Head-to-head · vehicle level
Honda Pilot vs. Kia EV9
Honda Pilot 70Kia EV9 70on the MotiveGrid ScoreHonda Pilot about $3,598 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda Pilot is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,598 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Honda Pilot is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda Pilot vs. Kia EV9
| Metric | Honda Pilot | Kia EV9 |
|---|---|---|
| MotiveGrid Score | 70 | 70 |
| Cost of Ownership | 71 | 65 |
| Powertrain | 60 | 59 |
| Driver Assistance | 43 | 32 |
| Livability | 53 | 43 |
| Safety | 75 | 97 |
| 5-Year Cost to Own | $58,449 | $62,047 |
| Depreciation (5-yr) | $20,816 | $29,426 |
| Fuel / Energy (5-yr) | $15,304 | $5,770 |
| Insurance (5-yr) | $10,865 | $13,110 |
| Maintenance (5-yr) | $1,790 | $1,015 |
| Tires (5-yr) | $2,150 | $2,450 |
| Financing (5-yr) | $6,379 | $8,260 |
| Registration (5-yr) | $1,145 | $2,015 |
| Starting Price | $42,395 | $54,900 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 215 hp |
| MPG (combined) | 22 mpg | — |
| Electric range | — | 230 mi |
| Cargo volume | 18.6 cu ft | 20.2 cu ft |
| Seating | 8 | 7 |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
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 →
Honda Pilot
0
/ 100
Kia EV9
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Winner: Pilot
$3,598 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Winner: Pilot
+1 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Winner: Pilot
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Winner: Pilot
+10 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
02
Which vehicle is right for you
🏆
Honda Pilot is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,598 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Kia EV9 still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Kia EV9
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda Pilot
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Kia EV9
Much stronger safety with marginally more cargo space
Highway driver
Honda Pilot
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Honda Pilot
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
Honda Pilot
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$974
$58,449 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$974/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 $12,505 price premium in 6.1 years ($2,062/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Where these rank
- Honda Pilot ranks #3 of 3 in Cheapest 3-Row SUV to Insure.
- Kia EV9 ranks #7 of 10 in Best Electric Vehicles and #7 of 10 in Best EVs Under $55K.

