DecodedCarsFord Explorer vs Kia EV9
2026 Ford Explorer vs 2026 Kia EV9 — two standard SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $1,950 a year less in fuel for the Kia EV9 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Kia EV9 has had fewer recall campaigns (10 vs 105).
The two cars
The 2026 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (2.3L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive. It measures about 199 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 119-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,458 lb (4dr SUV).
The 2026 Kia EV9 is a standard SUV powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 197 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 122-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,650 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Ford Explorer if…
It doesn't clearly beat the Kia EV9 on any measure we track.
Choose the Kia EV9 if…
- You want an EV with more range (305 miles)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
- You put reliability history first (10 vs 105 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2026 Ford Explorer
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- 15 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
2026 Kia EV9
- Long EV rangeUp to 305 miles on a charge (EPA).
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Ford Explorer specs →Full 2026 Kia EV9 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →