Denza B8 vs Kia EV9

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Denza B8 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 86% for the Denza B8 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.

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 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 Devialet audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Kia EV9. The Kia EV9 counters with power tailgate. 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 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Denza B8 is 3.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

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.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); both turn in a 12.0 m circle, 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 Denza B8 costs about $2,822 a year (9.9 L/100km as a hybrid) and electricity for the Kia EV9 about $1,042 a year (21.7 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. A plug-in hybrid is costed running as a hybrid (battery depleted); charged daily, it uses less fuel and some electricity.

Warranty: 6 years / 150k km (Denza B8) and 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV9).

Where each one leads

The Denza B8: the lower starting price ($91,000 against $97,000), more power (425kW against 160kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 900kg).

The Kia EV9: the bigger boot with the seats up (333L against 147L) and the longer warranty (7 years against 6).

The Verdict

Denza B8 scores higher, 69 vs 67

The Denza B8 scores 69 to the Kia EV9's 67 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 4 of the 8 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Denza B8 ahead by 37 points), reliability (Kia EV9 ahead by 19 points), practicality (Denza B8 ahead by 15 points). Boot space with the seats up: 147L in the Denza B8, 333L in the Kia EV9. Warranty: 6 years on the Denza B8, 7 on the Kia EV9.

Common questions