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Ford Explorer vs Kia EV9

2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer
$38,465MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Kia EV9
2026 Kia EV9
$54,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Ford Explorer
$38,465MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Kia EV9
$54,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$38,465

MSRP

$54,900

Listings

248

Listings

51

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Pros

  • Comfortable

  • Optional twin-turbo V6

  • Impressive safety ratings

Cons

  • Bland styling

  • Nondescript interior

  • Gets expensive with options

Pros

  • Innovative design

  • Fast recharging times

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • High sticker price

  • Certain Highway Driving Assist behaviors

  • Steering wheel blocks climate system display

Reviews Summary

The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update.

Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models.

Reviews Summary

Kia’s three-row electric SUV is available in single- or dual-motor configurations with up to 305 miles of range, recharges fast, and is compatible with Tesla Superchargers. Upgrades for 2026 include a longer range, a Nightfall Edition package, fresh colors, and a new Terrain driving mode.

Verdict: The 2026 Kia EV9 offers usable driving range and fast recharging times in a powerful, innovative, and practical midsize three-row electric SUV. Roomy, comfortable, safe, and well-equipped, the 2026 EV9 is a terrific, technologically advanced EV.

No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.3L 300 hp I4

Engine

215 hp Electric

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

300 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

EV Battery Capacity

EV Battery Capacity

76.1 kWh

MPG City

20

MPG City

101

MPG Highway

29

MPG Highway

76

Battery Charge Time (120V)

Battery Charge Time (120V)

64 hours

Battery Charge Time (240V)

Battery Charge Time (240V)

6.75 hours
2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer
$38,465MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Kia EV9
2026 Kia EV9
$54,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Ford Explorer
$38,465MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Kia EV9
$54,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$38,465
$54,900
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.3

5.0

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review

8.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Comfortable

  • Optional twin-turbo V6

  • Impressive safety ratings

Cons

  • Bland styling

  • Nondescript interior

  • Gets expensive with options

Pros

  • Innovative design

  • Fast recharging times

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • High sticker price

  • Certain Highway Driving Assist behaviors

  • Steering wheel blocks climate system display

Summary

The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update.

Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models.

Kia’s three-row electric SUV is available in single- or dual-motor configurations with up to 305 miles of range, recharges fast, and is compatible with Tesla Superchargers. Upgrades for 2026 include a longer range, a Nightfall Edition package, fresh colors, and a new Terrain driving mode.

Verdict: The 2026 Kia EV9 offers usable driving range and fast recharging times in a powerful, innovative, and practical midsize three-row electric SUV. Roomy, comfortable, safe, and well-equipped, the 2026 EV9 is a terrific, technologically advanced EV.

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.3L 300 hp I4
215 hp Electric
Drive Train
RWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
EV Battery Capacity
76.1 kWh
MPG City
20
101
MPG Highway
29
76
Battery Charge Time (120V)
64 hours
Battery Charge Time (240V)
6.75 hours

2026 Kia EV9 for Sale

51 results
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2026 Ford Explorer for Sale

248 results
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2026 Kia EV9 for Sale

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51 results

2026 Ford Explorer for Sale

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248 results

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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