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

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

⁦Kia EV9⁩ VS ⁦Tesla Model 3⁩: the verdict

The Tesla Model 3 emerges as the overall winner for drivers prioritizing exhilarating performance, superior electric range, and exceptional value. While the Kia EV9 offers unmatched family utility with its 6 or 7-seat SUV configuration and commanding presence, its significantly higher price and slower acceleration make it a niche choice for those needing maximum passenger capacity.
Other Years
#1#2
Price Comparison
Starting at390,000 SAR169,990 – 199,990 SAR
Engine & Power
Engine0 cc—
Horsepower (bhp)201 – 380 hp283 – 441 hp
Torque (Nm)350 – 700 Nm420 – 493 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)7.8 s4.4 – 6.1 s
Top Speed (Km/h)185 – 200 km/h201 – 233 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 km513 – 640 km
Measurements
L×W×H5.0 m × 2.0 m × 1.8 m4.7 / 4.7 m × 1.8 / 1.9 m × 1.4 / 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 L594 – 649 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 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 Performance & Agility

The Tesla Model 3 is the clear winner for performance enthusiasts, boasting rapid acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 233 km/h, far surpassing the EV9.

2

Best for Large Families

For families needing ample space, the Kia EV9 is ideal, offering a 6 or 7-seat configuration in its large SUV body, providing more passenger room than the 5-seater Model 3.

3

Best for Electric Range

The Tesla Model 3 leads in electric range, capable of traveling up to 640 km on a single charge, making it more suitable for longer journeys compared to the Kia EV9's maximum of 489 km.

4

Best Value for Money

The Tesla Model 3 offers significantly better value, with a starting price of 169,990 SAR, making it a far more accessible premium electric vehicle than the Kia EV9 at 390,000 SAR.

Pros & cons

Kia EV9

Pros

  • Available 6 or 7-seater capacity
  • Spacious full-size SUV Crossover body
  • Higher maximum torque (700 Nm)
  • Commanding road presence

Cons

  • Higher starting price (390,000 SAR)
  • Slower acceleration (7.8 seconds)
  • Lower maximum electric range (489 km)
  • Heavier vehicle overall

Tesla Model 3

Pros

  • Much faster acceleration (4.4 seconds)
  • Superior electric range (up to 640 km)
  • Significantly more affordable starting price (169,990 SAR)
  • Higher maximum top speed (233 km/h)
  • Lighter curb weight (1,745 kg)

Cons

  • Limited to 5 seats
  • Sedan body style offers less cargo flexibility
  • Lower maximum torque (493 Nm)
  • Smaller overall dimensions

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Kia EV9 is superior for larger families in KSA due to its available 6 or 7-seat configuration and spacious SUV crossover body, providing ample room for passengers and cargo. The Tesla Model 3, being a 5-seater sedan, offers less passenger capacity. If seating for more than five is a priority, the EV9 is the clear choice.

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

The Tesla Model 3 offers a significantly better electric range, capable of traveling up to 640 km on a single charge compared to the Kia EV9's maximum of 489 km. For drivers prioritizing longer journeys between charges, the Model 3 is the more suitable option.

Is the Kia EV9 worth its higher price compared to the Tesla Model 3?

The Kia EV9's higher price of 390,000 SAR is justified if you require its specific advantages, such as 6 or 7-seat capacity and the versatility of a large SUV. However, for those seeking performance, range, and a premium electric experience at a much lower starting price of 169,990 SAR, the Tesla Model 3 offers superior value.

Which car is faster, the Kia EV9 or Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 is considerably faster than the Kia EV9. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 233 km/h. In contrast, the Kia EV9 accelerates in 7.8 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/h, making the Model 3 the choice for speed enthusiasts.