Polestar 3 vs Kia EV9
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 Polestar 3 starts from $99,900 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV9 opens at $97,000. 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 $109,890 and $106,700 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 Polestar 3 and Kia EV9 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the Polestar 3 and 84% for the Kia EV9.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The 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 8 in the Polestar 3 and 7 in the Kia EV9. The Polestar 3 adds a 360-degree camera that the Kia EV9 misses.
Feature Showdown
The Polestar 3 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with a 9-inch digital dash, while the Kia EV9 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Polestar 3 stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, ventilated seats, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Kia EV9. The Kia EV9 counters with V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Polestar 3 uses a Electric Motor producing 245kW and 480Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed fixed gear to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds.
The Kia EV9 responds with a Electric making 160kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Polestar 3 has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar 3 is 2.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 92kWh (Polestar 3) vs 76.1kWh (Kia EV9), giving WLTP ranges of 604km and 519km. DC fast charging peaks at 310kW (Polestar 3) vs 240kW (Kia EV9).
Space & Comfort
The Polestar 3 measures 4,900mm long on a 2,985mm wheelbase, 110mm shorter than the Kia EV9 at 5,010mm (3,100mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV9 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 597L in the Polestar 3 and 333L in the Kia EV9, giving the 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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m to 12.0m
Based on 11.8m 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: 5 years / 999,999km (Polestar 3) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV9). The Kia EV9 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Polestar 3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV9 if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Polestar 3 takes 7 of 11 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Polestar 3 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, Polestar 3 and Kia EV9?
The Kia EV9 is the cheapest at $97,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Polestar 3 by $2,900.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Polestar 3 has the most range at 604km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Polestar 3 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 310kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Polestar 3 and 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 Polestar 3 has the largest boot at 597L.
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 / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Polestar 3 makes the most power at 245kW. The Polestar 3 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.5s.
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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