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The three-row electrical SUV section is not a future promise, it’s taking place now. Households trying to find a 3-row EV with lengthy vary, sturdy towing, and real-world practicality are more and more narrowing their selections to 2 names: the upcoming Toyota Highlander EV and the already-established Kia EV9.
Toyota is getting ready to affect certainly one of its most acknowledged household SUVs, whereas Kia has already planted a flag with the EV9, a automobile that has rapidly turn out to be some of the talked-about electrical SUVs in America. So how do these two examine on paper? And extra importantly, what do the numbers imply for consumers trying to find the finest electrical SUV for households?
Let’s break it down.
Exterior Dimensions and Inside Area: How Massive Are They Actually?
In case you’re Googling “Toyota Highlander EV dimension vs Kia EV9 dimensions,” right here’s what issues:
The 2027 Toyota Highlander EV measures roughly 5,050 mm in size with a 3,050 mm wheelbase. The 2026 Kia EV9 is barely shorter general at about 5,010 mm, nevertheless it rides on an extended 3,100 mm wheelbase.
Why does that matter?
Wheelbase instantly impacts inside packaging, particularly second- and third-row legroom. On paper, the EV9’s longer wheelbase ought to translate to higher cabin area distribution. It’s additionally barely taller, which might enhance third-row headroom and cargo stacking peak.
In different phrases, each are true midsize three-row electrical SUVs, however the EV9 seems optimized for optimum inside flexibility.
Cargo Area Comparability: Which Has Extra Room?
Search phrase: “Highlander EV cargo area vs Kia EV9 cargo capability.”
Right here’s how they examine:
Toyota Highlander EV
- 450 liters behind the third row
- 1,290 liters with third row folded
- No entrance trunk (frunk)
Kia EV9
- 573 liters behind the third row
- 1,233 liters with third row folded
- Frunk: 91 liters (RWD) or 51 liters (AWD)
That is an fascinating cut up.
The EV9 presents extra cargo area behind the third row – necessary for households carrying strollers, sports activities gear, or airport baggage with all seats up. Nevertheless, the Highlander EV presents barely extra space as soon as the third row is folded.
The EV9’s frunk is a significant benefit. Even when it’s principally used for charging cables and small gadgets, that additional compartment provides flexibility. Toyota’s determination to skip a frunk could disappoint some EV buyers accustomed to Tesla-style entrance storage.
Towing Capability: Which Electrical SUV Tows Extra?
For consumers looking out “finest electrical SUV for towing 5,000 lbs,” the numbers matter.
Toyota Highlander EV
- 2,600 lbs (77 kWh battery)
- 3,500 lbs (95.8 kWh battery)
Kia EV9
- 2,000 lbs (single-motor RWD)
- As much as 5,000 lbs (dual-motor AWD)
The EV9 clearly wins right here in most towing capability. If it is advisable tow a ship, camper, or heavier trailer, the dual-motor EV9 presents considerably extra functionality.
Toyota’s 3,500-lb ranking is respectable and sure ample for small trailers or gentle leisure use. But when towing is excessive in your precedence listing, the EV9 has a transparent edge.
Energy and Efficiency: Horsepower and Torque Numbers
Search time period: “Highlander EV horsepower vs Kia EV9 horsepower.”
Toyota Highlander EV
- Single-motor FWD: ~221 hp
- Twin-motor AWD: ~338 hp
Kia EV9
- RWD: 201–215 hp
- AWD: 379 hp
- GT: 501 hp
Toyota seems to be prioritizing balanced effectivity over outright efficiency. The Highlander EV’s 338 horsepower in AWD kind ought to really feel sturdy for every day driving.
However the EV9’s dual-motor AWD model presents extra energy, and the GT mannequin enters efficiency SUV territory with 500+ horsepower.
In case you’re looking out “quickest 3-row electrical SUV,” the EV9 GT probably dominates this comparability.
Electrical Vary: Which 3-Row EV Goes Farther?
Vary nervousness stays some of the searched EV matters. So let’s examine “Toyota Highlander EV vary vs Kia EV9 vary.”
