Hyundai IONIQ 9 vs Kia EV3
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.
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.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV3 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, V2L, Bose audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Kia EV3. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 runs a pure electric powertrain producing 314kW and 700Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed reduction gear to a AWD layout.
The Kia EV3 responds with a Electric making 150kW and 283Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 has the clear power advantage at 314kW vs 150kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 110.3kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 9) vs 58.3kWh (Kia EV3). DC fast charging peaks at 350kW (Hyundai IONIQ 9) vs 101kW (Kia EV3).
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 measures 5,060mm long on a 3,130mm wheelbase, 760mm longer than the Kia EV3 at 4,300mm (2,680mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 9 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 338L in the Hyundai IONIQ 9 and 310L in the Kia EV3, giving the Hyundai IONIQ 9 a 28L advantage. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 seats 7 vs 5.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m diameter
Good
Based on 11.0m 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: 5 years (Hyundai IONIQ 9) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV3). The Kia EV3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 9 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 takes 7 of 8 key spec categories. The Kia EV3 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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