Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric) vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD: 5-year cost to own in South Dakota
As of July 1, 2026, over 5 years in South Dakota, the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD stays the cheaper car to own — about $44,859 vs $69,612 for the Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric), a $24,753 difference over 5 years. South Dakota's electricity (14.5¢/kWh, 23% below the U.S. average) and $3.72/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 · South DakotaToyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD · $44,859 total · $24,753 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
| Cost component | Electric · Kia EV9 Light Long | Hybrid · Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation (estimated) | $36,361 (52%) | $13,744 (31%) |
| Charging / fuel | $4,891 (7%) | $6,202 (14%) |
| ↳ of which charging loss | 12% (~$587) | — |
| Maintenance | $3,660 (5%) | $5,100 (11%) |
| Insurance | $13,750 (20%) | $11,500 (26%) |
| Financing interest | $10,325 (15%) | $7,939 (18%) |
| Registration & fees | $625 (1%) | $375 (1%) |
| Total cost of ownership | $69,612 | $44,859 |
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
Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric)
- 5-yr total cost
- $69,612
- Cost / month
- $1,160
- Cost / mile
- $1.16
- MSRP
- $57,900
- Powertrain
- Electric
- Efficiency
- 38 kWh/100mi
Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD
- 5-yr total cost
- $44,859
- Cost / month
- $748
- Cost / mile
- $0.75
- MSRP
- $45,210
- Powertrain
- Hybrid
- Efficiency
- 36 mpg
- South Dakota electricity
- 14.5¢/kWh EIA
- Gas price (South Dakota)
- $3.72/gal AAA
Full cost breakdowns
← Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD (electric) vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid LE FWD (U.S. average)