2025
See Kia EV9 for saleKia EV9
From AED 261,650
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.
2025
See Tesla Model 3 for saleTesla Model 3
From AED 167,990
Kia EV9 VS Tesla Model 3: the verdict
The Kia EV9 is the clear winner for families needing space and SUV utility, offering 6 or 7 seats and a commanding presence. However, the Tesla Model 3 dominates for performance enthusiasts and budget-conscious buyers, providing superior acceleration and a much lower starting price, alongside a better range.
| #1 Kia EV9#1 | #2 Tesla Model 3#2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Comparison | ||
| Starting at | 261,650 – 398,000 AED | 167,990 – 219,990 AED |
| Engine & Power | ||
| Engine | 0 cc | — |
| Horsepower (bhp) | 201 – 380 hp | 283 – 513 hp |
| Torque (Nm) | 350 – 700 Nm | 420 – 660 Nm |
| Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec) | 7.8 s | 3.3 – 6.1 s |
| Top Speed (Km/h) | 185 – 200 km/h | 201 – 261 km/h |
| Gears | 1 | 1 |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Drive Type | All Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric |
| Battery Size | 76.1 – 99.8 kWh | 60 – 82 kWh |
| Battery Range (km) | 370 – 489 km | 513 – 602 km |
| Measurements | ||
| L×W×H | 5.0 m × 2.0 m × 1.8 m | 4.7 / 4.7 m × 1.8 / 1.9 m × 1.4 / 1.4 m |
| Wheelbase (meters) | 3.1 m | 2.9 m |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 2,310 – 2,580 kg | 1,765 – 1,928 kg |
| Trunk Capacity (liters) | 572 L | 594 – 649 L |
| Overview | ||
| Body Style | SUV Crossover | Sedan |
| Seating Capacity | 6 / 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 doors | 4 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 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAUXAUX InputBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCigar LighterClimate 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 ExtinguisherFirst Aid KitFog Lamp - Front and RearFog LightsFoldable Rear SeatsFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront BumperFront CameraFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDDHDMIHead-Up DisplayHeated SeatsHeel-and-ToeHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresPanoramic Glass RoofParking 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 pretensionerSeatsSide Impact BarSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentTailgate with HatchTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTouchscreenTowing HookTraction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Voice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheels - AlloyWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim |
Which one should you buy?
1
Best for Families & Space
The Kia EV9 is ideal for larger families or those requiring more passenger capacity, offering 6 or 7 seats and a spacious SUV crossover body. Its larger dimensions provide superior comfort for multiple occupants.
2
Best for Performance & Speed
For drivers prioritizing exhilarating acceleration and higher top speeds, the Tesla Model 3 is the undisputed choice. Its 3.3-second acceleration and up to 513 hp deliver a thrilling driving experience.
3
Best for Long-Distance Driving
The Tesla Model 3 offers a superior battery range, reaching up to 602 km on a single charge, making it the better option for longer commutes and fewer charging stops.
4
Best Value for Money
The Tesla Model 3 presents a more accessible entry point into the EV market, with a starting price significantly lower than the Kia EV9, offering excellent performance for its cost.
Pros & cons
Kia EV9
Pros
- Standard 7-seater (or 6-seater) configuration
- Spacious SUV Crossover body style
- Higher maximum torque (700 Nm)
- Larger overall dimensions (length, width, height, wheelbase)
- Commanding road presence
Cons
- Higher starting price
- Slower acceleration compared to Model 3
- Lower maximum battery range
- Lower maximum horsepower
Tesla Model 3
Pros
- Significantly lower starting price
- Superior acceleration (as low as 3.3 seconds)
- Higher top speed (up to 261 km/h)
- Longer battery range (up to 602 km)
- Higher maximum horsepower (513 hp)
Cons
- Limited to 5-seater capacity
- Smaller sedan body style
- Lower maximum torque
- Smaller overall dimensions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, the Kia EV9 or Tesla Model 3?
The Kia EV9 is significantly better for families due to its larger SUV Crossover body style and seating for 6 or 7 passengers. The Tesla Model 3, being a sedan, only offers 5 seats, making the EV9 the practical choice for those needing more space and seating capacity.
Is the Kia EV9 or Tesla Model 3 faster?
The Tesla Model 3 is considerably faster, offering acceleration as quick as 3.3 seconds and a top speed of up to 261 km/h. The Kia EV9, while powerful for an SUV, accelerates in 7.8 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/h, making the Model 3 the clear winner for performance.
Which electric car offers better range, the Kia EV9 or Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 offers a superior battery range, capable of traveling up to 602 km on a single charge. The Kia EV9 has a respectable range of up to 489 km, but for maximum distance between charges, the Model 3 is the better option.
How do the prices of the Kia EV9 and Tesla Model 3 compare in the UAE?
The Tesla Model 3 is considerably more affordable, with prices ranging from 167,990 AED to 219,990 AED. The Kia EV9 is a premium SUV, priced between 261,650 AED and 398,000 AED, making the Model 3 the more budget-friendly choice.
