Kia EV3 vs Zeekr 9X
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
81.4kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 101kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 101kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
70kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 500kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC, 500kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Kia EV3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and V2L that you will not find on the Zeekr 9X. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia EV3 uses a Electric producing 150kW and 283Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The Zeekr 9X counters with its electric setup making 1030kW and 1410Nm, paired to its gearbox driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.1 seconds.
The Zeekr 9X has the clear power advantage at 1030kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Zeekr 9X is 4.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 58.3kWh (Kia EV3) vs 70kWh (Zeekr 9X). DC fast charging peaks at 101kW (Kia EV3) vs 500kW (Zeekr 9X).
Space & Comfort
The Kia EV3 measures 4,300mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 939mm shorter than the Zeekr 9X at 5,239mm (3,169mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Zeekr 9X generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m diameter
Good
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia EV3 if: You or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Zeekr 9X if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Zeekr's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Zeekr 9X takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia EV3 and Zeekr 9X?
The Kia EV3 is the cheapest at $48,315 before on-road costs.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia EV3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which is the most powerful?
The Zeekr 9X makes the most power at 1030kW. The Zeekr 9X is quickest to 100km/h in 3.1s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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