row seats and tether anchor on middle of second- and third-row seats | — | std |
| Rear Cross-traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) | std | — |
| Rear Occupant Alert (Door Logic) | std | — |
| Rear passenger seatbelt reminder | — | std |
| Smart Cruise Control - Machine Learning (SCC-ML) | std | — |
| Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF) | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) | — | std |
| Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) | std | — |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) | std | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | std | std |
| Backup camera with projected path / Backup camera with dynamic gridlines | std | std |
| Eight airbags — driver airbag, front passenger airbag, driver knee airbag, seat cushion airbag (passenger), front side airbags, curtain shield airbags | std | std |
| Eight airbags — driver airbag, front passenger airbag, driver knee airbag, seat cushion airbag (passenger), front side airbags, curtain shield airbags | std | std |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) | std | std |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) | std | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | std | std |
| Eight airbags — driver airbag, front passenger airbag, driver knee airbag, seat cushion airbag (passenger), front side airbags, curtain shield airbags | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | std | std |
| Star Safety System™ — includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and Smart Stop Technology® (SST) | std | std |
| Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ — Automatic High Beams (AHB) | std | std |
| Anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) (individual tires) | std | std |
Infotainment13 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 8 speaker sound system with amp and Passenger Talk | std | — |
| 12.3-inch color TFT display unit with navigation (integrated with IP), AM/FM/MP3, HD Radio, SiriusXM Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Voice Recognition and telematics (modem type) | std | — |
| 6-speaker audio system | — | std |
| 8.0-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | — | std |
| Auxiliary USB Terminal | std | — |
| Drive Connect — includes Cloud Navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey, Toyota, and Destination Assist | — | std |
| Fast Charging USB (x6), 2 in each row | std | — |
| Kia Connect Store | std | — |
| Over the Air (OTA) updates | std | — |
| Remote Connect — remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app via your smartwatch | — | std |
| Safety Connect® — includes Emergency Assistance button, enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator | — | std |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports | — | std |
| Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (Controls regenerative braking) | std | — |
| Wi-Fi Connect — includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Apple Music® and Amazon Music) compatibility | std | std |
Convenience11 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Power liftgate | std | — |
| 12 Volt DC Outlet (1st row/Cargo Area, Driver Side) | std | — |
| Digital Key system 2.0 | std | — |
| Finger Print Module (FPM), tied to Digital Key | std | — |
| Five USB ports (one USB-A media port and four USB-C charging ports) and two 12V outlets | — | std |
| Height-adjustable power liftgate with jam protection | — | std |
| Power door locks with shift-linked automatic lock/unlock feature | — | std |
| Power hood latch/release with gas lift shocks | std | — |
| Power windows with auto up/down and safety feature (All 4) | std | — |
| Power windows with auto up/down in all positions and jam protection | — | std |
| Central door lock | std | — |
| Smart Key System on front doors and liftgate with Push Button Start, remote keyless entry system with lock, unlock, panic and liftgate functions; and remote illuminated entry | std | std |
Climate3 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Roof mounted, Rear HVAC vents | std | — |
| Air filter (Cabin) | std | — |
| Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) Heater | std | — |
| Three-zone automatic climate control with air filter, separate second-row control panel, individual temperature settings for driver, front passenger and rear-seat passengers, and second- and third-row vents | std | std |
Seating13 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd row 60/40 folding bench seats | std | — |
| Full SynTex seating | std | — |
| Heated and ventilated front seats | std | — |
| Heated front seats | std | — |
| 2nd row one-touch, fold and slide functions | std | — |
| 2nd row one-touch, tilt and slide functions (Passenger RH Side) | std | — |
| 3rd row 50/50 folding seats | std | — |
| 7-passenger configuration | std | — |
| 8-passenger seating with 60/40 split, sliding and reclining fold-flat second-row bench seats; 60/40 split, fold-flat third-row seats with sliding headrests and recline function | — | std |
| 8-way Power adjustable Driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support | std | — |
| 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | std | — |
| Fabric-trimmed front- and second-row seats; 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat; 4-way manual-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| Front passenger seat Walk-In switch | std | — |
| Fabric-trimmed front- and second-row seats; 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat; 4-way manual-adjustable front passenger seat | std | std |
Interior25 differ · 25 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal garage door opener | std | — |
| 12.3-inch color TFT IP cluster with 5-inch HVAC display | std | — |
| 14 cup/bottle holders | — | std |
| 1st row center console with cupholders | std | — |
| 2nd row fixed console | std | — |
| 7-in. color LCD Multi-Information Display (MID) with odometer, trip/average fuel economy, cruising range, average speed, AWD torque distribution (AWD models only), cruise control guide, audio details, hands-free incoming call notices, telephone information | — | std |
| Black interior door handles | — | std |
| Conventional glove box | std | — |
| Digital clock | — | std |
| Leather-trimmed shift knob and tilt/telescopic leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio, Multi-Information Display (MID), Bluetooth® hands-free phone, voice command, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Steering Assist (LSA) and multimedia information controls | — | std |
| LED Frunk light | std | — |
| LED Map light | std | — |
