EVCostIQ

The EV cost intelligence platform

Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric) vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD: 5-year cost to own in Alabama

By the EVCostIQ research desk · reviewed against our public methodology · every source dated on this page

As of July 1, 2026, over 5 years in Alabama, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD stays the cheaper car to own — about $44,162 vs $71,090 for the Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric), a $26,928 difference over 5 years. Alabama's electricity (17.4¢/kWh, 8% below the U.S. average) and $3.46/gal gas are fed straight into both totals. The expired federal $7,500 EV credit is not applied to either total.

Cheaper to own over 5 years · AlabamaToyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD · $44,162 total · $26,928 less than the Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric)

Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric) vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD — where the money goes

5-year total cost of ownership by component, by vehicle (USD). Estimates; sources dated in the methodology.
Cost componentElectric · Kia EV9 Light LongHybrid · Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
Depreciation (estimated)$36,361 (51%)$13,744 (31%)
Charging / fuel$5,864 (8%)$5,765 (13%)
↳ of which charging loss12% (~$704)—
Maintenance$3,660 (5%)$5,100 (12%)
Insurance$13,750 (19%)$11,500 (26%)
Financing interest$10,325 (15%)$7,939 (18%)
Registration & fees$1,130 (2%)$115 (0%)
Total cost of ownership$71,090$44,162

The charging-loss row is the ~10–15% of electricity lost to AC charging that you pay for but never reaches the battery — we include it; most calculators don't.

When does the Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric) win?

Even at 30,000+ mi/yr or a 15-year hold, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD stays cheaper here — its lower price and slower depreciation dominate. The Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric) is the pick mainly for reasons beyond 5-year cost (performance, emissions, HOV access, home-charging convenience).

Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric) vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD, side by side

Electric

Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric)

5-yr total cost
$71,090
Cost / month
$1,185
Cost / mile
$1.19
MSRP
$57,900
Powertrain
Electric
Efficiency
38 kWh/100mi
Hybrid Lower 5-yr cost

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD

5-yr total cost
$44,162
Cost / month
$736
Cost / mile
$0.74
MSRP
$45,210
Powertrain
Hybrid
Efficiency
36 mpg
Alabama electricity
17.4¢/kWh EIA
Gas price (Alabama)
$3.46/gal AAA

Change the miles, your state & either car

Full cost breakdowns

← Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric) vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD (U.S. average)

FAQ

Is the Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric) or the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD cheaper to own over 5 years in Alabama?

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD stays the cheaper car to own — about $44,162 vs $71,090 for the Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric), a $26,928 difference over 5 years.

When does the Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric) become cheaper than the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD?

Even at 30,000+ mi/yr or a 15-year hold, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD stays cheaper here — its lower price and slower depreciation dominate. The Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric) is the pick mainly for reasons beyond 5-year cost (performance, emissions, HOV access, home-charging convenience).

How much more does the Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric) cost to buy than the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD?

The Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric) starts at $57,900 — $12,690 more than the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD ($45,210). Over 5 years the ownership gap is $26,928 in favor of the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD.

Which costs less per mile — the Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric) or the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD?

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD: $0.74 vs $1.19 per mile all-in ($736 vs $1,185 per month) in Alabama.