Kia EV9 vs Zeekr 1
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Kia EV9 | Zeekr 1 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 385 | 422 | -8.8% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 700 | 440 | +59.1% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 22.8 | 14.5 | +57.2% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (C-NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | Single-speed | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $89,748 | $37,660 | +138.3% |
- Zeekr 1 makes about 9% more power (422 vs 385 hp).
- Zeekr 1 is the more efficient EV, using 14.5 kWh/100km against 22.8.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (Germany and China); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: EV9 or 1?
Kia EV9 advantages
- Pulling torque (+37%)
Zeekr 1 advantages
- Engine power (+9%)
- Energy efficiency (+36%)
- Affordability (+58%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Kia EV9 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
- Choose the Zeekr 1 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Value for money
Zeekr 1 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Kia EV9 vs Zeekr 1: which should you choose?
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.
Zeekr 1 (2026 Updated WE RWD 100kWh) — electric sedan with 422 hp and 440 Nm, rated at 14.5 kWh/100km, 5-star C-NCAP safety; priced near $37,660 in the China market.
Kia EV9 vs Zeekr 1: Zeekr 1 is more powerful. Zeekr 1 makes about 9% more power (422 vs 385 hp). Zeekr 1 is the more efficient EV, using 14.5 kWh/100km against 22.8.
Performance
The Zeekr 1 is the more powerful, at 422 hp against 385 hp, with 440 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a single-speed transmission.
Running costs
The Zeekr 1 is the more efficient EV, drawing 14.5 kWh/100km against 22.8 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
Kia EV9 is rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP and Zeekr 1 5 stars by C-NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Zeekr 1 lists lower at about $37,660 (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 Kia EV9 better than the Zeekr 1?
Zeekr 1 takes the overall edge, though Kia EV9 wins in specific areas worth weighing. Zeekr 1 makes about 9% more power (422 vs 385 hp).
What is the main difference between the Kia EV9 and the Zeekr 1?
Zeekr 1 makes about 9% more power (422 vs 385 hp). Zeekr 1 is the more efficient EV, using 14.5 kWh/100km against 22.8.
Which is better value?
Zeekr 1 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Kia EV9 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads. Choose the Zeekr 1 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
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.