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 Kia EV9 wins for large families and those needing significant space, offering 6 or 7 seats and an SUV form factor. However, the Tesla Model 3 is the clear choice for performance enthusiasts and long-distance commuters due to its superior acceleration and extended battery range.
Other Years
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Price Comparison
Starting at280,600 – 390,000 SAR199,990 – 280,000 SAR
Engine & Power
Engine0 cc—
Horsepower (bhp)201 – 380 hp283 – 513 hp
Torque (Nm)350 – 700 Nm420 – 660 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)7.8 s3.3 – 6.1 s
Top Speed (Km/h)185 – 200 km/h201 – 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 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 Large Families

The Kia EV9 is the superior choice for families, providing 6 or 7 seats and a spacious SUV body, perfect for accommodating more passengers comfortably on Saudi roads.

2

Best for Performance Driving

The Tesla Model 3 stands out for performance enthusiasts. Its rapid 3.3-second acceleration and higher top speed of 261 km/h make it a thrilling and agile option.

3

Best for Long-Distance Travel

For minimizing charging stops on longer journeys, the Tesla Model 3 is ideal. It boasts a superior battery range of up to 640 km, surpassing the EV9's maximum.

4

Best for Cargo and Versatility

The Kia EV9, as an SUV with flexible seating for up to 7, provides greater utility for varying cargo and passenger needs, offering a more practical and accessible cargo area for bulky items compared to a sedan.

Pros & cons

Kia EV9

Pros

  • Accommodates 6 or 7 passengers
  • Spacious SUV Crossover body style
  • Higher maximum torque (700 Nm)
  • Larger overall dimensions for commanding presence
  • Higher battery capacity available (99.8 kWh)

Cons

  • Slower acceleration (7.8 seconds)
  • Lower maximum battery range (370 – 489 km)
  • Lower top speed (185 – 200 km/h)
  • Heavier kerb weight
  • Lower maximum power output (380 hp)

Tesla Model 3

Pros

  • Rapid acceleration (as low as 3.3 seconds)
  • Superior maximum battery range (up to 640 km)
  • Higher maximum top speed (261 km/h)
  • More powerful engine options (up to 513 hp)
  • Lighter kerb weight for agility

Cons

  • Limited to 5-seat capacity
  • Sedan body style offers less vertical cargo space
  • Lower maximum battery capacity (82 kWh)
  • Smaller overall dimensions
  • Lower maximum torque (660 Nm)

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Kia EV9 is significantly better for families, offering 6 or 7 seats compared to the Tesla Model 3's 5-seat capacity. Its SUV crossover body also provides more overall interior space and versatility for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for family trips in Saudi Arabia.

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 capable, is slower with an acceleration of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h, making the Model 3 the clear winner for spirited driving.

Which has a longer driving range, Kia EV9 or Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 boasts a significantly longer driving range, reaching up to 640 km on a single charge. The Kia EV9's range tops out at 489 km, making the Model 3 the better choice for drivers seeking maximum distance between charges.

Should I choose the Kia EV9 or Tesla Model 3 for cargo space?

For versatile cargo and passenger needs, the Kia EV9 is generally better due to its SUV body and flexible 6/7 seat configuration. While the Tesla Model 3 has a slightly larger maximum trunk capacity (up to 649 L vs EV9's 572 L), the EV9's taller, more open cargo area is more practical for bulky items and family gear.

What are the main differences between the Kia EV9 and Tesla Model 3?

The primary differences lie in their body style, seating capacity, and performance. The Kia EV9 is a 6/7-seat SUV Crossover focused on space and family utility, while the Tesla Model 3 is a 5-seat sedan emphasizing rapid performance and longer battery range. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize passenger capacity and SUV versatility or speed and efficiency.