Zeekr X vs Kia EV5
What's the difference?

Zeekr X

$48,900 - $64,900

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Kia EV5

$49,990 - $76,698

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Summary

2026 Zeekr X

2025 Kia EV5

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Fuel Type

Electric

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Engaging driving dynamics
High-end equipment
Luxurious-feeling cabin

Very comfortable and capable drive experience
Entry-level pricing on point
Strong warranty offering and $350 a year servicing

Dislikes

Tech still fiddly in places
Ride might be too firm for some
Still a sizeable ask for a not-so-sizeable SUV

Artificially heavy steering
Noticeable wind noise at times
Uncomfortable cabin materials

2026 Zeekr X Summary

Zeekr is making waves in Australia at the moment but it's not because of the car you see before you.

Nope, it’s the 7X mid-size SUV that’s captured a heap of attention and a whole lot of sales. In fact, of the 1832 sales the brand has managed over the first three months of 2026, just 54 were for the X.

But that was the old X and this is the new one. With more power, more performance, faster charging and a whole heap of pretty special equipment, especially for the small SUV segment.

So, is that enough to finally put the X on the map?

View full pricing & specs

2025 Kia EV5 Summary

Make no mistake, you are looking at the biggest challenge the all-conquering Tesla Model Y has ever faced in Australia.

It’s the Kia EV5, a mid-size, all-electric SUV the Korean brand thinks will be its best-selling EV by some margin.

Oh, and it’s cheaper than the Tesla, by more than a little bit.

So, is this the electric SUV that might finally put an end to Tesla’s winning run in Australia?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Zeekr X 2025 Kia EV5

Verdict

It's a good thing in a small package, this Zeekr X, and there are a lot of things I like about it. In fact, the only sticking point for me is the price. But that's all about perspective. If you see this as a newcomer Chinese brand, then yes, there are a lot of more affordable options out there. But if you see it as a premium player, it's really a more affordable version of a Volvo.

Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number of automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

Verdict

The size is right, the price is right and the drive is right – three things that make the Kia EV5 a pretty formidable foe, and the kind of vehicle that might finally be able to break through the wall of the temple of Tesla in Australia.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

Zeekr X vs Kia EV5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Zeekr X vs Kia EV5
What's the difference?