2026 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2026 Kia EV9:
Safety comparison — crash avoidance & crash test ratings
Side-by-side comparison of standard crash-avoidance technologies and NHTSA/IIHS crash test ratings. Driver assistance and convenience features are covered in the full comparison.
Quick take
Both vehicles score closely on overall safety (97 vs 97). The difference comes down to individual crash-avoidance features and test ratings. Both vehicles are evenly matched on the 4 core crash-avoidance technologies. The Kia EV9 achieves a higher IIHS designation (Top Safety Pick vs Top Safety Pick+). Overall, the Kia EV9 has the stronger safety package, leading on 1 of 6 measured features versus 0 for the Chevrolet Traverse (5 tied). Check the full comparison for cost of ownership, powertrain, and livability scores — safety is one of five pillars in the MotiveGrid Score.
Crash avoidance(0–0–4)
(Wins–Losses–Ties for Chevrolet Traverse vs Kia EV9)
Crash test ratings(0–1–1)
(Wins–Losses–Ties for Chevrolet Traverse vs Kia EV9)
Data reflects standard equipment at the base MSRP. Optional packages like Ford BlueCruise, GM Super Cruise, and Tesla FSD are not scored (Tesla FSD is the lone curated exception). Crash test data from NHTSA and IIHS. ADAS data verified against manufacturer spec pages.
See the full Chevrolet Traverse vs Kia EV9 comparison — all five pillars including cost of ownership, powertrain, driver assistance, and livability: