MODEL COMPARISON

2025 Kia EV9 vs 2025 Kia Telluride

In this 3 row SUV comparison, we’ll take a look at the award-winning 2025 Kia Telluride and its newest rival, the 2025 Kia EV9. Can the EV9 hope to compete with the Telluride’s reputation for practicality, spaciousness, affordability, and comfort?

VIEW INVENTORY

What’s the Best Family SUV in Phoenix?

At Kia, there are two major competitors vying for the title of best family SUV. The well-known, proven Telluride and the newer, ground-breaking EV9 are similar in size, but how are they different? Here’s what shoppers need to know.

Size and Spaciousness

Classified as mid-size SUVs, both the Telluride and the EV9 provide ample space for passengers and cargo. As you can see from this list, the Telluride is extremely spacious.

Seating: 8 (7 alt)
2nd-row Legroom: 42.4 in
3rd-row Legroom: 31.4 in
Cargo Hold: 21 cu ft
Cargo Space Behind 2nd Row: 46 cu ft
Cargo Space Behind 1st Row (seats down): 87 cu ft

While exact specifications may vary depending on trim level, the EV9 electric SUV maintains a sizable interior thanks to its truly flat floor and a longer wheelbase. It ends up with more legroom on the 2nd and 3rd row, but it has slightly less cargo room than the Telluride.

Seating: 7 (6 alt)
2nd-row Legroom: 42.8 in
3rd-row Legroom: 33.9 in
Cargo Hold: 20.2 cu ft
Cargo Space Behind 2nd Row: 45 cu ft
Cargo Space Behind 1st Row (seats down): 81.9 cu ft

Performance and Fuel Economy

When it comes to what's under the hood, the EV9 and Telluride diverge significantly.

EV9 Considerations

With electric power, the Phoenix EV9 driver can expect instant torque and brisk acceleration, characteristics commonly associated with the best electric vehicles. This translates to a more responsive and engaging driving experience, especially in city traffic.

Single Motor: 201 horsepower

Dual Motor: 379 horsepower GT

Edition: 500 horsepower

You can expect a competitive driving range suitable for daily commutes and regional travel. A single charge may cover 258 miles or even 336 miles, depending on the model.

While the Telluride offers decent fuel economy for its size, it won't match the MPGe of the EV9. Fuel efficiency ratings are estimated at 80, 82, 88 or 89 MPG-e in combined driving, depending on the range and drivetrain.

However, access to charging infrastructure will be an important consideration for EV9 owners, especially for longer trips. Learn more about driving range and fuel efficiency in this 2025 Kia EV9 Review.

Telluride Considerations

The Telluride has a refined and powerful V6 engine, delivering smooth performance and ample towing capacity. Drivers command 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

The tow rating may be as much as 5,500 pounds. Plus the X-Pro trim packs equipment that allows for off-road use.

These gas-powered 3-row SUVs have a significant advantage in terms of overall range, estimated as high as 470 miles for front-wheel drive models. This makes it a more suitable choice for those who frequently embark on long road trips or live in areas with limited charging infrastructure. You can learn more in this 2025 Kia Telluride Review.

Styling and Design

These two SUVs each have a distinct visual presence, reflecting different design philosophies. Kia’s electric 3-row SUV embraces a more modern and angular design language, with sharp lines and a bold front fascia. Maintaining a more traditional SUV look, the Telluride has a boxy silhouette and a prominent grille.

The EV9’s futuristic aesthetic is likely to appeal to those who appreciate cutting-edge styling. Its sleek profile is not just about aesthetics; it's also designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency, which is crucial for maximizing range in an electric vehicle.

The Telluride’s athletic-yet-refined design conveys a sense of ruggedness and capability, appealing to those who prefer a classic SUV aesthetic. The Telluride's design has proven to be popular and enduring, suggesting that it will continue to age gracefully in the years to come.

Technology and Features

Both rides are generously equipped with the latest technology and convenience features. Large touchscreens provide top-notch connectivity tools. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offer specialized smartphone integration.

The Telluride has some exclusive features not offered on the EV9 so far. This includes:

Dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system
Rear automatic temperature control

Meanwhile, only the EV9 has these tech tools and toys as standards:

Vehicle-to-load capabilities for appliances or power tools.
LED positioning headlights
Dual 12.3-in screens with 5-in HVAC display
Walk-in Switch Front Passenger Seat
Ventilated Front Seats (available on Telluride)
Finger Print Authentication

Driver Assistance and Safety

The two models have a long list of driver assistance standards. However, the EV9 has the most advanced versions of these features. Fortunately all of these upgrades are available on the Telluride.

Forward Autobrake: EV9 adds junction turning, lane change tech.
Blind Spot Monitoring: EV9 adds active assistance.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: EV9 adds automatic rear braking.
Highway Driving Assist 1.5: EV9 upgrades to 2.0 system.
Navigation-based Adaptive Cruise Control-Curve: EV9 adds machine learning capabilities.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between the EV9 and Telluride will depend on your driving needs, priorities, and lifestyle. Both of these family SUVs have earned national awards, confirming their intrinsic value.

If you're ready to embrace the electric revolution and prioritize performance and sustainability, the EV9 is a compelling option. However, if you prefer the familiarity and extended range of a gasoline engine, the Telluride remains an excellent choice.

Earnhardt Peoria Kia is home to both of these excellent 3 row SUVs. We are also home to No Bull prices, competitive financing offers, and dedicated customer service.

Schedule a test drive of the EV9 or the Telluride at your Phoenix Kia dealer.

Most new vehicles include an “Earnhardt Protection Package” inclusive of highly-demanded, popular items designed to protect your investment such as lifetime window tint, door-edge guards and (for some vehicles) floor-mats. Price/cost of the “Earnhardt Protection Package” will range from $999 to $1,294 at this dealership for Cars, Vans, CUVs and SUVs ($999 window tint & door-edge guards as well as $295 floor mats, where applicable). Actual vehicle sale price and payments may vary for various reasons - including but not limited to - applicable manufacturer rebates, special limited time offers, dealer incentives, taxes, fees, and buyer's credit qualifications, dealer installed accessories, market product (or vehicle) scarcity and $599.00 dealer doc fee. Must qualify for some offers. Some offers may not be available with special financing, lease and some other offers. Financing on approved credit for well qualified buyers.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on our website, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Dealer cannot be held liable for data that may be listed incorrectly. While we make every effort to ensure the data listed here is correct, there may be instances where some of the factory rebates, rates, incentives, options or vehicle features may be listed incorrectly as we receive data from multiple data sources. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Not responsible for typographical errors. Equipment added by the dealer or the purchaser will increase the overall transaction amount.

Any MPG listed is based on model year EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, battery pack age/condition (hybrid only) and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-phev-label.shtml

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APR based on Kia Motors Financing, on approved credit.

Max payload/towing estimate ratings shown.

Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload/towing weights. See dealer for details.

2025 Kia EV9 vs Telluride