Kia EV9 vs Rivian R1S
Verdict: 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.
How we scored it
Spec verificationOwner sentimentLive pricing (4h refresh)Editorial review
Our methodology
Winner: Kia EV9
Kia EV9: 8.3/10
Rivian R1S: 7.2/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| 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 |
Kia EV9
What works
- 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
What doesn't
- 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
What works
- 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
What doesn't
- 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
Bottom line
Our pick: Kia EV9.
View full comparison on GoodPickr
Related Comparisons
- Rivian R1T (Dual Motor) vs Ford F-150 Lightning Extended Range
- Tesla Cybertruck (All-Wheel Drive) vs Rivian R1T (Dual-Motor)
- Ford F-150 Lightning vs Rivian R1T
- Tesla Cybertruck vs Rivian R1T
- Tesla Model Y vs Rivian R1S
- Tesla Model X vs Rivian R1S
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs Kia EV6
- ProtonVPN vs Mullvad
- Arc Browser vs Chrome
- Surfshark vs NordVPN
- Authy vs Google Authenticator
- NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
People also compared
- Tesla Model Y vs Rivian R1S Vehicles
- Tesla Model X vs Rivian R1S Vehicles
- Rivian R1S vs Tesla Model Y Vehicles
GoodPickr · Data-backed product comparisons