We Tested the Kia Telluride, EV9 and Carnival: Which Is Best?

South Korean automaker Kia produces multiple popular family SUV nameplates as well as a competitive minivan model. My colleague Automotive Reporter Keith Laing and I have tested many of these vehicles in 2026 to gauge their value, performance and assess where they stand in the broader market.

Some of the many Kia vehicles we’ve tested in 2026 include the 2026 Kia EV9, 2027 Kia Telluride (gas and hybrid) and the 2026 Kia Carnival.

Here’s what’s unique about each Kia family vehicle and which model is best for different types of drivers.

The 2026 Kia EV9 Is a Futuristic Family SUV

Kia’s EV9 is a futuristic electric vehicle closely related to the Hyundai Ioniq 9. It’s the South Korean brand’s midsize three-row electric SUV specifically designed for families who want a spacious and practical EV.

The 2026 Kia EV9 starts at $54,900. It seats six or seven passengers depending on the configuration.

Kia’s electric SUV has 230 miles of standard driving range. Keith found that the EV9 charges quickly during his testing period. His review highlights the Kia EV9’s smooth handling, modern features and bold exterior design.

Kia’s Telluride Shines in a Crowded Segment

Keith and I both tested the 2027 Kia Telluride this year with different powertrains. The Telluride is one of my favorite new vehicles of the year because of its distinct exterior styling and spacious interior.

The 2027 Kia Telluride starts at $39,190 for the gas model and $46,490 for the hybrid version. It seats seven or eight passengers depending on which configuration you choose.

Kia’s redesigned Telluride is loaded with value because of its long list of standard features and comfortable cabin. It faces fierce rivals in the midsize three-row SUV segment like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Honda Pilot, but still manages to outclass competitors.

The Kia Carnival MPV Isn’t Your Average Minivan

Kia’s Carnival MPV is marketed as a Multi-Purpose Vehicle to escape the stigma of the van vehicle class. The Carnival may have the body style of a minivan, but it drives like an SUV and its features make long-distance travel comfortable.

I took the 2026 Kia Carnival MPV Hybrid on a road trip from New Jersey to Ocean City, Maryland, and found it to be the ultimate road-trip vehicle.

Kia has already moved on to the 2027 model year, which starts at $37,490. The seats are easy to maneuver, and it’s comfortable for every row of passengers. The Carnival MPV is affordable, has a punchy V6 engine and is a pleasure to ride in for the whole family.

Which Vehicle Should You Get?

While the EV9 is powerful and futuristic, its hefty starting price makes other rivals and Kia models a better deal for the money. When it comes to the Telluride versus the Carnival MPV, there isn’t a clear winner.

The Telluride costs more money, but it has traditional doors and sharper SUV handling. Kia’s Carnival MPV is significantly more spacious and more comfortable for long journeys.

If you value driving dynamics and don’t need the space a van like the Carnival MPV provides, the Telluride is the better option. If you regularly travel long distances with plenty of passengers, the Carnival MPV offers a level of comfort with which few family vehicles can compete.

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