Verdict
The RM30,000 dearer Zeekr X is the technology-led choice: its single rear motor produces 335 hp and 373 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, and its 66 kWh battery is rated for 440 km with 11 kW AC and 200 kW DC charging. It also brings adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera. But the locally assembled Sportage is RM128,800, has a much larger 587-litre boot and a space-saver spare; those matter on Malaysian family trips.
Pick the Kia Sportage if you want to save RM30,000 and need its 587-litre boot plus a space-saver spare tyre.
Pick the Zeekr X if you can charge an EV and want 335 hp, a 440 km claimed range and far more driver assistance equipment.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Sportage RM128,800; Zeekr X RM158,800.
- Powertrain: Sportage 154 hp/192 Nm 2.0-litre petrol; Zeekr X 335 hp/373 Nm single electric motor.
- Boot space: Sportage 587 litres; Zeekr X 404 litres.
- Length: Sportage 4,660 mm; Zeekr X 4,432 mm.
- Wheels: Sportage 17-inch alloys; Zeekr X 19-inch paddle alloys.
- Road tax: Sportage RM440 per year; Zeekr X RM395 per year.
Sportage
- RM30,000 lower purchase price.
- 587-litre boot is 183 litres larger.
- Space-saver spare tyre.
- No autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring or collision warning.
- Manual front seats and single-zone climate control.
- Only four rear parking sensors; no front sensors or 360-degree monitor.
X
- 335 hp and 373 Nm rear motor; 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds.
- 440 km EV range, with 11 kW AC and 200 kW DC charging.
- Adaptive cruise control, steering correction and a 360-degree monitor.
- RM30,000 more expensive.
- 404-litre boot is 183 litres smaller.
- Tyre repair kit instead of a space-saver spare.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM128,800✓ | RM158,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM440 | RM395✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 154 hp | — |
| Torque | 192 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 81 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 335 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 373 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 66 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 440 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 200 kW |
| V2L | — | 3.3 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-Speed Automatic | — |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 5.3 seconds |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,660 mm | 4,432 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,836 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,566 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,755 mm | 2,750 mm |
| Weight | 1,578 kg | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 587 litres✓ | 404 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/65R17 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/65R17 | 235/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | — | Continental EcoContact 6 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 19" Paddle Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 19" Paddle Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee Airbag |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual For Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats | Available on Outer Two Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Available for all seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Powered Front Seats with Ventilation Functions and Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights, Intelligent Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 12.3" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 14.6" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 13-speaker Yamaha Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Down | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Operation (Depress Brake To Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Power Door | — | Powered Front Doors |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Backlit Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 150,000 km✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-Year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
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 Sportage & X for sale
Sportage vs X FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage or Zeekr X better?
The Zeekr X is better for EV performance, charging capability and safety assistance, with 335 hp, 440 km range and adaptive cruise control. The Sportage is the better practical-value buy if its 587-litre boot and RM30,000 lower price matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Zeekr X costs RM158,800 and the Kia Sportage costs RM128,800, so the Zeekr is RM30,000 more expensive. Its annual road tax is RM395, versus RM440 for the Sportage.
Which has the better luggage space?
The Kia Sportage does. Its 587-litre boot is 183 litres larger than the Zeekr X's 404 litres, and it also carries a space-saver spare tyre rather than relying on a tyre repair kit.