Compare the2025 Kia EV9VS 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and second-row seat shoulder belts of the Kia EV9 have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L doesn’t offer pretensioners for its second-row seat belts.

Both the EV9 and Grand Cherokee L have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The EV9 has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Grand Cherokee L’s child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

The EV9 has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Grand Cherokee L doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

With its standard Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, the Kia EV9 is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	EV9	Grand Cherokee L
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	AVOIDED	-11 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-33 MPH

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Kia EV9 achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L has not been tested.

Both the EV9 and Grand Cherokee L have rear cross-traffic warning, but the EV9 has Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Grand Cherokee L’s Rear Cross Path Detection doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the EV9 and the Grand Cherokee L have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, 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 and available around view monitors.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the EV9 is much safer than the Grand Cherokee L:

	EV9	Grand Cherokee L
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	146	252
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	POOR
Chest Rating	GOOD	POOR
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Kia EV9 is safer than the Grand Cherokee L:

	EV9	Grand Cherokee L
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	25	163
Neck Tension	156 lbs.	312 lbs.
Neck Compression	-22 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.47 in	1.06 in
Shoulder Force	156 lbs.	178 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.83 in	1.3 in
Torso Deflection Rate	7 MPH	7 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	513 lbs.	870 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	66	96
Neck Compression	-22 lbs.	134 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.35 in	1.38 in
Shoulder Force	134 lbs.	268 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.59 in	1.69 in
Torso Deflection Rate	5 MPH	11 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	402 lbs.	915 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Kia EV9 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Grand Cherokee L is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Warranty

The EV9 comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Grand Cherokee L’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Kia’s powertrain warranty covers the EV9 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Jeep covers the Grand Cherokee L. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Grand Cherokee L ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the EV9’s reliability 20 points higher than the Grand Cherokee L.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are better in initial quality than Jeep vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia fourth in initial quality, above the industry average. With 37 more problems per 100 vehicles, Jeep is ranked 19th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Jeep vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia above average in long-term dependability. With 3 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Jeep is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Jeep vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Kia 10 places higher in reliability than Jeep.

Engine

The EV9 Land/Wind’s standard electric motors produces 86 more horsepower (379 vs. 293) and 183 lbs.-ft. more torque (443 vs. 260) than the Grand Cherokee L’s 3.6 DOHC V6. The EV9 GT-Line’s standard electric motors produces 86 more horsepower (379 vs. 293) and 256 lbs.-ft. more torque (516 vs. 260) than the Grand Cherokee L’s 3.6 DOHC V6.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Kia EV9 is faster than the Jeep Grand Cherokee L:

	EV9 Land/Wind	EV9 GT-Line	Grand Cherokee L
Zero to 30 MPH	2.1 sec	1.6 sec	3 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	5.3 sec	4.5 sec	8.8 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	3 sec	1.9 sec	5.7 sec
Quarter Mile	14 sec	13.3 sec	16.7 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	101 MPH	101 MPH	85 MPH

As tested in Motor Trend the EV9 GT-Line electric motors is faster than the Jeep Grand Cherokee L (290 HP engine):

	EV9	Grand Cherokee L
Zero to 60 MPH	4.4 sec	8 sec
Quarter Mile	13.2 sec	16.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	102 MPH	86 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the EV9 gets better mileage than the Grand Cherokee L:

			MPGe
EV9
	RWD	Light Long Range Electric Motor	100 city/78 hwy
		Light Electric Motor	99 city/77 hwy
	AWD	Land/Wind Electric Motors	91 city/75 hwy
		GT-Line Electric Motors	88 city/72 hwy
Grand Cherokee L
			MPG
	RWD	3.6 DOHC V6	19 city/26 hwy
	AWD	3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/25 hwy

The EV9 can travel with zero emissions for 230 to 304 miles (dependent on model). The Grand Cherokee L can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the EV9’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Grand Cherokee L doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the EV9’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Grand Cherokee L:

	EV9	Grand Cherokee L
Front Rotors	14.2 inches	13.9 inches

The EV9 stops much shorter than the Grand Cherokee L:

	EV9	Grand Cherokee L
70 to 0 MPH	178 feet	194 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	118 feet	139 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	137 feet	150 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the EV9 GT-Line’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Grand Cherokee L (285/45R21 vs. 275/45R21).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the EV9 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Grand Cherokee L.

Suspension and Handling

The EV9’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Grand Cherokee L doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the EV9 is 1.4 inches wider in the front and 1.9 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Grand Cherokee L.

The EV9 GT-Line AWD handles at .87 G’s, while the Grand Cherokee L Limited 4x4 pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The EV9 GT-Line AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.9 seconds quicker than the Grand Cherokee L Overland (26.3 seconds @ .69 average G’s vs. 28.2 seconds @ .59 average G’s).

Chassis

The EV9 is 7.7 inches shorter than the Grand Cherokee L, making the EV9 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Kia EV9 amounts to more than styling. The EV9 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .28 Cd. That is significantly lower than the Grand Cherokee L (.357) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the EV9 get better fuel mileage.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the EV9 GT-Line AWD is quieter than the Grand Cherokee L Limited 4x4:

	EV9	Grand Cherokee L
At idle	31 dB	39 dB
Full-Throttle	69 dB	79 dB
70 MPH Cruising	67 dB	68 dB

Passenger Space

The EV9 has 1.4 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front legroom, 2 inches more front hip room, 2.4 inches more front shoulder room, 3.4 inches more rear legroom, 1.6 inches more rear hip room, 2 inches more rear shoulder room, 2.2 inches more third row headroom, .5 inches more third row legroom and 3.1 inches more third row shoulder room than the Grand Cherokee L.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the EV9’s middle and third row seats recline. The Grand Cherokee L’s third row seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The EV9’s cargo area provides more volume than the Grand Cherokee L.

	EV9	Grand Cherokee L
Behind Third Seat	20.2 cubic feet	17.2 cubic feet

Ergonomics

The EV9’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Grand Cherokee L’s standard rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open them fully. Only its driver’s window closes automatically.

The EV9’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Grand Cherokee L’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

The Kia EV9 has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the Grand Cherokee L Overland/Summit.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Kia EV9 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Grand Cherokee L.

The EV9 (except Light/Wind)’s optional Smart Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Smart Parking Assist will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Grand Cherokee L Summit’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park and it doesn’t offer remote control parking.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Kia EV9, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L isn't recommended.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the EV9 first among upper midsize suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Grand Cherokee L isn’t in the top three in its category.

The EV9 was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024. The Grand Cherokee L has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the EV9 as the 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. The Grand Cherokee L has never been chosen.

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