Kia EV3 vs Kia EV9

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Kia EV3 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 83% for the Kia EV3 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 the Kia EV9, against 6 on the Kia EV3.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia EV3 and 7 in the Kia EV9.

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 Kia EV3 features a 12.3-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 Kia EV9 counters with heated front seats, ventilated seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Kia EV3 gets cloth upholstery while the Kia EV9 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Kia EV3 and 3-zone in the Kia EV9.

Drivetrain

The Kia EV3 uses a Electric producing 150kW and 283Nm 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 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Kia EV3 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 58.3kWh (Kia EV3) vs 76.1kWh (Kia EV9), giving WLTP ranges of 436km and 519km.

Space & Comfort

The Kia EV3 measures 4,300mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 710mm 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 460L in the Kia EV3 and 333L in the Kia EV9, giving the Kia EV3 a 127L advantage. The Kia EV9 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Kia EV9 leads with a 900kg braked capacity vs 500kg. That 400kg 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); the Kia EV3's turning circle is 1.6 m tighter, 10.4 m against 12.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Kia EV3 costs about $600 a year (12.5 kWh/100km) and electricity for the Kia EV9 about $1,042 a year (21.7 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $442 a year less for the Kia EV3.

Warranty: 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV3) and 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV9).

Where each one leads

The Kia EV3: the lower starting price ($47,600 against $97,000), the bigger boot with the seats up (460L against 333L) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($600 a year against $1,042).

The Kia EV9: more power (160kW against 150kW) and the higher braked towing limit (900kg against 500kg).

The Verdict

Kia EV3 scores higher, 81 vs 67

The Kia EV3 scores 81 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: energy efficiency (Kia EV3 ahead by 58 points), value (Kia EV3 ahead by 18 points), technology (Kia EV3 ahead by 11 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Kia EV3 costs about $442 less (12.5 kWh/100km against 21.7 kWh/100km, at 32c a kWh). Boot space with the seats up: 460L in the Kia EV3, 333L in the Kia EV9.

Common questions