Kia EV9 vs Tesla Model Y
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Tesla Model Y scores higher, 81 vs 67
Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 29 Oct 2026, price 16 Sep 2026
Kia EV9
21 of 27 standard · no option data · 2 not offered · 4 no dataFrom
$97,000
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 160kW
- Energy use
- 21.7 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2023
- Boot (seats up)
- 333L
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Tesla Model Y
19 of 27 standard · no option data · 8 no dataFrom
$58,900
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric Motor
- Power
- 255kW
- Energy use
- 14.1 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2025
- Boot (seats up)
- 854L
Top CarSorted Score, 81 vs 67
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
$97,000RRP
- no option data for this car
$58,900RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Measured rows: Australian Automobile Association Real-World Testing Program (realworld.org.au), the on-road result for the vehicle each test names, shown beside the manufacturer's figures rather than in place of them and never scored. Kia EV9 test page Tesla Model Y test page
Price and cost per week
Kia EV9 Air RWD
$97,000
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 6 Sept 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $425 a week in repayments ($97,000 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
Tesla Model Y RWD
$58,900
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 16 Sept 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $249 a week in repayments ($58,900 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
The Tesla Model Y starts $38,100 lower on RRP.
The Tesla Model Y currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which applies to novated leases. The Kia EV9 does not: above the $91,661 fuel-efficient lct threshold.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
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Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$249/wk(≈$1,080/mo)
Estimate on the Tesla Model Y at $58,900 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Tesla Model YDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP lists the Kia EV9 at 5 stars (2023) and the Tesla Model Y at 5 stars (2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2023 vs 2025). 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 91% for the Tesla Model Y, under different test years.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Tesla Model Y, against 7 on 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 Tesla Model Y.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 7 of 10 key systems on the Kia EV9 and 8 on the Tesla Model Y.
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Recalls on our record
Kia EV9
- REC-006557 · published 6 Mar 2026Due to a software error, the Instrument Cluster may display a blank screen or may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006250 · published 22 Jan 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, vehicles may have been assembled with missing seat mounting bolts.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-006126 · published 22 Oct 2024Due to a software issue, the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
Tesla Model Y
- REC-006419 · published 29 Aug 2025Due to a software issue, the driver side window’s automatic protection system may not operate as intended and result in the window closing with excessive force on any obstruction such as a body part.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006300 · published 3 Mar 2025Due to a software issue, the Electronic Power Assist Steering system (EPAS) may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-006042 · published 1 Aug 2024Due to manufacturing defect, the bonnet latch assembly may not detect when it is opened by the driver and therefore fail to warn the driver of "open bonnet".Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2024
- 2 more on the model page.
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.
How long to charge
99.8kWh usablePublic 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
57.5kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 175kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 175kW 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 Tesla Model Y gets a 16-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia EV9 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Tesla Model Y. The Tesla Model Y counters with Apple CarPlay, panoramic roof 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 Tesla Model Y offers vegan leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Kia EV9 and 2-zone in the Tesla Model Y.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
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 Tesla Model Y responds with a Electric Motor making 255kW and 340Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The Tesla Model Y has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 160kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Tesla Model Y is 2.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 76.1kWh (Kia EV9) vs 60kWh (Tesla Model Y), giving WLTP ranges of 519km and 466km. DC fast charging peaks at 240kW (Kia EV9) vs 175kW (Tesla Model Y).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV9 measures 5,010mm long on a 3,100mm wheelbase, 218mm longer than the Tesla Model Y at 4,792mm (2,890mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV9 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 333L in the Kia EV9 and 854L in the Tesla Model Y, giving the Tesla Model Y a 521L advantage. The Kia EV9 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Tesla Model Y leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 900kg. That 700kg 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 0.1 m tighter, 12.0 m against 12.1 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 electricity for the Tesla Model Y about $677 a year (14.1 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $365 a year less for the Tesla Model Y.
Warranty: 7 years / Unlimited (Kia EV9) and 5 years / Unlimited (Tesla Model Y).
Where each one leads
The Kia EV9: the longer warranty (7 years against 5).
The Tesla Model Y: the lower starting price ($58,900 against $97,000), more power (255kW against 160kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (854L against 333L), the higher braked towing limit (1,600kg against 900kg) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($677 a year against $1,042).
The Verdict
Tesla Model Y scores higher, 81 vs 67
The Tesla Model Y scores 81 to the Kia EV9's 67 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 7 of the 11 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: energy efficiency (Tesla Model Y ahead by 51 points), performance (Tesla Model Y ahead by 18 points), practicality (Tesla Model Y ahead by 15 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Tesla Model Y costs about $365 less (14.1 kWh/100km against 21.7 kWh/100km, at 32c a kWh). Boot space with the seats up: 333L in the Kia EV9, 854L in the Tesla Model Y. Warranty: 7 years on the Kia EV9, 5 on the Tesla Model Y.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$249/wk(≈$1,080/mo)
Estimate on the Tesla Model Y at $58,900 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Tesla Model YDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia EV9 and Tesla Model Y?
The Tesla Model Y is the cheapest at $58,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV9 by $38,100.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Tesla Model Y has the most range at 466km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Kia EV9 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 240kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Kia EV9 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2023) and Tesla Model Y holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2025). ANCAP tested these in different years (2023 vs 2025). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Tesla Model Y has the largest boot at 854L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Tesla Model Y has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV9 has the longest warranty at 7 years / unlimited km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Tesla Model Y makes the most power at 255kW. The Tesla Model Y is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
Track the Kia EV9 & Tesla Model Y
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How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
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