Is the GMC Yukon more reliable than the KIA EV9?

Based on our data, the GMC Yukon is more reliable with an average score of 68/100 compared to 61/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the GMC Yukon or the KIA EV9?

The GMC Yukon has more recalls (56) compared to the KIA EV9 (10). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the GMC Yukon or the KIA EV9?

Adjusted for sales volume, the KIA EV9 has a lower complaint rate at 1.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 11.1 for the GMC Yukon. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the GMC Yukon or KIA EV9 safer?

Both the GMC Yukon and KIA EV9 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Last updated: 2026-08-24

GMC Yukon vs KIA EV9: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

GMC Yukon

Good

KIA EV9

Good

Choosing between the GMC Yukon and the KIA EV9? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two full-size suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The GMC Yukon currently leads with an average score of 68/100 compared to 61/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the GMC Yukon and KIA EV9 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the GMC Yukon is in its second generation, which began in 2015 and received a facelift in 2020. Being late in its generation cycle, the Yukon benefits from a mature platform that has likely addressed earlier issues, offering a more reliable experience. In contrast, the KIA EV9 is in its first generation, introduced in 2024, making it relatively new. Early in its lifecycle, the EV9 might encounter typical first-year issues as manufacturers work out initial kinks. Buyers seeking proven reliability may lean towards the Yukon, while those interested in newer technology might consider the EV9, keeping in mind the potential for initial teething problems.

Verdict

The GMC Yukon is more reliable than the KIA EV9, scoring 68/100 vs 61/100.

The GMC Yukon, with an average reliability score of 68/100, outperforms the KIA EV9's 61/100, though the Yukon has a higher recall history with 56 recalls over nine years compared to the EV9's 8 recalls in two years. However, the KIA EV9 boasts a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 1.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold, compared to the Yukon's 11.1, highlighting a more consistent performance. While the Yukon's annual repair costs are estimated at $747, data for the EV9 is currently unavailable, making it difficult to compare maintenance expenses directly. Overall, the EV9's lower complaint rate suggests better reliability for new buyers, although the Yukon has a longer track record for evaluation.

Key Differences

1KIA EV9 has 46 fewer total recalls
2KIA EV9 has 9.8 fewer complaints per 10k sold
3GMC Yukon scores 7 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1GMC Yukon

—

2KIA EV9

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

GMC Yukon vs KIA EV9: Which Is More Reliable?

GMC Yukon vs KIA EV9 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	GMC Yukon	KIA EV9
Reliability Score	68/100	61/100
Years Tracked	9	2
Total Recalls	56	10
Complaints per 10k Sold	11.1	1.3
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2026 NHTSA	2025 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	2	0

What Are the Common Problems With the GMC Yukon and KIA EV9?

The GMC Yukon exhibits a higher volume of complaints, particularly concentrated in the engine category with 571 complaints, including 2 crash-linked incidents, indicating a potential area of concern. In contrast, the KIA EV9's predominant issue lies within its electrical system, accounting for 96 complaints, though none are crash-linked, suggesting less severe implications. Both vehicles report issues in the electrical system and steering categories, but the Yukon has a notably higher number of crash-linked complaints, especially in the electrical system and steering. Overall, the GMC Yukon shows a broader distribution of issues across critical components, whereas the KIA EV9's problems are more concentrated but less frequently associated with crashes.

GMC Yukon vs KIA EV9 common problem areas comparison
Component	GMC Yukon	KIA EV9
ENGINE	4.7Average	—None
POWER TRAIN	1.8Low	0.1Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	1.1Low	0.6Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	0.9Very Low	—None
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.5Very Low	0.1Very Low
STEERING	0.4Very Low	0.1Very Low
SUSPENSION	0.2Very Low	0.1Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	0.3Very Low	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.2Very Low	—None
AIR BAGS	0.2Very Low	—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.1Very Low	—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER	0.1Very Low	—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	—None
SEAT BELTS	—None	—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	—None
STRUCTURE	—None	—None
VISIBILITY	—None	—None
SEATS	—None	—None
WHEELS	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: GMC Yukon or KIA EV9?

The GMC Yukon has an annual repair cost of $747, with an expected 0.3 repair visits per year and a 16% risk of major repairs. This means owners might face a major repair roughly once every 6 years. Although specific data for the KIA EV9 isn't available, electric vehicles generally have lower maintenance needs due to fewer moving parts. If the EV9 follows this trend, its overall repair costs could be lower than the Yukon’s, despite the lack of concrete figures. Considering the Yukon's higher major repair risk and typical repair frequency, the KIA EV9 might be a better value for cost-conscious buyers, especially if it benefits from typical EV reliability and reduced maintenance requirements.

How Does GMC Yukon vs KIA EV9 Reliability Compare by Year?

GMC Yukon vs KIA EV9 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	GMC Yukon	KIA EV9	Edge
2025	76/1001R / 52C	62/1003R / 19C	GMC Yukon
2024	68/1002R / 45C	60/1007R / 205C	GMC Yukon

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 GMC Yukon scored 76/100 and the 2025 KIA EV9 scored 62/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the GMC Yukon vs the KIA EV9?

If you prioritize reliability and lower owner complaints, the KIA EV9 might be the better choice for you. Despite its slightly lower reliability score of 61/100, it has only 8 total recalls and a very low owner complaint rate of 1.3 per 10,000 sold. This suggests fewer issues and a smoother ownership experience, particularly for those concerned about frequent dealership visits. However, keep in mind that detailed repair cost estimates and frequency data are currently unavailable for the EV9, which may be a factor if budget predictability is crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a vehicle with more established repair and cost data, consider the GMC Yukon. Scoring 68/100 in reliability, it comes with an estimated annual repair cost of $747 and a repair frequency of 0.3 times per year. However, be aware of its higher recall count of 56 and a significant major repair risk of 16%. The Yukon may suit those who value detailed cost projections but are prepared for potential engine and powertrain issues.

GMC Yukon vs KIA EV9: Common Questions

Is the GMC Yukon more reliable than the KIA EV9?: Based on our data, the GMC Yukon is more reliable with an average score of 68/100 compared to 61/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the GMC Yukon or the KIA EV9?: The GMC Yukon has more recalls (56) compared to the KIA EV9 (10). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the GMC Yukon or the KIA EV9?: Adjusted for sales volume, the KIA EV9 has a lower complaint rate at 1.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 11.1 for the GMC Yukon. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the GMC Yukon or KIA EV9 safer?: Both the GMC Yukon and KIA EV9 received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

More GMC Yukon comparisons

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More KIA EV9 comparisons

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Decided between GMC Yukon and KIA EV9? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

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How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases via vehicles.dev. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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