Kia EV9 vs Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia EV9 starts from $97,000 before on-road costs, while the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron opens at $97,935. That makes the Kia EV9 the more affordable entry point by $935.
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 $106,700 and $107,729 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 Kia EV9 and Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Kia EV9.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia EV9 and 7 in the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron. The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV9 misses.
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
99.8kWh usableAC charging · to 100%
Power point
10A wall socket · 2.4kW
Caravan socket
15A · 3.6kW
Home wallbox
single-phase 7kW · 7.4kW
Three-phase AC
11–22kW · 11kW
DC fast charging · to 80%
Public 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.
How long to charge
75.8kWh usableAC charging · to 100%
Power point
10A wall socket · 2.4kW
Caravan socket
15A · 3.6kW
Home wallbox
single-phase 7kW · 7.4kW
Three-phase AC
11–22kW · 11kW
DC fast charging · to 80%
Public DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 225kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 225kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron gets a 14.5-inch display and 11.9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia EV9 stands out with V2L that you will not find on the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron. The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron counters with Bang & Olufsen audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia EV9 uses a Electric producing 160kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron responds with a Electric making 185kW and 450Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds.
The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 76.1kWh (Kia EV9) vs 83kWh (Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron). DC fast charging peaks at 240kW (Kia EV9) vs 225kW (Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV9 measures 5,010mm long on a 3,100mm wheelbase, 239mm longer than the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron at 4,771mm (2,899mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV9 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 333L in the Kia EV9 and 511L in the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron, giving the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron a 178L advantage. The Kia EV9 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 1,100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m 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 11.6m 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: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV9) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron). The Kia EV9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV9 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron takes 6 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron 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, Kia EV9 and Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron?
The Kia EV9 is the cheapest at $97,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron by $935.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron has the most range at 546km (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 and Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron has the largest boot at 511L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV9 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron makes the most power at 185kW. The Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron is quickest to 100km/h in 7.6s.
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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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