Chevrolet Tahoe 61·Kia EV9 70on the MotiveGrid Score·Kia EV9 about $22,385 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Kia EV9 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $22,385 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Chevrolet Tahoe counters with more cargo room (25.5 vs 20.2 cu ft) and more power (355 vs 215 hp).
Go with the Kia EV9 for the better long-term value; consider the Chevrolet Tahoe if you prioritize more cargo space and stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Chevrolet Tahoe vs. Kia EV9
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe versus 2026 Kia EV9.
Metric
Chevrolet Tahoe
Kia EV9
MotiveGrid Score
61
70
Cost of Ownership
44
65
Powertrain
52
59
Driver Assistance
22
32
Livability
60
43
Safety
87
97
5-Year Cost to Own
$84,431
$62,047
Depreciation (5-yr)
$34,508
$29,426
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$19,884
$5,770
Insurance (5-yr)
$13,500
$13,110
Maintenance (5-yr)
$3,090
$1,015
Tires (5-yr)
$2,150
$2,450
Financing (5-yr)
$9,705
$8,260
Registration (5-yr)
$1,595
$2,015
Starting Price
$64,500
$54,900
Horsepower
355 hp
215 hp
MPG (combined)
17 mpg
—
Electric range
—
230 mi
Cargo volume
25.5 cu ft
20.2 cu ft
Seating
8
7
Towing capacity
8,400 lbs
—
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
Gas
2026$64,500
MSRP
$64,500
Mo · 5yr
$1,407
$84,431 / 5 years
Best on balance
Electric
2026$54,900
MSRP
$54,900
Mo · 5yr
$1,034
$62,047 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Kia EV9 scores higher overall.
Chevrolet Tahoe
0
/ 100
Kia EV9
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Tahoe
44
EV9
65
Winner: EV9
$22,385 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Tahoe
52
EV9
59
Winner: EV9
+7 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Tahoe
22
EV9
32
Winner: EV9
+10 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Tahoe
60
EV9
43
Winner: Tahoe
+17 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Kia EV9 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $22,385 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Chevrolet Tahoe still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Kia EV9
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Kia EV9
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Kia EV9
Stronger safety
Highway driver
Kia EV9
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Kia EV9
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Charging mix
Chevrolet Tahoe
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,407
$84,431 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,407/mo
Kia EV9
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,034
$62,047 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,034/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Kia EV9 comes out about $22,385 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.