Head-to-head
2026 Kia EV9 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
The Kia EV9 wins clearly, 90 to 82.4, on fuel & range, tech & comfort. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on price and performance.
B
2026 Kia EV9
The 2026 Kia EV9 is sold in the U.S. as an electric large SUV with 5 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the EV9 Long Range RWD, is EPA-rated a…
vs
A2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas large SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Highlander Hybrid …
Verdict · default weights
2026 Kia EV9
Clear winThe Kia EV9 wins clearly, 90 to 82.4, on fuel & range, tech & comfort. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on price and performance.
Fuel & range 2026 Kia EV9 leads by 57.1
Tech & comfort 2026 Kia EV9 leads by 34.8
Price 2026 Toyota Highlander leads by 17
| Category · weight | 2026 Kia EV9overall 90 | 2026 Toyota Highlanderoverall 82.4 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 83 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 42.9 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 85.2 | 90.6 | |||||||||||||||
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 | 95.3 | 98.2 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 78.7 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 65.2 | |||||||||||||||
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 | 90 | 82.4 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Kia EV9: base trim Light RWD · Toyota Highlander: base trim XLE AWD. 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 2026 Kia EV9 wins
- It lists 48 standard driver-assist features against 12.
- It is rated 89 combined against 35 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It costs $1,050 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($850 against $1,900).
Where the 2026 Toyota Highlander answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (4 against 28 filed with NHTSA).
- It starts $9,330 lower ($45,570 against $54,900 base MSRP).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- 7 seats.
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 HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $54,900 | $45,570 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | — | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | — | 4 |
| Engine displacement | — | 2,393 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), Single Rear Motor, RWD | 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) | 101 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 88 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 76 mpg | 28 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 | 7 |
| 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) | 5,106 lbs | 4,376 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 5,106 lbs | 4,376 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 6,415 lbs | 5,970 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 Connected Services |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | — | 12 months |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 60 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
171 features · differences first, then sharedSafety42 differ · 51 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — |
| Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go (SCC with S&G) | 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 | — |
| Dual front seat-mounted side airbags | std | — |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist - Evasive Steering Assist (FCA with ESA) | std | — |
| Front center airbag | std | — |
| Full-length side curtain airbags | std | — |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | std | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) | std | — |
| Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control-Curve (N-SCC-C) | std | — |
| Rear-view camera | 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 | — |
| Backup camera with projected path | — | std |
| Burglar Alarm | std | — |
| Driver's knee airbag | 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 | — |
| High Beam Assist (HBA) | std | — |
| Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) | std | — |
| Rear Cross-traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) | std | — |
| Rear Occupant Alert (Door Logic) | 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 |
| Traction Control (TRAC) | — | std |
| Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) | std | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | std | std |
| Downhill Assist Control (DAC) | std | std |
| Trailer Sway Control (TSC) | std | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | 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 |
| Anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) (individual tires) | std | std |
Infotainment17 differ · 19 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Assistance Button (SOS) | — | std |
| Stolen Vehicle Locator | — | std |
| 8 speaker sound system with amp and Passenger Talk | 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 |
| 12.3-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatibility, USB media port, four USB charge ports, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology, SiriusXM® with 3-month trial subscription | — | opt |
| 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 |
| Five USB ports (one USB-A media port and four USB-C charging ports) and two 12V outlets | — | std |
| Kia Connect Store | std | — |
| Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging with charge indicator light | — | std |
| Service Connect — receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports | — | std |
| Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (Controls regenerative braking) | std | — |
| Wireless Phone Charger | std | — |
| Wi-Fi Connect — includes AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Apple Music® and Amazon Music) compatibility | std | std |
| Over-the-Air (OTA) updates | std | std |
Convenience6 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Key system 2.0 | std | — |
| 12 Volt DC Outlet (1st row/Cargo Area, Driver Side) | std | — |
| Fast Charging USB (x6), 2 in each row | std | — |
| Finger Print Module (FPM), tied to Digital Key | std | — |
| Central door lock | std | — |
| Two 12V outlets | — | std |
| Height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate with jam protection | std | 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 |
| Power windows with auto up/down in all positions and jam protection | std | std |
