BYD Atto 2 DM-i vs Kia EV9
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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.
BYD Atto 2 DM-i: not on sale yet, so BYD hasn't published price and warranty.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
18kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
99.8kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 240kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 240kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Atto 2 DM-i stands out with Apple CarPlay and panoramic roof that you will not find on the Kia EV9. The Kia EV9 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats, power tailgate and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Atto 2 DM-i uses a 1.5L 4-cylinder petrol producing 156kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 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 156kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 2 DM-i is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 18kWh (BYD Atto 2 DM-i) vs 76.1kWh (Kia EV9), giving WLTP ranges of 90km and 519km.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Atto 2 DM-i measures 4,330mm long on a 2,620mm wheelbase, 680mm 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 425L in the BYD Atto 2 DM-i and 333L in the Kia EV9, giving the BYD Atto 2 DM-i a 92L advantage. The Kia EV9 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Kia EV9 leads with a 900kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 150kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 12.0m
Based on 10.6m 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
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Atto 2 DM-i if: You need more boot space, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV9 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV9 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the BYD Atto 2 DM-i has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Atto 2 DM-i and Kia EV9?
The Kia EV9 is the cheapest at $97,000 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Atto 2 DM-i uses the least fuel at 5.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 BYD Atto 2 DM-i has the largest boot at 425L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia EV9 makes the most power at 160kW. The BYD Atto 2 DM-i is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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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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