Kia EV9 vs Rivian R1S: Which 3-Row EV Fits the Tri-Cities?
Last updated Nov 10, 2026
Specs note: I checked every figure on kia.com and rivian.com on Oct 31, 2026. kia.com lists the 2026 EV9, and rivian.com lists the 2027 R1S. Specs vary by trim. Confirm on the window sticker.
Quick answer: The 2027 R1S has more range (up to 410 miles), more power and a higher tow rating (7,700 vs 5,000 lb). The 2026 EV9 starts about $29,000 lower, has a NACS port and charge times published on kia.com, lists cargo and 3rd-row room, and has Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile battery coverage.
Sources: kia.com 2026 EV9 page and specs/compare; kia.com warranty page; rivian.com R1S page (read via text fetch). All checked Oct 31, 2026.
Hey, I’m Rick G. at Overturf KIA in Pasco. I sell Kias, so I’ll be straight about where the R1S wins too. Every number below comes from kia.com or rivian.com, with the date I checked. Where a brand doesn’t publish a number, I say so instead of guessing. Compare on paper here, then come drive the EV9.
Book an EV9 test drive · Bring your trade
Tell me which EV9 trim you’re curious about when you book. I’ll email you to confirm a time.
Range and charging
| 2026 Kia EV9 | 2027 Rivian R1S | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA-est. range | 230 mi (Light RWD), 305 mi (Light Long Range RWD), 283 mi (Wind and Land AWD), 280 mi (GT-Line AWD) | 329 mi, up to 410 mi (Premium), 371 mi (Tri-Motor), EPA-est. |
| Battery | 76.1 kWh (Light), 99.8 kWh (others) | Not listed on the pages I checked |
| Charge port | NACS, standard | Not listed on the pages I checked |
| DC fast, 10 to 80% | about 20 min (Light) or 24 min on a 350 kW charger; about 27 or 34 min on a NACS charger (Kia testing) | Not listed on the pages I checked |
| DC fast at 50 kW, 10 to 80% | about 63 min (Light), 83 min (others) | Not listed on the pages I checked |
| Level 2 (240V) at home | about 6 hrs 45 min (Light) or 8 hrs 45 min on 11 kW, 10 to 100% | Not listed on the pages I checked |
| Level 1 (120V) | kia.com lists the portable cord at 240V only: about 11 hrs 15 min or 14 hrs 35 min. No 120V time listed | Not listed on the pages I checked |
| Heat pump | included on Wind, Land and GT-Line | Not listed on the pages I checked |
| Drive | RWD or AWD | AWD |
Sources: kia.com 2026 EV9 page and specs/compare; kia.com warranty page; rivian.com R1S page (read via text fetch). Checked Oct 31, 2026. Charge times vary with the charger, the battery’s state and temperature.
Home charging in the Tri-Cities
A regular 120V outlet is fine for topping off, but it won’t refill a battery this size overnight. If you commute from Pasco to Richland or Kennewick every day, plan on a 240V Level 2 charger in the garage. kia.com lists about 6 hrs 45 min (Light) or 8 hrs 45 min on 11 kW, 10 to 100% for the EV9. Ask your electrician about your panel before you buy, and check with your utility about off-peak rates.
Winter range
Neither Kia nor Rivian publishes a cold-weather range figure, so I won’t make one up. Both note that range and charging vary with conditions like temperature. On a January morning in the Tri-Cities, expect less than the EPA number. Charging at home overnight and preheating the cabin while you’re still plugged in both help. On the EV9, the heat pump is included on the Wind, Land and GT-Line trims.
