Kia EV9 vs. Telluride: Electric or Gas?

For years, the Kia Telluride has been the undisputed king of the three-row SUV market. It offers space, style, and value that competitors struggle to match. But now, Kia has challenged its own dominance with the EV9, a fully electric equivalent that looks like a concept car and drives like a spaceship. For families needing six or seven seats, the choice now comes down to a math problem: Do you pay more upfront for the electric EV9 to save later, or stick with the proven, lower-cost gas Telluride?

The Upfront Cost Gap

The most immediate difference between these two vehicles is the sticker price. The 2024 Kia Telluride is accessible to a much wider range of budgets. A base Telluride LX starts around $36,190, while a fully loaded SX Prestige X-Pro can climb to roughly $53,385.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia EV9 commands a significant premium for its battery technology. The entry-level EV9 Light RWD starts at approximately $54,900. If you want the dual-motor AWD performance and long-range battery found in the GT-Line trim, you are looking at a price tag closer to $73,900.

The Incentive Factor While the price gap is nearly $19,000 at the base level, incentives can narrow it. As of mid-2024, Kia has frequently offered $7,500 in Customer Cash on the EV9 to remain competitive with vehicles that qualify for the federal tax credit. If you can secure this rebate, the entry price of the EV9 drops to the high $40,000s, making it a much closer competitor to a mid-trim Telluride EX or SX.

Fuel vs. Charging: The Running Math

This is where the ownership costs diverge sharply. To compare them fairly, let’s assume you drive 15,000 miles per year.

The Kia Telluride (Gas) The Telluride uses a 3.8L V6 engine. It is reliable but thirsty. The AWD version is rated at roughly 20 MPG combined.

  • Annual Fuel Cost: If gas costs $3.50 per gallon, you will burn 750 gallons a year. That costs you $2,625 annually.

The Kia EV9 (Electric) The EV9 is highly efficient for its size. The Long Range RWD model gets an EPA-estimated 304 miles of range, while AWD models hover around 270-280 miles.

  • Annual Energy Cost: If you charge primarily at home at a national average rate of $0.16 per kWh, the EV9 costs roughly $850 annually to drive the same distance.

The Verdict: You save approximately $1,775 per year by driving the EV9. However, even with these savings, it would take roughly 10 years to recoup the initial price difference unless you secure significant rebates at the time of purchase.

Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability

Internal combustion engines like the one in the Telluride have hundreds of moving parts. Over five years of ownership, a Telluride will require:

  • Regular synthetic oil changes (every 7,500 to 10,000 miles).
  • Transmission fluid checks.
  • Spark plug replacements (eventually).
  • Timing belt or chain maintenance.

The EV9 removes almost all of this. There is no oil, no transmission fluid, and no spark plugs. The most significant maintenance cost for an EV is usually tires, as the heavy battery weight and instant torque can wear rubber down faster than a gas car. However, brake pads on the EV9 will last significantly longer due to regenerative braking, which uses the electric motors to slow the car down rather than friction.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

While the Telluride is smooth, the EV9 offers a driving experience that feels a generation ahead.

  • Kia Telluride: The V6 produces 291 horsepower. It accelerates adequately, hitting 0-60 mph in about 7 seconds. It feels solid and planted but drives like a traditional large truck.
  • Kia EV9: Even the base model feels punchy, but the dual-motor AWD version produces 379 horsepower and massive torque. It can hit 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds (GT-Line). The center of gravity is lower due to the floor-mounted battery, making it handle corners with surprisingly less body roll than the Telluride.

Practicality: Range and Towing

For road-tripping families, the method of refueling matters.

Range and Refueling The Telluride has an 18.8-gallon tank. On a highway cruise, you can easily exceed 400 to 450 miles before stopping. Refueling takes five minutes.

The EV9 Long Range tops out at 304 miles. In real-world highway driving at 75 mph, this might drop to 230 or 250 miles. However, the EV9 features an 800-volt architecture, which allows it to charge from 10% to 80% in about 24 minutes at a 350kW DC fast charger. It is one of the fastest-charging EVs on the market, but it still requires more planning than the gas version.

Towing Capacity

  • Telluride: Towing capacity is 5,000 to 5,500 lbs (X-Pro trims).
  • EV9: Towing capacity is up to 5,000 lbs.
  • Note: Towing a trailer with an EV cuts your range in half. If you plan to tow a boat or camper long distances regularly, the Telluride is the superior choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Kia EV9 qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit? As of 2024, the EV9 is built in South Korea, meaning it does not qualify for the federal tax credit if you purchase it. However, if you lease the vehicle, the loophole allows the bank to claim the credit and pass it to you as a lease incentive. Kia has also been moving production to Georgia, which may change its eligibility status in late 2024 or 2025.

Is the interior size different between the two? They are nearly identical in size. The EV9 has a slightly longer wheelbase, which provides slightly more legroom in the second and third rows. Both vehicles comfortably fit adults in all three rows.

Which car holds its value better? Historically, the Telluride has had incredible resale value. EVs can be more volatile due to rapidly changing battery technology and fluctuating fuel prices. If depreciation is your main concern, the Telluride is currently the safer financial bet.

Can I use the EV9 to power my house? Yes. The EV9 supports V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) and V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) technology. This means you can plug appliances into the car or, with the right home equipment, use the car battery to power your home during a blackout. The Telluride cannot do this.