Kia EV9 vs Land Rover Defender OCTA

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Land Rover Defender OCTA a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

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 EV9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Land Rover Defender OCTA gets a 11.4-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Kia EV9 stands out with V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Land Rover Defender OCTA. The Land Rover Defender OCTA counters with panoramic roof, Meridian audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Kia EV9 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Land Rover Defender OCTA offers leather.

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 Land Rover Defender OCTA responds with a 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo Petrol Mild Hybrid making 467kW and 750Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4 seconds.

The Land Rover Defender OCTA has the clear power advantage at 467kW vs 160kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Land Rover Defender OCTA is 4.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Kia EV9 measures 5,010mm long on a 3,100mm wheelbase, 197mm longer than the Land Rover Defender OCTA at 4,813mm (3,023mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV9 generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Land Rover Defender OCTA leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 2,600kg 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 EV9's turning circle is 0.8 m tighter, 12.0 m against 12.8 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 EV9 costs about $1,042 a year (21.7 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Land Rover Defender OCTA about $3,734 a year (13.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV9) and 5 years / Unlimited (Land Rover Defender OCTA).

Where each one leads

The Kia EV9: the lower starting price ($97,000 against $304,500) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Land Rover Defender OCTA: more power (467kW against 160kW) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 900kg).

The Verdict

Kia EV9 scores higher, 67 vs 55

The Kia EV9 scores 67 to the Land Rover Defender OCTA's 55 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Land Rover Defender OCTA ahead by 45 points), value (Kia EV9 ahead by 35 points). Warranty: 7 years on the Kia EV9, 5 on the Land Rover Defender OCTA.

Common questions