Hyundai Nexo vs Kia EV9: Specs Compared

Also searched as Kia EV9 vs Hyundai Nexo specs — both orientations show this same side-by-side comparison.

The Kia EV9 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 89 mpg combined versus 68 mpg for the Hyundai Nexo, a 21 mpg advantage.

Across 3 measured categories, the Kia EV9 leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2019–2026

Hyundai Nexo

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 16 configurations

68mpg combined (best)
All Hyundai Nexo specs

2024–2026

Kia EV9

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 13 configurations

89mpg combined (best)
All Kia EV9 specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricHyundai NexoKia EV9
Best combined MPG68 mpg89 mpg ✓
Best city MPG71 mpg101 mpg ✓
Best highway MPG64 mpg78 mpg ✓
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per yearNot available$850
Lowest CO2 outputNot availableNot available
Engines offeredPMSM, PEMNot available
TransmissionsAutomatic (A1)Automatic (A1)
DrivetrainsFront-Wheel DriveRear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesHydrogenElectricity
EPA classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WDStandard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Years covered2019–20262024–2026
Configurations on record1613

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

Hyundai Nexo vs Kia EV9 dimensions and size

The Kia EV9 is 13.4 inches longer than the Hyundai Nexo on a wheelbase 12.2 inches longer, and 1,591.7 lbs heavier. Both clear the roughly 200 inches of usable length in a standard single garage bay.

Hyundai Nexo versus Kia EV9 exterior dimensions
DimensionHyundai Nexo (2022)Kia EV9 (2026)Difference
Length183.9 in197.2 in13.4 in
Width (excl. mirrors)73.2 in78 in4.7 in
Height64.6 in68.9 in4.3 in
Wheelbase109.8 in122 in12.2 in
Curb weight4,059 lbs5,650 lbs1,592 lbs

Width excludes mirrors; add 8–12 inches for mirrors out. Figures are for the newest model year on record for each vehicle. See both drawn to scale.

Hyundai Nexo vs Kia EV9: what the numbers mean

City and highway economy: the Kia EV9 leads in both cycles — 101 mpg city and 78 mpg highway against 71 and 64 mpg — so its fuel-efficiency advantage holds whether you commute in traffic or cover long highway miles.

Powertrain choice: the Hyundai Nexo is recorded with 2 distinct engine configurations (PMSM, PEM), the Kia EV9 with no. Across 16 recorded Hyundai Nexo configurations and 13 for the Kia EV9, the wider the engine spread the more the real-world fuel efficiency depends on which version you actually buy, so check the specific model year and drivetrain rather than the headline number.

Drivetrain and class: the Hyundai Nexo is offered with Front-Wheel Drive, the Kia EV9 with Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive. All-wheel drive typically costs one to two mpg combined against the same vehicle in front- or rear-wheel drive, which is worth remembering when the gap between these two is small. The EPA classes them as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD and Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD respectively — the class drives the interior volume, cargo space and passenger space each one is measured against.

Nexo vs EV9: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Hyundai Nexo or the Kia EV9?

The Kia EV9 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 89 mpg combined versus 68 mpg for the Hyundai Nexo, a 21 mpg advantage.

What engines do the Nexo and EV9 offer?

Hyundai Nexo: PMSM, PEM. Kia EV9: no engine data on record.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

The EPA classifies the Hyundai Nexo as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD and the Kia EV9 as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.

More Nexo comparisons

More EV9 comparisons

Comparison id: hyundai-nexo-vs-kia-ev9