Head-to-head · vehicle level

Chevrolet Traverse vs. Kia EV9

Chevrolet Traverse 71Kia EV9 70on the MotiveGrid ScoreKia EV9 about $1,525 less over 5 years
The verdict

The 2026 Kia EV9 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,525 less over five years, with lower upkeep over time. The Chevrolet Traverse counters with more power (328 vs 215 hp).

Go with the Kia EV9 for the better long-term value; consider the Chevrolet Traverse if you prioritize stronger acceleration.

Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates

Chevrolet Traverse vs. Kia EV9

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Chevrolet Traverse versus 2026 Kia EV9.
MetricChevrolet TraverseKia EV9
MotiveGrid Score7170
Cost of Ownership6365
Powertrain5759
Driver Assistance2232
Livability5843
Safety9797
5-Year Cost to Own$63,572$62,047
Depreciation (5-yr)$24,032$29,426
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)$16,036$5,770
Insurance (5-yr)$11,185$13,110
Maintenance (5-yr)$2,490$1,015
Tires (5-yr)$2,150$2,450
Financing (5-yr)$6,515$8,260
Registration (5-yr)$1,165$2,015
Starting Price$43,300$54,900
Horsepower328 hp215 hp
MPG (combined)21 mpg
Electric range230 mi
Cargo volume22.9 cu ft20.2 cu ft
Seating77
DrivetrainAWDRWD
Gas
2026$43,300
2026 Chevrolet Traverse in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$43,300
Mo · 5yr
$1,060
$63,572 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Electric
2026$54,900
   in three-quarter front view
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 →

Chevrolet Traverse scores higher overall.

Chevrolet Traverse
0
/ 100
Kia EV9
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Traverse
63
EV9
65
Winner: EV9
$1,525 cheaper / 5 yrs
Low maintenance cost
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Traverse
57
EV9
59
Winner: EV9
+2 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Traverse
22
EV9
32
Winner: EV9
+10 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Traverse
58
EV9
43
Winner: Traverse
+15 pts
Roomy cabin and cargo
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Traverse
97
EV9
97
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

Kia EV9 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,525 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.

Chevrolet Traverse still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.

Daily commuter
Kia EV9
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Kia EV9
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Chevrolet Traverse
Slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Kia EV9
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Chevrolet Traverse
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 Traverse
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,060
$63,572 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,060/mo
Kia EV9
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,034
$62,047 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,034/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Kia EV9 recoups its $11,600 price premium in 4.9 years ($2,348/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04

Frequently asked questions

Kia EV9 comes out about $1,525 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.

Where these rank

Browse all MotiveGrid rankings →

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