2026 Kia EV9 vs 2026 Toyota Highlander:
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
The Kia EV9 holds a modest edge in overall safety (97 vs 93), reflecting slightly stronger crash-avoidance equipment or crash-test performance. Both vehicles are evenly matched on the 4 core crash-avoidance technologies. The Kia EV9 achieves a higher IIHS designation (Top Safety Pick+ vs Not awarded). Overall, the Kia EV9 has the stronger safety package, leading on 1 of 6 measured features versus 0 for the Toyota Highlander (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 Kia EV9 vs Toyota Highlander)
Crash test ratings(1–0–1)
(Wins–Losses–Ties for Kia EV9 vs Toyota Highlander)
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 Kia EV9 vs Toyota Highlander comparison — all five pillars including cost of ownership, powertrain, driver assistance, and livability: