Kia EV9 vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Kia EV9 at 5 stars (2023) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2023 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Kia EV9 and 88% for the Subaru Outback, 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 Subaru Outback.

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 9 in the Subaru Outback.

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 Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Kia EV9 stands out with wireless charging, ventilated seats and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof. 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 Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Kia EV9 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 137kW. 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, 130mm longer than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV9 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 333L in the Kia EV9 and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 197L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 828L vs 1267L. The Kia EV9 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 1,100kg 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 Subaru Outback's turning circle is 0.9 m tighter, 11.1 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 EV9 costs about $1,042 a year (21.7 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Outback about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV9) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: no data (Kia EV9), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The Kia EV9: more power (160kW against 137kW) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $97,000), the bigger boot with the seats up (530L against 333L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 900kg).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 67

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the Kia EV9's 67 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: practicality (Subaru Outback ahead by 13 points), performance (Kia EV9 ahead by 13 points). Boot space with the seats up: 333L in the Kia EV9, 530L in the Subaru Outback. Warranty: 7 years on the Kia EV9, 5 on the Subaru Outback.

Common questions