Chevrolet Traverse 71·Kia EV9 70on the MotiveGrid Score·Kia 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.
Metric
Chevrolet Traverse
Kia EV9
MotiveGrid Score
71
70
Cost of Ownership
63
65
Powertrain
57
59
Driver Assistance
22
32
Livability
58
43
Safety
97
97
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
Horsepower
328 hp
215 hp
MPG (combined)
21 mpg
—
Electric range
—
230 mi
Cargo volume
22.9 cu ft
20.2 cu ft
Seating
7
7
Drivetrain
AWD
RWD
Gas
2026$43,300
MSRP
$43,300
Mo · 5yr
$1,060
$63,572 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
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 →
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.
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.