Kia EV9 vs Tesla Model 3: Which Should You Buy in UAE?

A complete comparison of the ⁦Kia EV9⁩ VS ⁦Tesla Model 3⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across UAE.

⁦Kia EV9⁩ VS ⁦Tesla Model 3⁩: the verdict

The Tesla Model 3 wins for its superior performance, longer range, and significantly more accessible price point, making it an excellent choice for performance-oriented buyers and daily commuters. However, the Kia EV9 is the undisputed champion for large families needing substantial passenger and cargo space in a stylish SUV package.
Other Years
#1#2
Price Comparison
Starting at261,650 – 398,000 AED167,990 – 219,990 AED
Engine & Power
Engine0 cc—
Horsepower (bhp)201 – 380 hp325 – 513 hp
Torque (Nm)350 – 700 Nm493 – 660 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)5.3 – 9.4 s3.3 – 6.1 s
Top Speed (Km/h)185 – 200 km/h225 – 261 km/h
Gears11
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic
Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeElectricElectric
Battery Size76.1 – 99.8 kWh60 – 82 kWh
Battery Range (km)370 – 489 km491 – 602 km
Measurements
L×W×H5.0 m × 2.0 m × 1.8 m4.7 m × 1.8 / 1.9 m × 1.4 m
Wheelbase (meters)3.1 m2.9 m
Curb Weight (kg)2,310 – 2,580 kg1,745 – 1,928 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)572 L649 L
Overview
Body StyleSUV CrossoverSedan
Seating Capacity6 / 7 seats5 seats
Doors4 doors4 doors
Features
Key features
360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Air ConditioningAirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACBlind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesClimate ControlCollision DetectionCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Handles - Body ColoredEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Rear OnlyFoldable Rear SeatsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDMIHID HeadlightsHill AssistHill Descent ControlImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLane Departure WarningLeather SeatsLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomMoving Object Detection SystemMudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeMulti-Terrain SelectNavigation SystemNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)Off-Road DampersParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear CameraRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRear WiperRemote StartRemote Windows DownRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSensorSoft-closing DoorsSpare WheelSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentTiptronic GearsTouchscreen SizeTPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)Traction ControlTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUrethane Steering WheelUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Wheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
12V Socket360-Degree Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesClimate ControlClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassConversation Mirror with Sunglasses HolderCornering assistCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDVDEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Electric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront BumperFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDDHDMIHead-Up DisplayHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRemote StartRemote Windows DownRoad Sign AssistRoof RailsRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreenTowing HookTraction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Voice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheels - AlloyWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Performance Enthusiasts

The Tesla Model 3 boasts quicker acceleration (as low as 3.3 seconds) and a higher top speed (up to 261 km/h), offering a thrilling driving experience for those who prioritize speed.

2

Best for Large Families

The Kia EV9 is designed to comfortably accommodate bigger families with its 6 or 7 seating capacity and commanding SUV presence, ideal for family trips.

3

Best for Value and Range

The Tesla Model 3 provides excellent value with a starting price of 167,990 AED and offers an impressive range of up to 602 km, perfect for longer, worry-free journeys.

4

Best for Road Presence and Space

The Kia EV9's larger dimensions (5.0m length) and SUV body style give it a commanding presence on the road and generous interior volume for passengers and cargo.

Pros & cons

Kia EV9

Pros

  • Accommodates 6 or 7 passengers comfortably
  • Commanding SUV Crossover body style
  • Larger overall dimensions and wheelbase for spaciousness
  • Higher maximum torque (700 Nm)

Cons

  • Higher starting price (261,650 AED) than Model 3
  • Slower acceleration (minimum 5.3 seconds)
  • Shorter maximum battery range (489 km)
  • Smaller trunk capacity (572 L)

Tesla Model 3

Pros

  • Significantly lower starting price (167,990 AED)
  • Superior acceleration (as low as 3.3 seconds)
  • Longer battery range (up to 602 km)
  • Higher top speed (up to 261 km/h)
  • Larger trunk capacity (649 L)

Cons

  • Limited to 5-seat capacity
  • Sedan body style offers less vertical cargo space
  • Smaller overall dimensions compared to the EV9
  • Lower maximum torque (660 Nm) than EV9

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Kia EV9 or Tesla Model 3 better for families in the UAE?

The Kia EV9 is definitively better for larger families, offering 6 or 7 seats compared to the Tesla Model 3's 5 seats. Its SUV body style also provides more versatile space, making it ideal for family trips and daily errands.

Which car offers better performance, the Kia EV9 or Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 offers superior performance, with an acceleration as quick as 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 261 km/h. The Kia EV9, while powerful, focuses more on space and comfort, with its quickest acceleration at 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h.

Which electric car is more affordable, the Kia EV9 or Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 is significantly more affordable, with a starting price of 167,990 AED. The Kia EV9 starts at a higher price point of 261,650 AED, reflecting its larger size and SUV segment.

Does the Kia EV9 or Tesla Model 3 have a longer electric range?

The Tesla Model 3 offers a longer electric range, capable of traveling up to 602 km on a single charge. The Kia EV9 provides a respectable range of up to 489 km, which is sufficient for most daily needs but less than the Model 3.

Which car offers more cargo space, the Kia EV9 or Tesla Model 3?

Surprisingly, the Tesla Model 3 offers more overall trunk capacity at 649 L, compared to the Kia EV9's 572 L. While the EV9's SUV body might suggest more, the Model 3's design prioritizes cargo volume.