Compare the2025 Nissan PathfinderVS 2024 Kia EV9

The Nissan Pathfinder has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps 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 Nissan Pathfinder has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 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 EV9 is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024, though it hasn’t yet been rated in the updated moderate overlap frontal test, a requirement for the “Top Safety Pick Plus” award.

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

Nissan pays for scheduled maintenance on the Pathfinder for 2 years and 24,000 miles. Nissan will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance (up to 3 visits). Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the EV9.

There are over 36 percent more Nissan dealers than there are Kia dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Pathfinder’s warranty.

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 1.9 feet tighter than the EV9’s (38.7 feet vs. 40.6 feet).

The Nissan Pathfinder may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 750 to 1200 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 outsold the Kia EV9 by over 64 to one during 2023.