NIO ES8 vs Kia EV9
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | NIO ES8 | Kia EV9 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 653 | 385 | +69.6% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 850 | 700 | +21.4% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 19.5 | 22.8 | -14.5% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (C-NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Single-speed | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $83,720 | $89,748 | -6.7% |
- NIO ES8 makes about 70% more power (653 vs 385 hp).
- NIO ES8 is the more efficient EV, using 19.5 kWh/100km against 22.8.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (China and Germany); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: ES8 or EV9?
NIO ES8 advantages
- Engine power (+41%)
- Pulling torque (+18%)
- Energy efficiency (+14%)
- Affordability (+7%)
Kia EV9 advantages
- No decisive advantage on the tracked metrics.
Which should you choose?
- Choose the NIO ES8 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the NIO ES8 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
NIO ES8 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
NIO ES8 vs Kia EV9: which should you choose?
NIO ES8 (2025 Executive Edition 100kWh (Gen 3)) — electric suv with 653 hp and 850 Nm, rated at 19.5 kWh/100km, 5-star C-NCAP safety; priced near $83,720 in the China market.
Kia EV9 (2023 GT-Line) — electric suv with 385 hp and 700 Nm, rated at 22.8 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $89,748 in the Germany market.
NIO ES8 vs Kia EV9: NIO ES8 is more powerful. NIO ES8 makes about 70% more power (653 vs 385 hp). NIO ES8 is the more efficient EV, using 19.5 kWh/100km against 22.8.
Performance
The NIO ES8 is the more powerful, at 653 hp against 385 hp, with 850 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a single-speed transmission.
Running costs
The NIO ES8 is the more efficient EV, drawing 19.5 kWh/100km against 22.8 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
NIO ES8 is rated 5 stars by C-NCAP and Kia EV9 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The NIO ES8 lists lower at about $83,720 (USD-converted from the China market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the NIO ES8 better than the Kia EV9?
NIO ES8 is the clearly stronger overall choice, winning most of the dimensions that matter. NIO ES8 makes about 70% more power (653 vs 385 hp).
What is the main difference between the NIO ES8 and the Kia EV9?
NIO ES8 makes about 70% more power (653 vs 385 hp). NIO ES8 is the more efficient EV, using 19.5 kWh/100km against 22.8.
Which is better value?
NIO ES8 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the NIO ES8 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the NIO ES8 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.