Kia EV9 vs Tesla Model Y
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 Tesla Model Y opens at $58,900. That makes the Tesla Model Y the more affordable entry point by $38,100.
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 $64,790 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 Tesla Model Y hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Kia EV9 and 96% for the Tesla Model Y.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Tesla Model Y packs more ADAS features with 8 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 Tesla Model Y.
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, heated front seats and V2L that you will not find on 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.
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 Tesla Model Y responds with a Electric Motor making 194kW 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 194kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model Y is 3.5s 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). 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 Kia EV9 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m to 12.1m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.1m 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 / 80,000km (Tesla Model Y). The Kia EV9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV9 if: You value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Tesla Model Y if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Tesla's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Kia EV9 and Tesla Model Y trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Tesla Model Y has a clear edge. 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 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 Kia EV9 has the most range at 563km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Kia EV9 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 240kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV9 and Tesla Model Y all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. 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.
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 / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Tesla Model Y makes the most power at 194kW. The Tesla Model Y is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
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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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