Climate3 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 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 · 16 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd row 60/40 folding bench seats | std | — |
| Full SynTex seating | std | — |
| Heated and ventilated front seats | std | — |
| 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat including power lumbar support | — | 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 | — |
| 7-passenger seating with second-row fold-down captain's chairs and fold-down inboard armrests, adjustable headrests and two cup holders mounted on the floor; and 60/40 split, fold-flat third-row seats with sliding headrests and recline function | — | 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 | — | opt |
| 8-way Power adjustable Driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support | std | — |
| Front passenger seat Walk-In switch | std | — |
| SofTex®-trimmed front- and second-row seats; heated front seats; 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat including power lumbar support; 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | std | std |
| Heated front seats | std | std |
| 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat | std | std |
Interior18 differ · 19 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3-inch color TFT IP cluster with 5-inch HVAC display | 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 |
| Conventional glove box | std | — |
| LED Frunk light | std | — |
| LED Map light | std | — |
| LED Room light | std | — |
| Rear seat center armrest with cupholders | std | — |
| Second-row sunshades | — | std |
| Silver-painted dashboard trim and painted door trim | — | std |
| Syntex wrapped steering wheel | std | — |
| Dual sun visors with sliding function and illuminated vanity mirrors | — | 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 | — |
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal garage door opener | std | std |
Exterior34 differ · 39 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade and one-touch open/close | — | std |
| 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 | — |
| 19-inch Alloy wheels | std | — |
| Acoustic noise-reducing front side windows | std | — |
| Acoustic windshield | std | — |
| Aero windshield wipers, front | std | — |
| Body-color outside mirrors | std | — |
| Body-color, auto/powered flush type outside door handles | 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 indicators | — | std |
| Power hood latch/release with gas lift shocks | std | — |
| Rain-sensing washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers and intermittent rear wiper | std | — |
| Rear liftgate windshield washer and backup camera washer | — | std |
| Rear spoiler with LED center high-mount stop light | — | std |
| Satin chrome DLO lower beltline | std | — |
| Silver-painted roof rails | — | std |
| Standard front and rear fascia | std | — |
| Tire Mobility Kit (TMK) | std | — |
| Windshield wiper de-icer | — | std |
| Auto Light Control headlights | std | — |
| Rear liftgate windshield defogger | — | std |
| Solar windshield and front door glass | std | — |
| Front and rear mudguards | — | std |
| Rear spoiler with LED High Mounted Stop Lamp | std | — |
| Temporary spare tire/wheel | — | std |
| LED projector headlights | std | std |
| 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 |
Powertrain13 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| All-Wheel Drive | — | std |
| AC Adapter | std | — |
| Battery heating system | std | — |
| DC Adapter*** | opt | — |
| Drive Mode Select — Eco, Normal, Sport modes | std | — |
| Dual-Level In-cable control box (ICCB) | std | — |
| NACS Charge port, illuminated with Powered Door | std | — |
| On-board charger (OBC) | std | — |
| Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) | std | — |
| Regenerative Braking System | std | — |
| Shift-by-Wire gear selector | std | — |
| Single Electric Motor | std | — |
| Virtual Engine Sound | std | — |
Cargo1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 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 89 B
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 2
Owner complaints 28 · 2 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (12), Unspecified (5), Visibility/Wiper (4)
Top recalls
- high Air Bags 26V545000 · 21,290 vehicles
- minor Electrical System 26V046000 · 42,677 vehicles
Toyota Highlander
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★☆
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 4 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Back Over Prevention (1), Visibility/Wiper (1), Power Train (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Kia EV9Light RWD | Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $54,900 (base trim) | $45,570 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $54,900 – $71,900 5 trims | $45,570 – $54,975 7 trims |
| Powertrains | BEV | HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | EV9 Long Range RWD | Highlander Hybrid AWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 89 | 35 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $850 | $1,900 |
| EV range | 305 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 2026 Kia EV9 or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The Kia EV9 wins clearly, 90 to 82.4, on fuel & range, tech & comfort. The Toyota Highlander is ahead on price and performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Kia EV9 scores 90 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander 82.4. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Kia EV9 or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander starts lower — $45,570 against $54,900, a gap of $9,330 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Kia EV9 or the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
2026 Kia EV9: 5 NHTSA stars, grade B, 2 recalls. 2026 Toyota Highlander: 5 NHTSA stars, grade A, 0 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 2026 Kia EV9 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander?
Where the 2026 Kia EV9 wins: it lists 48 standard driver-assist features against 12, is rated 89 combined against 35 (EPA mpg or MPGe), and costs $1,050 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($850 against $1,900). Where the 2026 Toyota Highlander answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (4 against 28 filed with NHTSA) and starts $9,330 lower ($45,570 against $54,900 base MSRP). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars and 7 seats.