BMW X3 vs Kia EV9

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BMW X3 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 88% for the BMW X3 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 both.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X3 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 BMW X3 features a 14.9-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 BMW X3 stands out with Bowers & Wilkins audio — features our data doesn't list for the Kia EV9. The Kia EV9 counters with ventilated seats and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW X3 gets merino leather upholstery while the Kia EV9 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW X3 and 3-zone in the Kia EV9.

Drivetrain

The BMW X3 uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 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 Kia EV9 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 140kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Kia EV9 is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW X3 measures 4,755mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 255mm 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 570L in the BMW X3 and 333L in the Kia EV9, giving the BMW X3 a 237L advantage. The Kia EV9 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 1,500kg 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 Kia EV9's turning circle is 0.1 m tighter, 12.0 m against 12.1 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 BMW X3 costs about $2,138 a year (7.5 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 (BMW X3) and 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV9).

Where each one leads

The BMW X3: the lower starting price ($86,100 against $97,000), the bigger boot with the seats up (570L against 333L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 900kg).

The Kia EV9: more power (160kW against 140kW) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Verdict

BMW X3 scores higher, 73 vs 67

The BMW X3 scores 73 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: practicality (BMW X3 ahead by 18 points), technology (BMW X3 ahead by 11 points). Boot space with the seats up: 570L in the BMW X3, 333L in the Kia EV9. Warranty: 5 years on the BMW X3, 7 on the Kia EV9.

Common questions