The Short Version
- Four Kias are rated over 6,000 lbs gross vehicle weight (GVWR): the 2027 Telluride, 2027 Telluride Hybrid, 2026 EV9, and the 2027 Carnival and Carnival Hybrid.
- Heavy SUVs skip the "luxury auto" depreciation caps, so Section 179 plus 100% bonus depreciation can cover the full business-use cost in year one.
- The vehicle has to be used for business more than 50% of the time and placed in service (delivered) by December 31, 2026 to count for 2026.
- Buying with cash or financing both work. Leased vehicles don't qualify.
Kias Over 6,000 lbs GVWR
GVWR is the maximum loaded weight, printed on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb. It must read over 6,000 lbs.
| Model | GVWR | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kia Telluride (all trims) | 6,063 to 6,261 lbs | View inventory |
| 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid | 6,283 to 6,504 lbs | View inventory |
| 2026 Kia EV9 (all trims) | 6,415 to 7,187 lbs | View inventory |
| 2027 Kia Carnival and Carnival Hybrid | 6,283 lbs (gas) / 6,504 lbs (hybrid) | View inventory |
Weight ratings from Kia window sticker and kia.com spec data; they can vary by trim and model year. Older 2025 Tellurides are rated under 6,000 lbs and don't qualify for the heavy-SUV rules. We'll show you the door sticker on any vehicle you're considering.
How the Write-Off Works
Two parts of the tax code work together for a business vehicle over 6,000 lbs.
Section 179 Expensing
Lets a business deduct the cost of equipment in the year it's put to use instead of depreciating it over several years. For 2026 the overall limit is $2,560,000, phasing out above $4,090,000 of purchases, and the deduction can't exceed the business's taxable income. For SUVs rated 6,001 to 14,000 lbs, Section 179 is capped at $32,000 per vehicle for 2026.
100% Bonus Depreciation
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed July 4, 2025) permanently restored 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying property acquired after January 19, 2025. It has no dollar cap, so it can cover the rest of the vehicle's business-use cost after the $32,000 Section 179 amount.
Why 6,000 lbs Matters
Cars and lighter SUVs fall under the "luxury auto" depreciation limits in IRC §280F, which cap first-year write-offs. SUVs, trucks and vans rated over 6,000 lbs GVWR are excluded from those caps, which is what makes a full first-year write-off possible.
What You'll Need
- A business. Self-employed and sole proprietors count.
- More than 50% business use. At 50% or less, accelerated write-offs aren't allowed, and deductions already taken can be recaptured if business use later drops.
- Delivery by December 31, 2026. The vehicle has to be placed in service in 2026. Signing in December and picking up in January moves the deduction to 2027.
- Cash or financing. Both work, and the deduction is based on the vehicle's cost, not what you've paid so far.
- Records. Keep a mileage log to prove business use (IRC §274(d)) and a photo of the door sticker showing GVWR.
- Form 4562. Your tax preparer claims the deduction on IRS Form 4562, Depreciation and Amortization.
What It Could Be Worth
Illustrations only. These assume 100% business use and show the federal tax effect of deducting the full price at two common tax brackets.
| Vehicle | MSRP* | 2026 Deduction | Tax Effect at 24% | Tax Effect at 32% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Telluride EX AWD | $45,790 | $45,790 | $10,990 | $14,653 |
| 2027 Telluride Hybrid EX AWD | $48,490 | $48,490 | $11,638 | $15,517 |
| 2027 Carnival SX | $46,590 | $46,590 | $11,182 | $14,909 |
| 2026 EV9 Wind AWD | $63,900 | $63,900 | $15,336 | $20,448 |
*Starting MSRP on kia.com as of October 2026, excluding destination, tax, fees and options. Federal only; state treatment can differ. Tax effect = deduction × bracket and is not a promise of savings. Using the vehicle for business 60% of the time? Deduct 60% of the cost: $45,790 × 60% = $27,474.
Business Write-Off or Loan Interest Deduction, Not Both
Section 179 requires mostly business use. The new car loan interest deduction requires personal use. A vehicle generally fits one or the other, so think about how you'll actually use it. The Telluride and EV9 can fit either path. See how the car loan interest deduction works.
Buying a Business Vehicle at Emich Kia
Family-owned since 1922 at 1260 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver, we'll help you check the paperwork your accountant will ask for.
- We'll confirm the GVWR on the door sticker before you buy and give you a photo for your records.
- We can schedule delivery before December 31 so the vehicle is placed in service in 2026.
- Finance or pay cash: apply for financing online or value your trade before you visit.
Section 179 and Kia SUVs: FAQ
Which Kias qualify for Section 179 in 2026?
Kias rated over 6,000 lbs GVWR: the 2027 Telluride, 2027 Telluride Hybrid, 2026 EV9, and the 2027 Carnival and Carnival Hybrid. Always confirm the rating on the driver's door sticker of the specific vehicle.
Can I write off the full price of a Kia Telluride?
Possibly. Section 179 on an SUV over 6,000 lbs is capped at $32,000 for 2026, but 100% bonus depreciation can cover the remaining business-use cost, so a business using the Telluride more than 50% for work may be able to deduct its full business-use cost in 2026. Your CPA will confirm based on your income and records.
What is the deadline to qualify for 2026?
The vehicle must be placed in service, meaning delivered and available for business use, by December 31, 2026. A vehicle you sign for in December but pick up in January counts for 2027.
Does a financed vehicle qualify?
Yes. Financed and cash purchases both qualify, and the deduction is based on the vehicle's cost. Leased vehicles don't qualify for Section 179 or bonus depreciation.
What if I use the vehicle for business only part of the time?
You deduct only the business-use percentage, and business use has to be more than 50% to use Section 179 and bonus depreciation. If business use later falls to 50% or less, part of the deduction can be recaptured as income.
Do 2025 Kia Tellurides qualify?
Not for the heavy-vehicle treatment. 2025 Tellurides are rated under 6,000 lbs GVWR, so they fall under the lower passenger-vehicle depreciation limits. The redesigned 2027 Telluride is rated over 6,000 lbs.
How do I claim it?
Your tax preparer claims Section 179 and bonus depreciation on IRS Form 4562. Bring your purchase paperwork, a mileage log showing business use and a photo of the door sticker showing GVWR.
Ready Before December 31?
Shop qualifying Kias in stock or ask our team about delivery timing.
Shop Kias Over 6,000 lbs Contact Our TeamSources: IRC §§168(k), 179, 280F and 274(d); Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (2026 Section 179 limits); IRS Notice 2026-11 (bonus depreciation). Tax rules can change. This page is general information, not tax, legal or accounting advice. Consult a qualified tax professional about your situation.