Compare the2026 Nissan PathfinderVS 2026 Kia EV9

The Nissan Pathfinder has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The EV9 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Both the Pathfinder and the EV9 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, front seat center airbag, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Nissan Pathfinder is safer than the Kia EV9:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Nissan Pathfinder is safer than the Kia EV9:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Pathfinder’s 5 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the EV9 runs out after 100,000 miles.

There are over 34 percent more Nissan dealers than there are Kia dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Pathfinder’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Pathfinder third among upper midsize SUVs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The EV9 isn’t in the top three.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Nissan vehicles are better in initial quality than Kia vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Nissan second in initial quality, above the industry average. With 12 more problems per 100 vehicles, Kia is ranked 8th.

The Pathfinder stops shorter than the EV9:

The Pathfinder has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The EV9 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Pathfinder has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the EV9; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better maneuverability, the Pathfinder’s turning circle is 3.2 feet tighter than the EV9’s (37.4 feet vs. 40.6 feet).

The Nissan Pathfinder may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 to 1150 pounds less than the Kia EV9.

The Pathfinder has standard seating for 8 passengers; the EV9 can only carry up to 7.

The Pathfinder has 1.1 inches more front headroom, 2.9 inches more front legroom, 4.8 inches more third row hip room and 3.4 inches more third row shoulder room than the EV9.

The Pathfinder has a standard third row seat which folds flat into the floor. This completely clears a very large cargo area quickly. The EV9 doesn’t offer seats that fold into the floor.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Pathfinder. The EV9 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Pathfinder’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the EV9’s (3500 vs. 2000 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Kia EV9 AWD is only 5000 pounds. The Pathfinder offers up to a 6000 lbs. towing capacity.

The Nissan Pathfinder has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the infotainment. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Kia charges extra for Homelink® on the EV9.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder retains 44.19% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 35.24% resale value of the 2025 Kia EV9 after five years, which can save the Nissan’s owner up to $15236 in depreciation.

The Nissan Pathfinder outsold the Kia EV9 by almost seven to one during 2025.