Audi Q8 vs Kia EV9
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Audi Q8 starts from $143,415 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV9 opens at $97,000. That makes the Kia EV9 the more affordable entry point by $46,415.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $157,757 and $106,700 respectively.
The Kia EV9 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Audi Q8, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Audi Q8 and Kia EV9 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Audi Q8 and 84% for the Kia EV9.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q8 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Kia EV9.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Audi Q8 and 7 in the Kia EV9. The Audi Q8 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV9 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Audi Q8 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Kia EV9 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi Q8 stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Bang & Olufsen audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Kia EV9. The Kia EV9 counters with V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Audi Q8 uses a Diesel MHEV producing 210kW and 600Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 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 9.4 seconds.
The Audi Q8 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi Q8 is 3.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi Q8 measures 4,986mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 24mm 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 660L in the Audi Q8 and 333L in the Kia EV9, giving the Audi Q8 a 327L advantage. The Kia EV9 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Audi Q8 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m to 12.5m
Based on 12.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q8) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV9). The Kia EV9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi Q8 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV9 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi Q8 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Audi Q8 has a clear edge. The Kia EV9 adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi Q8 and Kia EV9?
The Kia EV9 is the cheapest at $97,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q8 by $46,415.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi Q8 uses the least fuel at 8.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Audi Q8 and Kia EV9 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q8 has the largest boot at 660L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV9 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi Q8 makes the most power at 210kW. The Audi Q8 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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