Audi SQ5 Sportback vs Kia EV9

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Audi SQ5 Sportback 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 SQ5 Sportback and 84% for the Kia EV9, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Kia EV9, against 6 on the Audi SQ5 Sportback.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Audi SQ5 Sportback 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 SQ5 Sportback features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 11.9-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 SQ5 Sportback stands out with Apple CarPlay and Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Kia EV9. The Kia EV9 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, ventilated seats and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi SQ5 Sportback gets leather upholstery while the Kia EV9 offers synthetic leather.

Drivetrain

The Audi SQ5 Sportback uses a Petrol MHEV producing 270kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 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 Audi SQ5 Sportback has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 160kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Audi SQ5 Sportback is 3.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi SQ5 Sportback 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 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback and 333L in the Kia EV9, giving the Audi SQ5 Sportback a 182L advantage. The Kia EV9 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Audi SQ5 Sportback 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 SQ5 Sportback'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 SQ5 Sportback costs about $2,166 a year (7.6 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 SQ5 Sportback) and 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV9).

Where each one leads

The Audi SQ5 Sportback: more power (270kW against 160kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (515L against 333L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 900kg).

The Kia EV9: the lower starting price ($97,000 against $109,900) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Verdict

Audi SQ5 Sportback scores higher, 73 vs 67

The Audi SQ5 Sportback scores 73 to the Kia EV9's 67 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 7 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: performance (Audi SQ5 Sportback ahead by 34 points), reliability (Kia EV9 ahead by 12 points). Boot space with the seats up: 515L in the Audi SQ5 Sportback, 333L in the Kia EV9. Warranty: 5 years on the Audi SQ5 Sportback, 7 on the Kia EV9.

Common questions