Size, cargo and the 3rd row
| Kia EV9 | Rivian R1S | |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior | 197.2 to 197.4 in long, 122.0 in wheelbase | 200.8 in long, 121.1 in wheelbase, 82 in wide (mirrors folded), 77.3 in tall |
| Cargo | 20.2 cu ft behind the 3rd row, 43.5 behind the 2nd, 81.7 behind the 1st, plus a 1.8 to 3.2 cu ft frunk | Not listed on the pages I checked |
| 3rd row and seats | 30.8 in (with 2nd-row bench) to 32.0 in 3rd-row legroom; 7 seats, 6 available | Seats seven. 3rd-row legroom not listed |
| Towing | 2,000 lb (Light, Light Long Range), 3,500 lb (Wind), 5,000 lb (Land, GT-Line) | 7,700 lb (weight-distributing hitch required; 5,000 lb without) |
Sources: kia.com 2026 EV9 page and specs/compare; kia.com warranty page; rivian.com R1S page (read via text fetch). Checked Oct 31, 2026.
Trims and starting MSRP
| Model | Trim | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Kia EV9 | Light RWD | $54,900 |
| 2026 Kia EV9 | Light Long Range RWD | $57,900 |
| 2026 Kia EV9 | Wind AWD | $63,900 |
| 2026 Kia EV9 | Land AWD | $68,900 |
| 2026 Kia EV9 | GT-Line AWD | $71,900 |
| 2027 Rivian R1S | R1S (base) | $83,990 |
Starting MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, license, options and dealer fees on each brand’s site. I’m not listing payments or discounts. Ask me about current published Kia incentives on the EV9 when you visit.
Sources: kia.com EV9 page; rivian.com R1S page (read via text fetch). Checked Oct 31, 2026.
Warranty
| Kia EV9 | Rivian R1S | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 10 yr/100,000 mi EV system and battery capacity coverage; 5 yr/60,000 mi basic | Not listed on the pages I checked |
Sources: kia.com warranty page; rivian.com R1S page (read via text fetch). Checked Oct 31, 2026. Warranties are limited; see each brand for details.
Which one is right for you?
Lean R1S if range, towing and off-road ability come first and the budget has room.
Lean EV9 if you want a 3-row EV for a lower starting MSRP with published cargo, 3rd-row and charging numbers.
Either way, compare on paper here, then come drive the EV9 at Overturf KIA in Pasco.
FAQs
Which has more range, the EV9 or the R1S?
Per kia.com, the 2026 EV9 is rated 230 mi (Light RWD), 305 mi (Light Long Range RWD), 283 mi (Wind and Land AWD), 280 mi (GT-Line AWD). Per rivian.com, the 2027 R1S is rated 329 mi, up to 410 mi (Premium), 371 mi (Tri-Motor), EPA-est. Pick the trim you’d actually buy and compare those two numbers.
Which charges faster?
On a DC fast charger, kia.com lists about 20 min (Light) or 24 min on a 350 kW charger; about 27 or 34 min on a NACS charger (Kia testing) for the EV9. For the R1S, rivian.com lists: no 10 to 80% time on the pages I checked. At home on Level 2, the EV9 takes about 6 hrs 45 min (Light) or 8 hrs 45 min on 11 kW, 10 to 100%; the R1S: not listed.
Can I use Tesla Superchargers?
The EV9 has a NACS port as standard per kia.com. The R1S’s port: not listed on the pages I checked. Always check the station and your brand’s app before you count on one.
How does winter affect range?
Neither brand publishes a winter range number. Both say cold weather cuts range and slows charging. Charge at home overnight and preheat while plugged in.
Which has more room in the 3rd row?
kia.com lists 30.8 in (with 2nd-row bench) to 32.0 in 3rd-row legroom; 7 seats, 6 available for the EV9. For the R1S: Seats seven. 3rd-row legroom not listed. Bring the car seats and try the 3rd row yourself.
How much can it tow?
kia.com lists 2,000 lb (Light, Light Long Range), 3,500 lb (Wind), 5,000 lb (Land, GT-Line) for the EV9. For the R1S: 7,700 lb (weight-distributing hitch required; 5,000 lb without). Towing cuts electric range a lot, so plan charging stops.
What’s the battery warranty?
Kia lists 10 years/100,000 miles for the EV system and battery capacity coverage. For the R1S: not listed on the pages I checked.
Checked Oct 31, 2026 (PT): kia.com 2026 EV9 specs; kia.com 2026 EV9; Kia warranty; rivian.com 2027 R1S. Specs and MSRP can change. Confirm on the window sticker.