Audi Q5 vs Kia EV9

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi Q5 at 5 stars (2025) and the Kia EV9 at 5 stars (2023). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2023). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Audi Q5 and 84% for the Kia EV9, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Audi Q5, against 7 on the Kia EV9.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Audi Q5 and 7 in the Kia EV9.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV9 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q5 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Kia EV9. The Kia EV9 counters with wireless charging, heated front seats, ventilated seats and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q5 gets leather upholstery while the Kia EV9 offers synthetic leather.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q5 uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.

The Kia EV9 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.

The Kia EV9 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Kia EV9 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q5 measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 293mm shorter than the Kia EV9 at 5,010mm (3,100mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV9 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q5 and 333L in the Kia EV9, giving the Audi Q5 a 187L advantage. The Kia EV9 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Audi Q5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 1,100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Audi Q5's turning circle is 0.2 m tighter, 11.8 m against 12.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $1,625 a year (5.7 L/100km) and electricity for the Kia EV9 about $1,042 a year (21.7 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q5) and 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV9). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Audi Q5), no data (Kia EV9).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q5: the lower starting price ($80,900 against $97,000), the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 333L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 900kg).

The Kia EV9: more power (160kW against 150kW) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Verdict

Audi Q5 scores higher, 76 vs 67

The Audi Q5 scores 76 to the Kia EV9's 67 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 7 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: reliability (Kia EV9 ahead by 12 points), practicality (Audi Q5 ahead by 11 points). Boot space with the seats up: 520L in the Audi Q5, 333L in the Kia EV9. Warranty: 5 years on the Audi Q5, 7 on the Kia EV9.

Common questions