Kia EV9 vs Polestar Polestar 3

The Kia EV9 starts from $97,000 before on-road costs, while the Polestar Polestar 3 opens at $99,900. That makes the Kia EV9 the more affordable entry point by $2,900.

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 $109,890 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.

Both the Kia EV9 and Polestar Polestar 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Kia EV9 and 90% for the Polestar Polestar 3.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Polestar Polestar 3 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 Polestar Polestar 3. The Polestar Polestar 3 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV9 misses.

The Kia EV9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Polestar Polestar 3 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Polestar Polestar 3 counters with head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting that the Kia EV9 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 Polestar Polestar 3 responds with a Electric Motor making 245kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.

The Polestar Polestar 3 has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar Polestar 3 is 2.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 76.1kWh (Kia EV9) vs 92kWh (Polestar Polestar 3), giving WLTP ranges of 519km and 604km. DC fast charging peaks at 240kW (Kia EV9) vs 310kW (Polestar Polestar 3).

The Kia EV9 measures 5,010mm long on a 3,100mm wheelbase, 110mm longer than the Polestar Polestar 3 at 4,900mm (2,985mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV9 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 333L in the Kia EV9 and 597L in the Polestar Polestar 3, giving the Polestar Polestar 3 a 264L advantage. The Kia EV9 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Kia EV9 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

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 (Polestar Polestar 3). The Kia EV9 has longer coverage.