Kia EV9 vs Volkswagen Touareg
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
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 Volkswagen Touareg opens at $86,790. That makes the Volkswagen Touareg the more affordable entry point by $10,210.
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 $95,469 respectively.
The Kia EV9 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Volkswagen Touareg, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Kia EV9 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Touareg gets a 15-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia EV9 stands out with heated front seats and V2L that you will not find on the Volkswagen Touareg. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Kia EV9 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volkswagen Touareg offers leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Kia EV9 and 2-zone in the Volkswagen Touareg.
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 Volkswagen Touareg responds with a Diesel making 170kW and 500Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The Volkswagen Touareg has the clear power advantage at 170kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Touareg is 3.5s 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, 121mm longer than the Volkswagen Touareg at 4,889mm (2,894mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV9 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 333L in the Kia EV9 and 810L in the Volkswagen Touareg, giving the Volkswagen Touareg a 477L advantage. The Kia EV9 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Volkswagen Touareg leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg 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 12.0m
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m 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 / 999,999km (Volkswagen Touareg). The Kia EV9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV9 if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen Touareg if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen Touareg takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen Touareg 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 Volkswagen Touareg?
The Volkswagen Touareg is the cheapest at $86,790 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV9 by $10,210.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Touareg uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV9 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen Touareg has the largest boot at 810L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volkswagen Touareg has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV9 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen Touareg makes the most power at 170kW. The Volkswagen Touareg 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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