For so long, if you wanted an electric vehicle, you checked out Tesla and either Chevrolet or Nissan. Now, that’s all changed, as a slew of new battery-electric models from almost every brand are spread out across dealer lots. The 2025 Kia EV9 and 2025 Rivian R1S are two of the more recent introductions. These two midsize SUVs carry up to seven passengers and offer plenty of range, but they are designed to do different things.
Let’s get a look at these two all-electric 3-row SUVs.
2025 Kia EV9
2024 model shown
The 2025 Kia EV9 is one of the newest options in electric 3-row SUVs. Inspired by the Kia Telluride, its gas-powered sibling, the EV9 features a boxy, contemporary shape. This is a premium look from a mainstream brand.
This look and feel carries over to the inside of the EV9, unlike the spare, simple look of some other electric vehicle cabins. The fit-and-finish is first class, while the seating in all three rows is remarkably comfortable.
The EV9 offers a variety of powertrains, with the base model, dubbed Light, being a 215-horsepower single-motor setup. It’ll take 7.7 seconds to get to 60 mph in that configuration. However, if you move up two levels to the Wind trim, you enjoy a dual motor package that pushes the ponies up to 379 hp. The top-end GT-Line also puts out 379 hp, but the torque is higher at 516 lb-ft, enabling zero-to-60-mph runs in a blistering 4.5 seconds. A high-performance EV9 GT out later in the year will improve on even those numbers, but be hard to find at dealerships. Max range is up to 304 miles. Prices start at $56,395, including destination charge.
Kia EV9 Highlights
Really fast charging: Using a DC fast charger, you can add 149 miles of range in about 15 minutes. The 800-volt system enables the battery to go from 10% to 80% charged in less than 25 minutes, which is as good as it currently gets.
Tech forward: Two 12.3-inch high-resolution displays serve as the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen. This enhances the tech-rich feel of the EV9’s cabin while keeping buttons to a minimum.
Reverse charging: The EV9 offers V2L or vehicle-to-load. It allows the vehicle to provide electricity for other items, like sound or light appliances at a party, or if you watched a certain sentimental commercial after the big game, lights for an outdoor skating rink. The output is in the cargo area.
Read our Kia EV9 Expert Review or see 2025 Kia EV9 models for sale near you.
2025 Rivian R1S
2024 model shown
Initially considered a competitor for Tesla, Rivian’s R1S all-electric SUV is now finally tangling with the Model X and several other EVs, including the aforementioned Kia EV9.
In many ways, what you see is what you get with the R1S. It looks very much like a conventional 3-row SUV, except for the front fascia and its oval, vertically oriented headlights. That distinctive look is likely part of the appeal of the R1S. On the inside, the R1S is to be lauded for its superior craftsmanship as well as its sensible placement and use of technology.
The R1S doesn’t come to play — or perhaps it does? It begins with a 533-hp dual motor setup that allows you to handle almost any situation on or off-road. You can get out of trouble quickly, racing to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. If you move up to the Quad Motor model, that 0-60 mph time drops to just 3 seconds. The R1S has an air suspension with adaptive shock absorbers and an electro-hydraulic roll control system that does away with traditional anti-roll bars. Max range is up to 400 miles. Prices start at $77,700, including destination charge.
Rivian R1S Highlights
Driving modes: Rivian’s All-Purpose driving mode, which drivers will use most of the time, self-adjusts the suspension to suit driving conditions, including lowering the ride height to improve freeway aerodynamics. Also, if you’re concerned about having enough juice to get to a charger, the Conserve mode engages just the front-wheel drive and lowers the ride height.
Off-roader: If you’re looking to head off-roading, the R1S features plenty of underbody production to protect the battery and everything else under the vehicle. It’s a more capable off-roader than the Kia EV9 — especially if you opt for the quad-motor version.
Camping: The R1S can make an excellent campsite with its 3-person roof tent and Camp mode, which levels the SUV’s suspension so you can sleep on top without fear of being off-balance.
Read our Rivian R1S Expert Review or see 2025 Rivian R1S models for sale near you.
Similarities
Alphanumerics aside, the Kia EV9 and Rivian R1S feature boxy, simple-looking exteriors. Max range is good to great, depending on the version of each model. When you upgrade to a loaded Kia EV9, the price becomes similar to a Rivian R1S.
Conclusion
If you want the Rivian R1S, you’ll pay a lot more for it than the Kia EV9 — about $20,000 more to get in the door. The highest-priced EV9 approaches the starting price of the entry-level R1S. Now that Kia provides a NACS charging adaptor for the EV9, both of these 3-row EVs can handle day-to-day errands as well as climbing the side of a mountain while having access to Rivian’s growing network of EV chargers at trailheads and other out-of-the-way locations. We’d pocket the savings and choose the EV9.
Cox Automotive, parent company of Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, is a minority investor in Rivian.
New 2025 Kia EV9 Prices
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Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
$56,395 |
$54,562 |
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$61,395 |
$59,436 |
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$65,395 |
$63,269 |
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$71,395 |
$69,074 |
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$75,395 |
$72,567 |
New 2025 Rivian R1S Prices
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Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
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|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$77,700 |
TBD |
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$85,700 |
TBD |
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$91,700 |
TBD |
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$107,700 |
TBD |
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$107,700 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia EV9 vehicles and New 2025 Rivian R1S vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Kia EV9 | 2025 Rivian R1S | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Single electric motor | Dual electric motor |
| Horsepower | 215 hp @ 9,000 rpm | 533 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm | 610 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive/RWD | 1-speed direct drive/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 99 MPGe city/77 MPGe highway/88 MPGe combined | 65 MPGe city/60 MPGe highway/63 MPGe combined |
| Maximum Range | 230 miles | 270 miles |
| Also Available | Dual-motor/AWD | Tri-motor, Quad-motor |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Battery Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 8 years/150,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 122.0 inches | 121.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 197.2 inches | 200.8 inches |
| Width | 77.9 inches | 81.8 inches |
| Height | 68.9 inches | 77.3 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 40.6 feet | N/A |
| Headroom, Front | 41.2 inches | 41.1 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.8 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 41.4 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 42.8 inches | 36.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 61.6 inches | 60.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 60.0 inches | 58.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 20.2 cubic feet | 17.7 cubic feet |