| LED Room light | std | — |
| Overhead console with conversation mirror, sunglasses storage and map lights | — | std |
| Rear seat center armrest with cupholders | std | — |
| Silver-painted dashboard trim and painted door trim | — | std |
| Soft-touch in-dash split-level shelf | — | std |
| Soft-touch roll-top center console with removable utility tray | — | std |
| Syntex wrapped steering wheel | std | — |
| Day/night rearview mirror | — | std |
| Tilt and telescoping steering column | std | — |
| Dual sun visors with sliding function and illuminated vanity mirrors | — | std |
| Front seatback pockets | std | — |
| LED Cargo light | std | — |
| Plastic scuff plates | std | — |
Exterior35 differ · 40 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators, power folding, reverse tilt-down with memory feature, and puddle lights with integrated Highlander logo | std | — |
| 18-in. painted alloy wheels and P235/65R18 tires | — | std |
| 19-inch Alloy wheels | std | — |
| Acoustic noise-reducing front side windows | std | — |
| Acoustic windshield | std | — |
| Aero windshield wipers, front | std | — |
| Black-painted front grille with silver-painted surround | — | std |
| Body-color outside mirrors | std | — |
| Body-color, auto/powered flush type outside door handles | std | — |
| Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators, and manual folding feature | — | std |
| Color-keyed side rocker panels and lower molding | — | std |
| Gloss black DLO upper beltline and A/B/C pillars | std | — |
| Hidden rear wipers | std | — |
| High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass on front side windows | — | std |
| Hyper silver metal paint bumper garnish | std | — |
| Hyper silver metal paint front and rear skid plates | std | — |
| LED fog lights | — | std |
| LED positioning headlamps | std | — |
| Matte black active aero flaps | std | — |
| Matte black air intake and bumper garnish | std | — |
| Matte black lower door garnish | std | — |
| Outside mirrors with turn signal and blind spot warning indicators | — | std |
| Rain-sensing washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear wiper | std | — |
| Rear liftgate windshield washer and backup camera washer | — | std |
| Rear lower bumper in material black | — | std |
| Rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop light | — | std |
| Satin chrome DLO lower beltline | std | — |
| Tire Mobility Kit (TMK) | std | — |
| Washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear wiper | — | std |
| Windshield wiper de-icer | — | std |
| Auto Light Control headlights | std | — |
| Rear liftgate windshield defogger | — | std |
| Solar windshield and front door glass | std | — |
| Rear spoiler with LED High Mounted Stop Lamp | std | — |
| Spare Tire/Wheel: Temporary | — | std |
| LED projector headlights | std | std |
| Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors | std | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | std |
| LED taillights | std | std |
| Privacy glass on rear side, quarter and liftgate windows | std | std |
Powertrain11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) | — | std |
| Battery heating system | std | — |
| Drive modes (Eco/Normal/Sport/My Drive) | std | — |
| In-cable control box (ICCB) | std | — |
| On-board charger (OBC) | std | — |
| Power charge port, illuminated | std | — |
| Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) | std | — |
| Regenerative Braking System | std | — |
| Shift-by-Wire gear selector | std | — |
| Single Electric Motor | std | — |
| Virtual Engine Sound | std | — |
Chassis1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Rack Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (R-MDPS) | std | — |
Cargo1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Towing hitch | opt | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPKia EV9
Safety Signal 76 C
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 4
Owner complaints 21 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Wheels (4), Electrical System (4), Power Train (3)
Top recalls
- high Air Bags 26V545000 · 21,290 vehicles
- high Power Train 25V115000 · 342 vehicles
- high Seats 24V962000 · 22,883 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 24V757000 · 14,163 vehicles
Toyota Highlander
Safety Signal 77 C
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 4
Owner complaints 11 · 2 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Vehicle Speed Control (3), Forward Collision Avoidance (3), Unspecified (2)
Top recalls
- high Seats 26V128000 · 686,588 vehicles
- high Seat Belts 25V872000 · 39 vehicles
- moderate Back Over Prevention 25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
- moderate Electrical System 25V595000 · 591,377 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderLE FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54,900 (base trim) | $39,520 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $54,900 – $73,900 5 trims | $39,520 – $53,675 13 trims |
| Powertrains | BEV | HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | EV9 Long Range RWD | Highlander |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 89 | 25 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $850 | $2,700 |
| EV range | 304 mi | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | 2 yr |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2025 Kia EV9 or the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
The Kia EV9 wins clearly, 87.2 to 78, on fuel & range, tech & comfort. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on price and performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2025 Kia EV9 scores 87.2 and the 2025 Toyota Highlander 78. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2025 Kia EV9 or the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander starts lower — $39,520 against $54,900, a gap of $15,380 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2025 Kia EV9 or the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
2025 Kia EV9: 5 NHTSA stars, grade C, 4 recalls. 2025 Toyota Highlander: 5 NHTSA stars, grade C, 4 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2025 Kia EV9 and the 2025 Toyota Highlander?
Where the 2025 Kia EV9 wins: it is rated 89 combined against 25 (EPA mpg or MPGe), lists 48 standard driver-assist features against 23, and costs $1,850 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($850 against $2,700). Where the 2025 Toyota Highlander answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (11 against 21 filed with NHTSA) and starts $15,380 lower ($39,520 against $54,900 base MSRP). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars.