Kia EV9 vs Tesla Model X

Is the Kia EV9 or the Tesla Model X Better?

Whether the Kia EV9 or the Tesla Model X is the better SUV will entirely depend on your preferences. These two models often get compared to each other as they are both in the all-electric 3-row SUV segment. When taking a deeper look at both of these models you will come to find that they do have a lot in common, however, two major differences that stand out are the looks and the price.

As you will see below, the Kia EV9 is much more competitively priced without sacrificing amazing luxury features. When looking at the price alone, the Tesla Model Y is actually the more comparable all-electric SUV. Yet, the Tesla Model Y is a much smaller and less capable SUV than the Kia EV9 or the Model X and it only offers a very tight third row as an added option.

When it comes to the design of the EV9 and the Model X there appears to be a favorite. The Tesla Model X is generally considered to be one of the more plain and less attractive EVs on the market. Take this compared to the incredible reception that the EV9 has received ever since it was revealed, it seems that on looks alone the EV9 is considered the more desirable EV. Many drivers also believe that the EV9 is the more practical family SUV.

Continue reading below to learn more about these two vehicles and find which all-electric SUV is best for you.

Kia EV9 vs Tesla Model X Base Specs

Kia EV9 vs Tesla Model X Performance Model Specs

Kia EV9 & Tesla Model X Comparison

As you can see from the Kia EV9 vs Tesla Model X comparison tables, the Kia EV9 is more of an everyday family 3-row SUV than the Tesla Model X. Obviously the major thing that stands out when looking at these two vehicles is the price difference. You are getting a lot for your money with the Kia EV9 where the huge additional cost of the Tesla Model X largely comes from it's extra power and speed it offers. 

The Kia EV9 is truly designed to be an all-electric 3-row SUV for the family. The Tesla Model X focuses a bit more on being a super vehicle with impressive track times. In fact, the Tesla Model X was actually developed on the platform of the Tesla Model S (Tesla's full-size luxury sedan). As to the Kia EV9 which was developed on Kia's new Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) with the Kia Telluride in mind.

Kia EV9 Swivel Seats

Tesla Model X Gullwing Doors

Kia EV9 & Tesla Model X Unique Features

Each of these all-electric SUVs are unique in their own right and perhaps their two most unique, defining features are the EV9's swivel seats and the Model X's gullwing doors. 

• Kia EV9 Swivel Seats: The second row seats in the Kia EV9 can swivel 180-degrees to face the passengers seated in the third row which can make for a fun interactive experience for the kids. Or maybe you have the third row seats down and the second row passengers want to wave at the cars behind them like many did growing up with a family station wagon. This swivel feature can also be extremely helpful with getting a child in and out of a car seat. The swivel seats are very versatile and give families many different fun and practical perks.
• Tesla Model X Gullwing Doors: Whether you call these doors gullwing, falcon-wing, butterfly, or "Back To The Future" styled doors they can be found on the rear doors of the Model X. Unlike the swivel seats of the EV9, these falcon doors have proven to be a bit less practical. They are a cool, unique characteristic of the Model X but there have been many reported issues consumers have experienced of the doors not opening and closing properly. Not to mention even when they are working properly they operate slowly which can be annoying in our day-to-day lives. These doors fundamentally have an increased risk of malfunctioning which can lead to additional maintenance costs. Not only that but you may also run into various restrictions and issues when it comes to parking. The doors operate automatically using sensors to avoid hitting nearby obstructions both to the side and above the vehicle. Sometimes these sensors can miss things and sometimes they can detect phantom objects restricting the door from not opening fully. Another con with the gullwing style door is that they can make many roof racks trickier to get on and off. So while the gullwing doors look cool, we think most drivers will find that they're better off staying exclusively on the Delorean.

Kia EV9 Interior

The EV9's clever chassis design made possible by E-GMP gives the EV9 an abundance of interior space to comfortably fit all passengers. The interior seats of the EV9 use select fabrics and carpets composed of partially recycled materials without the use of any animal products throughout the vehicle.

Every seat inside the EV9 is treated as first-class. Both first and second row passengers are treated to an available "Relaxation Mode" seat which features power operated leg rests like on a recliner. Even the second-row includes 8-way power adjustments enhanced with heating and cooling. And of course you will be able to easily find USB-C outlets throughout the entire cabin for all of your devices.

Kia EV9 Infotainment & Tech Features

Interior tech highlights of the EV9 include:

• Pair of 12.3-inch screens-one for the gauge cluster and a second for infotainment
• Minimal knobs, keeping some for the essentials
• Optional full-color head-up display
• Available Full Display Mirror®
• Optional 14-speaker, 708-watt Meridian® Premium Audio
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability
• Brand new generation of infotainment software
• Digital & Smart Key compatibility

Kia EV9 Cargo Space

As for cargo space in the Kia EV9, 20.2 cubic feet is standard behind the third row, with 81.9 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded down.

Not only will you find an abundance of space in the EV9 but you will also have an abundance of versatility. Whether you have the six or seven passenger EV9 you will have easily folding second and third row seats for whatever situation arises. And on the EV9's upper trim levels, the third row is even power folding. Due to its large, boxier design the EV9 is able to provide ample head and legroom going all the way back to the third row.

Tesla Model X Interior

By now you may be familiar with the signature futuristic and minimalistic interior design of a Tesla vehicle, and the Model X is no exception. A particularly special feature of the Model X is its impressive panoramic sunroof that runs seamlessly from the windshield to the rear for an almost uninterrupted view. 

The seating inside the Model X does leave a bit to be desired. The flat-backed seats don't offer many adjustments and they tend to feel restricting. Combine this with the tight-fitting third row and you get a pretty uncomfortable ride, particularly for rear passengers. The Model X does do a good job making up for some of its comfort deficiencies on the tech and entertainment side of things.

Tesla Model X Infotainment & Tech Features

Interior tech highlights of the Model X include: 

• Huge 17" infotainment touchscreen for nearly all features and functions
• Secondary digital readout directly in front of driver for the gauge cluster
• 22-speaker, 960-watt audio system
• Unavailable Apple CarPlay or Android Auto capability
• Rear-seat small display which provides entertainment and controls for rear passengers
• Up to 10 teraflops of processing power for in-car gaming

Tesla Model X Cargo Space

The Model X has about 15 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats when the third row is included and about 85 cubic feet with all seats folded. This is a good amount of cargo space but it's important to note that in the 6-seat layout, which is the only layout available on the Plaid model, the second-row captain's chairs only tilt forward instead of folding which limits usable space significantly. 

So when all seats are down the Model X offers a lot of cargo space, however, the leg and headroom of the optional third-row have been considered tiny, and the 6-seat layout will restrict you.

Safety Features

Are you still unsure if the Kia EV9 is the vehicle for you? Schedule a free test drive at Napleton Kia of Fishers located near Indianapolis, IN. All you have to do is fill out the form below and our team will get back to you right away. If you would like to talk to our sales specialist about the Kia EV9 give us a call at 844-733-7562.