Verdict
These are radically different Malaysian purchases. The Kia EV9 costs RM74,514 more, but brings seven seats, a 333-litre boot and a 505 km electric range; its 350 kW DC charging capability also suits drivers with access to suitable fast chargers. The Mazda MX-5 is a two-seat convertible with a 130-litre boot, yet weighs only 1,119 kg against the EV9’s 2,648 kg and pairs rear-wheel drive with a six-speed manual. Choose space and electric travel, or a much smaller open-top sports car.
Pick the Kia EV9 if seven seats, a 333-litre boot, 505 km EV range and all-wheel drive matter more than the RM74,514 higher price.
Pick the Mazda MX-5 if you want a 1,119 kg rear-wheel-drive convertible with a six-speed manual and can live with two seats and a 130-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: Kia EV9 RM368,668; Mazda MX-5 RM294,154.
- Seating: Kia EV9 seven seats; Mazda MX-5 two seats.
- Boot space: Kia EV9 333 litres; Mazda MX-5 130 litres.
- Powertrain: Kia EV9 has two motors with 380 hp and 700 Nm; Mazda MX-5 has a 1,998 cc petrol engine with 181 hp and 205 Nm.
- Weight: Kia EV9 2,648 kg; Mazda MX-5 1,119 kg.
- Top speed: Kia EV9 200 km/h; Mazda MX-5 220 km/h.
EV9
- Seven seats and a 333-litre boot.
- 505 km EV range, 350 kW DC charging and 3.6 kW V2L.
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go, steering assist and surround-view camera.
- RM74,514 more expensive.
- 2,648 kg versus the MX-5’s 1,119 kg.
- 200 km/h top speed versus 220 km/h.
MX-5
- 1,119 kg kerb weight with rear-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission.
- Power-folding retractable hard-top.
- Smart City Brake Support operates front and rear.
- Only two seats and a 130-litre boot.
- No rear air-conditioning, versus the EV9’s third-row vents.
- Lane-keeping only warns, while the EV9 provides steering correction.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM368,668 | RM294,154✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Convertible |
| Segment | D-Segment | Sports Car |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM515 | RM379✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | E-GMP platform, 800V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 181 hp |
| Torque | — | 205 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 83.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 13 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 380 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 700 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 99.8 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 505 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 350 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.6 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | — | 6MT-LSD |
| Gears | — | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Mazda |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | 200 km/h | 220 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,015 mm | 3,915 mm |
| Width | 1,980 mm | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,780 mm | 1,235 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,100 mm | 2,310 mm |
| Weight | 2,648 kg | 1,119 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 45 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 2 |
| Seats | 7 | 2 |
| Boot Space | 333 litres✓ | 130 litres |
| Front Tyre | 285/45R21 | 205/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 285/45R21 | 205/45R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental PremiumContact C | Bridgestone Potenza S001 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Korea (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbone |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 21" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 21" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) with FlexSteer adjustment (Comfort/Normal/Sport) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Centre Airbag | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Automatic For Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats in Second and Third Row | Available on Passenger Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) - Front and Rear |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory and Massage Settings, Heating | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding Middle Row with one-touch tumble, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row with one-touch space up | — |
| Front Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control with 3rd Row Air Vents | — |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | Power-folding Retractable Hard-top |
| Power Sockets | 2 Sockets, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 front, 2 USB-C |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row | 1 front |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof and Rear Window Shades | — |
| Audio | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 14-speaker Meridian Sound System | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8.8" Display, Commander Control Knob, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 9-speaker Bose Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-PinchFour Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Steering Assist | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Monitor | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes, Remote Parking Assist | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8 years/160,000 km for EV battery | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used EV9 & MX-5 for sale
EV9 vs MX-5 FAQ
Is the Kia EV9 or Mazda MX-5 better?
The EV9 is better for carrying people and luggage, with seven seats, a 333-litre boot and 505 km range. The MX-5 is the better choice for a lightweight two-seat, rear-wheel-drive manual convertible.
What is the price difference?
The Kia EV9 costs RM74,514 more than the Mazda MX-5. That gap brings five extra seats, 203 litres more boot space, dual motors, all-wheel drive and an electric powertrain.
Which one has the stronger safety and parking kit?
The EV9 has the broader assistance and parking equipment: adaptive cruise control with steering assist, six front and six rear parking sensors, a surround-view monitor and Remote Parking Assist. The MX-5 has four rear sensors, a reverse camera and Smart City Brake Support.