2026 Zeekr X Review: Compact electric SUV gets more power and more polish to take on BYD, Kia, Geely and Jaecoo
The 2026 Zeekr X introduces a meaningful facelift for the compact SUV that hasn’t proven as popular as its bigger brother, the 7X.
The updates to the original X that went on sale late in 2024 bring more standard equipment, a more polished interior, and some important upgrades under the skin – particularly around battery tech and performance.
Crucially, though, it doesn’t stray far from what made the original appealing.
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While it brings an upmarket flavour, the entry-level to the Zeekr lineup still competes with the BYD Atto 3, Geely EX5, Kia EV3, GAC Aion V and even the Jaecoo J5.
2026 Zeekr X price and equipment
Zeekr is yet to confirm pricing for the updated X – that’ll come on April 10.
But the company has confirmed the entry Zeekr X Rear-Wheel Drive will land at under $50,000 drive-away, with the All-Wheel Drive tested priced below $60,000 drive-away.
At those numbers, it shapes up as decent value given the amount of equipment packed in – and the quality of finishes and materials.
The Zeekr X has always been a classy machine, but this facelift steps things up further.
There are also important changes elsewhere.
The RWD now gets a 61kWh lithium iron (ferrous) phosphate (LFP) battery, as used in many Chinese EVs and entry-level Teslas (the tech has matured and is increasingly being used for its durability and cost advantages).
It delivers a claimed 405km WLTP range, while also enabling faster DC charging of up to 230kW, with a 10 to 80 per cent top-up in around 18 minutes.
The AWD uses a larger 66kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, with a slightly higher claimed WLTP range of 415km, albeit with slower peak DC charging rate of 150kW.
Both variants also benefit from increased outputs, with the RWD now producing 250kW (up from 200kW) and the AWD stepping up to 365kW (from 315kW). They’re big numbers that shade most small SUVs powered by petrol.
The RWD rides on 19-inch alloy wheels and includes leather-look trim (it’s reasonably convincing), heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, a 13-speaker Yamaha sound system, ambient interior lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a redesigned interior with higher-quality materials and improved storage.
There’s also a 50W wireless phone charger with ventilation, a full suite of driver assistance systems, and a 14.6-inch central infotainment display with a wide range of apps and functions.
Stepping up to the AWD brings an onboard fridge in the centre console, front seat massage functionality, an augmented reality head-up display and larger 20-inch wheels. The AWD also introduces additional design elements with unique colour options – including the new matte Khaki Green pictured here – and interior trims.
The AWD also gets a small circular screen on the driver’s side B-pillar. As well as displaying charging information, it can also be used for facial recognition to allow access to the car.
The AWD can also be optioned with automatic doors. It means you press a button and the front doors swing open; the rear doors pop out slightly but require manual labour to complete the task. And unlike on the larger Zeekr 7X AWD – which still gets non-functioning door handles – the X gets ‘clean’ doors with no redundant handles.
Clearly, Zeekr is aiming to position the X as a more premium offering within the small EV SUV segment, and on paper at least, it backs that up with substance and a still-sharp anticipated price tag.
The Zeekr X is rated to tow up to 1600kg.
The X is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty (200,000km for commercial use) with the battery pack covered by a separate seven-year, 160,000km warranty (with a guarantee of at least 70 per cent of the original capacity).
2026 Zeekr X AWD: What we think
The biggest shift with the 2026 Zeekr X is inside.
A lot of affordable Chinese EVs look and feel upmarket, but the Zeekr X has a genuinely premium aesthetic with higher-quality materials, a plush roof lining and impressive attention to detail throughout.
Small touches, such as the damped movement of the centre console lid, reinforce that sense of quality.
The ambient lighting system is also a bit different, with distinctive patterns stretching across the dashboard, doors and even the speakers.
The Yamaha sound system is decent without being exceptional; it’s clear and crisp but a bit more punch and volume would be nice.
Technology is a mixed bag. There’s no shortage of features – from a clear 360-degree camera system to various Tesla-inspired modes such as Pet (keep the dog cool when the car is parked), Cinema (for soaking up a movie when parked) and Rest (for a quick snooze) modes.
But the interface can be overly menu-heavy. Simple functions such as adjusting fan speed or temperature often require diving into sub-menus, which can be frustrating on the move.
The camera also has a knack of taking over the screen just as you’re about to tap a virtual button.
On the road, the Zeekr X continues to lean towards the sportier end of the segment. The ride is on the firmer side, particularly on the larger wheels fitted to the AWD, and it can feel a little jiggly over rough surfaces, especially with successive bumps.
Zeekr has actually increased the tyre pressures slightly as part of this update to lean more towards that sportier side.
The upside is one of the better-driving small SUVs on the market. Body control is strong and the car feels well tied down, giving it a composed and athletic character.
The Continental tyres grip nicely to allow you to enjoy the X’s playful edge (and talent).
As with many rivals from newcomer Chinese brands, the driver alert systems can get overbearing with their beeping and warnings. Yes, you can turn them off, but some better tuning would make it more liveable.
Performance is another strong point; the X was never lacking, but now it has more.
The AWD model delivers plenty of punch, with brisk acceleration that’s more than enough for everyday driving, even if it doesn’t quite match the immediate initial throttle response some EVs, Teslas include. That said, with the ability to hit 100km/h in a claimed 3.7 seconds it’s extremely quick.
While we haven’t sampled it yet, we suspect the RWD version will be more than enough for most buyers, while also benefiting from faster charging capability.
The LFP battery of the RWD can also be topped up to 100 per cent regularly, whereas the AWD’s NMC battery suggests charging to 80 per cent for daily driving, leaving the 100 per cent charge to longer trips.
Practicality is solid, with generous front seat space, and storage is well thought out with a deep centre console and dual phone trays.
The fridge in the AWD is a neat addition – and it can even be turned into a warmer, able to be set to 50 degrees.
Rear space is good by small SUV standards and benefits from the flat floor, although there are compact electric SUVs with more sprawling space.
Boot space has improved marginally, now rated at 404 litres – or 1247L with the back seats folded. There’s also some underfloor boot storage and a small frunk.
Overall, the Zeekr X feels like a more complete and convincing package than before. It combines strong performance, a high-quality interior and a long list of features, even if some aspects of the user interface and ride comfort won’t suit everyone.
2026 Zeekr X AWD: The verdict
This is still a compact, design-led electric SUV with a premium lean, a heavy focus on tech, and a slightly sporty edge to the way it drives.
It doesn’t reinvent the formula, instead building on what was already a distinctive small electric SUV.
The result is a car that feels more competitive and more polished in an increasingly crowded field of electric SUVs in this price bracket.
Just remember that it trades some everyday ride compliance for an amped-up fun factor.
Some software updates would improve usability, but overall the Zeekr X makes a strong case with keen pricing, generous equipment and a genuinely premium feel inside.
All of which helps it stand out as one of the more interesting options in the segment.
Score: 4/5
Zeekr X AWD price and specifications
Price: Less than $60,000 drive-away (pricing to be confirmed on April 10)
Basics: EV, 5 seats, 5 doors, small SUV, AWD
Range: 415km (WLTP)
Battery capacity: 66kWh (NMC)
Battery warranty: 8 years/160,000km
Energy consumption: 15.5kWh/100km
Motors: 1 front 115kW and 1 rear 250kW, combined 365kW/573Nm
AC charging: 22kW, Type 2 plug
DC charging: 150kW, CCS combo plug
0-100km/h: 3.7 seconds (claimed)
