Kia EV9 vs Hyundai IONIQ 9
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
The Kia EV9 starts from $97,000 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 9 opens at $119,750. That makes the Kia EV9 the more affordable entry point by $22,750.
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 $131,725 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 Hyundai IONIQ 9 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 packs more ADAS features with 10 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 8 in the Hyundai IONIQ 9. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV9 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai IONIQ 9 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Bose audio and ambient lighting that the Kia EV9 does not offer. 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 9.4 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 counters with its electric setup making 314kW and 700Nm, paired to a single-speed reduction gear driving all four wheels.
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 has the clear power advantage at 314kW vs 160kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 76.1kWh (Kia EV9) vs 110.3kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 9). DC fast charging peaks at 240kW (Kia EV9) vs 350kW (Hyundai IONIQ 9).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV9 measures 5,010mm long on a 3,100mm wheelbase, 50mm shorter than the Hyundai IONIQ 9 at 5,060mm (3,130mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 9 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 333L in the Kia EV9 and 338L in the Hyundai IONIQ 9, giving the Hyundai IONIQ 9 a 5L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m diameter
Average
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: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV9) vs 5 years (Hyundai IONIQ 9). 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 Hyundai IONIQ 9 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. 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 Hyundai IONIQ 9?
The Kia EV9 is the cheapest at $97,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai IONIQ 9 by $22,750.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 has the most range at 600km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 350kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 9 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 has the largest boot at 338L.
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 Hyundai IONIQ 9 makes the most power at 314kW.
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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