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

MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda Pilot versus 2026 Kia EV9.
MetricHonda PilotKia EV9
MotiveGrid Score7070
Cost of Ownership7165
Powertrain6059
Driver Assistance4332
Livability5343
Safety7597
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
Horsepower285 hp215 hp
MPG (combined)22 mpg
Electric range230 mi
Cargo volume18.6 cu ft20.2 cu ft
Seating87
DrivetrainFWDRWD
Gas
2026$42,395
2026 Honda Pilot SUV in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$42,395
Mo · 5yr
$974
$58,449 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Electric
2026$54,900
   in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$54,900
Mo · 5yr
$1,034
$62,047 / 5 years
Best on balance
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.
Pilot
71
EV9
65
Winner: Pilot
$3,598 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Pilot
60
EV9
59
Winner: Pilot
+1 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Pilot
43
EV9
32
Winner: Pilot
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Pilot
53
EV9
43
Winner: Pilot
+10 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Pilot
75
EV9
97
Winner: EV9
+22 pts
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
Full standard crash-avoidance suite
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

Honda Pilot comes out about $3,598 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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