Denza B8 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.
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.
Track the Denza B8 & Kia EV9
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Price Breakdown
The Denza B8 starts from $91,000 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV9 opens at $97,000. That makes the Denza B8 the more affordable entry point by $6,000.
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 $100,100 and $106,700 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Denza B8 and Kia EV9 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Denza B8 and 84% for the Kia EV9.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Kia EV9 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Denza B8.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.
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
36.8kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 120kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 120kW DC). 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
The Denza B8 features a 17.3-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 Denza B8 stands out with Apple CarPlay and Devialet audio that you will not find on the Kia EV9. The Kia EV9 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate and V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Denza B8 gets leather upholstery while the Kia EV9 offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Denza B8 uses a Petrol Turbo PHEV producing 425kW and 760Nm of torque, sent through a 1-speed auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 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 Denza B8 has the clear power advantage at 425kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Denza B8 is 3.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 36.8kWh (Denza B8) vs 76.1kWh (Kia EV9). DC fast charging peaks at 120kW (Denza B8) vs 240kW (Kia EV9).
Space & Comfort
The Denza B8 measures 5,195mm long on a 2,920mm wheelbase, 185mm longer 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 147L in the Denza B8 and 333L in the Kia EV9, giving the Kia EV9 a 186L advantage.
For towing, the Denza B8 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 2,600kg 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 12.0m
Based on 12.0m 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: 6 years / 150,000km (Denza B8) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV9). The Kia EV9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Denza B8 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Denza's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV9 if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV9 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Kia EV9 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, Denza B8 and Kia EV9?
The Denza B8 is the cheapest at $91,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV9 by $6,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Denza B8 uses the least fuel at 2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Denza B8 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 Kia EV9 has the largest boot at 333L.
Which can tow the most?
The Denza B8 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV9 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Denza B8 makes the most power at 425kW. The Denza B8 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.8s.
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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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