Toyota Highlander EV
- 77 kWh FWD: ~458 km
- 77 kWh AWD: ~431 km
- 95.8 kWh AWD: as much as ~511 km
Kia EV9
- 76.1 kWh RWD: ~370 km
- 99.8 kWh RWD: ~491 km
- 99.8 kWh AWD: ~451–455 km
- GT AWD: ~418 km
On paper, the Highlander EV with the bigger battery seems to supply the longest most vary. That might be important for households who ceaselessly road-trip or commute lengthy distances.
Nevertheless, real-world vary will depend upon weight, aerodynamics, wheel dimension, and driving fashion. The EV9’s bigger dual-motor variants commerce some vary for energy and towing functionality.
For consumers looking out “longest vary 3-row electrical SUV,” Toyota could have a headline benefit, assuming these estimates maintain in EPA testing.
Charging Pace: 10% to 80% Quick Charging
Search time period: “Highlander EV charging time vs Kia EV9 charging pace.”
Each autos use the NACS charging customary, giving them entry to Tesla-compatible infrastructure: an more and more necessary issue for EV consumers in North America.
Toyota Highlander EV
- Roughly half-hour from 10% to 80% (claimed)
Kia EV9
- As much as 210–235 kW peak DC quick charging
- Roughly 20–24 minutes from 10% to 80%
On paper, the EV9 prices sooner below perfect circumstances. Its excessive peak DC charging functionality provides it a bonus for road-trip comfort.
Toyota’s 30-minute estimate is aggressive, but when fast-charging pace is your prime precedence, the EV9 seems to have the sting.
Guarantee Protection: Lengthy-Time period Possession
Search time period: “Toyota Highlander EV guarantee vs Kia EV9 guarantee.”
Toyota
- 3-year primary guarantee
- 8-year / 160,000 km battery guarantee
Kia
- 5-year primary guarantee
- 8-year EV element guarantee
- 8-year / 160,000 km battery guarantee
Kia presents an extended complete automobile guarantee, which provides peace of thoughts, particularly for first-time EV consumers.
Toyota’s status for reliability is robust, however guarantee size nonetheless issues when evaluating possession prices.
Pricing: The Largest Query Mark
The 2026 Kia EV9 begins round $60,000 USD and might attain the mid-$80,000 vary relying on trim and configuration.
Toyota has not finalized pricing for the 2027 Highlander EV. It will in the end decide how aggressive it’s.
If Toyota undercuts the EV9 whereas delivering longer vary, it might shift the section. If it costs equally, consumers will probably weigh model loyalty, supplier expertise, and have packaging.
Remaining Ideas: Which 3-Row Electrical SUV Ought to You Purchase?
Right here’s the simple takeaway.
If you need:
- Increased towing capability
- Sooner charging speeds
- A efficiency variant
- An extended complete guarantee
The Kia EV9 presently seems to be just like the stronger all-around bundle.
If you need:
- Probably longer most vary
- Toyota model familiarity
- A extra conservative, efficiency-focused setup
The Toyota Highlander EV might be compelling, particularly if priced aggressively.
This comparability issues as a result of the three-row electrical SUV class is turning into the brand new household benchmark. Patrons aren’t simply asking, “Is it electrical?” They’re asking:
- What’s the real-world vary?
- How briskly does it cost?
- Can it tow my trailer?
- Is it well worth the value?
The EV9 is already answering these questions in showrooms. The Highlander EV nonetheless has to show itself when it arrives.
If Toyota executes effectively on pricing and real-world effectivity, this might turn out to be some of the necessary EV matchups within the subsequent two years. And for households transitioning from fuel SUVs to electrical autos, that competitors is precisely what the market wants.
Now I’d like to listen to from you: In case you have been selecting a three-row electrical SUV at the moment, would you prioritize longer vary or increased towing capability? And does Toyota’s status for reliability outweigh Kia’s sooner charging and stronger efficiency in your determination? Drop your ideas within the feedback please, as your perspective helps different households navigate this large swap to electrical.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque Information. He based TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing professional information and evaluation concerning the automotive trade. He might be reached at Torque Information Twitter, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has greater than a decade of experience within the automotive trade with a particular curiosity in Tesla and electrical autos.
Reference: Le Information De L’Auto.
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