Denza D9 vs Kia EV9
Two electric cars 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.
Price Breakdown
The Denza D9 starts from $85,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV9 opens at $97,000. That makes the Denza D9 the more affordable entry point by $11,010.
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 $94,589 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
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Denza D9 features a 15.6-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-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 D9 stands out with Apple CarPlay and Dynaudio 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 D9 gets leather upholstery while the Kia EV9 offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Denza D9 uses a Electric producing 230kW, sent through its transmission to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 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 9.4 seconds.
The Denza D9 has the clear power advantage at 230kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV9 is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 103.4kWh (Denza D9) vs 76.1kWh (Kia EV9), giving WLTP ranges of 520km and 519km.
Space & Comfort
The Denza D9 measures 5,250mm long on a 3,110mm wheelbase, 240mm longer than the Kia EV9 at 5,010mm (3,100mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Denza D9 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 410L in the Denza D9 and 333L in the Kia EV9, giving the Denza D9 a 77L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m to 12.0m
Based on 11.9m 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 D9) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV9). The Kia EV9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Denza D9 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Denza's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV9 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Denza D9 takes 5 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Denza D9 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 D9 and Kia EV9?
The Denza D9 is the cheapest at $85,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV9 by $11,010.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Kia EV9 has the most range at 563km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Kia EV9 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 240kW.
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 Denza D9 has the largest boot at 410L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia EV9 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV9 has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Denza D9 makes the most power at 230kW. The Kia EV9 is quickest to 100km/h in 9.4s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
