If you need a genuinely usable three-row electric SUV, there are only a handful of options. The Kia EV9 and Rivian R1S are the two most compelling in 2026. The EV9 starts around $54,900 and puts 800V fast charging and a real third row into a price that families can actually justify. The R1S starts at $79,900, adds 7,700 lbs of towing, off-road hardware, and a more premium build. Both seat seven adults. Few other EVs can say the same.
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 wins on price, charging architecture, and daily-use practicality. The Rivian R1S wins on towing, off-road capability, and interior quality. If you need to pull a trailer or explore trails, Rivian. If you need to move a family of six on a budget that won't require a second mortgage, Kia.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | Kia EV9 | Rivian R1S |
|---|---|---|
| EPA Range | 304 mi (LR AWD) | 321 mi (Large Pack) |
| Charging Architecture | 800V | 400V |
| Peak DC Charging | 239 kW | 220 kW |
| Tow Rating | 5,000 lb | 7,700 lb |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 in | 14.9 in (air) |
| Third-Row Legroom | 33.7 in | ~32 in |
| Cargo (behind 3rd row) | 20 cu ft | 16 cu ft |
| Starting MSRP | ~$54,900 | ~$79,900 |
Third-Row Usability: Both Deliver
The EV9's third row offers 33.7 inches of legroom — enough for adults under about 6'0" on trips up to two hours. Entry is via a power-folding second row, and the gap is wide enough that adults don't feel like they're crawling in. On a seven-passenger family road trip, this is a workable vehicle.
The R1S third row is slightly tighter on legroom than the EV9 but sits higher relative to the floor, which some adults find more comfortable than a low-slung position. Rivian's advantage is access — the third-row door opening is larger on the R1S, and the vehicle's height makes boarding more natural for older passengers or children in car seats.
Cargo space behind the third row favors the EV9: 20 cubic feet versus the R1S's 16 cubic feet. With all seats folded, the EV9 offers 114 cubic feet versus the R1S's 104.7. Either way, both have enough space for airport runs with all seven occupants plus luggage.
800V Charging vs Rivian's 220 kW Network
The EV9 uses Hyundai/Kia's 800V architecture — the same platform in the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and EV6. At a 350 kW Electrify America station, it accepts up to 239 kW, adding 100 miles in about 9 minutes at peak. For a vehicle this large (over 5,700 lbs), that charging speed is impressive. The R1S uses a 400V system that peaks at 220 kW — slower ceiling, more susceptible to thermal management throttling on consecutive charges.
Practical network access has equalized significantly. The EV9 has NACS on 2025+ models (Supercharger access). The R1S also has NACS on 2025+ models. Both vehicles can now reach Superchargers, Electrify America, and ChargePoint stations. The EV9's 800V advantage manifests at Electrify America's 350 kW stations — the Rivian can't match that charging rate even on the same hardware.
Towing and Off-Road
The Rivian R1S tows 7,700 lbs. The Kia EV9 tows 5,000 lbs. If you pull a boat over 4,500 lbs, a horse trailer, or a large travel trailer, the R1S is the only one of these two that qualifies. The EV9's 5,000 lb rating is solid for a three-row SUV and handles most camping trailers.
Off-road is an R1S domain by design. Its air suspension, 14.9-inch clearance, and quad-motor option were engineered for trails. The EV9 has a standard suspension and 8.3 inches of ground clearance. On light gravel roads and mild trails it performs fine, but the R1S is genuinely capable off-pavement in ways the EV9 never claims to be.
Price and Value
The EV9 Light Long Range starts at $54,900. With the $7,500 federal tax credit (which the EV9 typically qualifies for under IRA rules), the effective price approaches $47,000 for a three-row EV that seats seven adults and charges at 239 kW. The R1S starts at $79,900 — a $25,000+ premium. Both are well-equipped at their respective entry trims.
The R1S justifies its premium through towing capacity, off-road hardware, and a more premium interior build. If those capabilities are genuinely needed, the premium is appropriate. If the EV9 covers 95% of your real-world use cases, spending $25,000 more for truck-grade capability that sits idle is hard to defend.
Kia EV9 Strengths
- Starts at $54,900 — roughly $25K less than R1S; $7,500 credit typically applies
- 800V architecture: 239 kW peak charging, less throttling on back-to-back sessions
- 20 cu ft cargo behind third row vs R1S's 16 cu ft
- Three rows that seat seven adults at a mainstream family-SUV price
Rivian R1S Strengths
- 7,700 lb tow rating vs EV9's 5,000 lb
- 14.9-inch air suspension clearance; quad-motor off-road capability
- More premium interior quality and materials relative to EV9's more conventional fit
- Gear tunnel: 100L lockable pass-through storage
Kia EV9 Weaknesses
- 5,000 lb tow rating limits serious trailer and boat buyers
- 8.3 inches of ground clearance — conventional SUV, not off-road capable
- Interior materials match the price but don't reach R1S's premium feel
Rivian R1S Weaknesses
- Starts at $79,900 — $25K+ over EV9 entry trim
- 220 kW peak DC charging vs EV9's 239 kW on 800V architecture
- Less cargo space behind third row: 16 cu ft vs EV9's 20 cu ft
Best For
- Kia EV9 Families who need seven real adult seats and want 800V fast charging without crossing $80,000
- Rivian R1S Active families who need to tow a real trailer or explore trails — the capability differential over the EV9 is genuine
FAQ
Is the EV9 better than the Ioniq 7 or should I wait?
As of 2026, the Ioniq 7 has not entered production in the US market. The EV9 is the Hyundai Motor Group's three-row EV that's actually available. If Ioniq 7 availability changes, the E-GMP platform and 800V charging architecture will be shared.
Does the Kia EV9 have a frunk?
Yes — a small 2.6 cubic foot frunk under the hood. It's useful for cables and small items but not a meaningful cargo space. The Rivian R1S frunk is 11 cubic feet, substantially more useful.