- The efficiency mannequin of the EV9 three-row electrical SUV debuted on the Los Angeles Auto Present
- Anticipate a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds for the 2026 Kia EV9 GT
- The 2026 Kia EV9 comes with a NACS port to entry Tesla’s Supercharger community
Three-row SUVs aren’t typically the primary alternative for efficiency automotive consumers, however Kia believes dialing up energy and pace is the subsequent logical step for its all-electric EV9.
Debuting on the 2024 Los Angeles auto present, the 2026 Kia EV9 GT applies the same template to the earlier EV6 GT to the bigger EV9. That begins with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain producing 501 hp—122 hp greater than the EV9 GT-Line, presently probably the most highly effective EV9 grade. Kia estimates that it will cut back 0-60 mph acceleration from 5.0 seconds for the GT-Line to 4.3 seconds for the GT.
Kia additionally gave the EV9 GT digital shifting, which offers the texture of working up by gears this EV doesn’t have (or want), and can even sluggish acceleration as soon as a man-made “rev restrict” is achieved, identical to in a combustion automotive. The substitute gear shifts are accompanied by their very own soundtrack. Comparable options debuted within the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N from Kia’s dad or mum model—however in a extra track-focused bundle.
GT fashions additionally obtain Continental efficiency tires, upgraded brakes, an digital limited-slip differential, and adaptive suspension. Regular, Eco, Sport, and My Drive modes change the damping, in addition to steering and brake really feel, as does a GT mode that mechanically dials within the stiffest damping. Kia notes that the 7.8 inches of floor clearance and 5,000-pound towing capability of different EV9 fashions carries over.
Exterior variations between the GT and different EV9 fashions are refined, principally restricted to new 21-inch wheels and inexperienced brake calipers, the latter a styling trait shared with the EV6 GT. The inexperienced theme continues inside with choose trim components. GT fashions even have a special steering wheel and robustly bolstered sport seats with Alcantara inserts, in addition to distinctive schemes for the ambient lighting and the menus of the 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Kia expects to start U.S. deliveries within the second half of 2025, which means the EV9 GT could have a customary North American Charging Normal (NACS) port, which can be customary on all EV9 fashions beginning within the first half of the 12 months.
Pricing can be introduced nearer to launch, however count on the GT to return in greater than the present range-topping GT-Line, which is priced at $75,225 for the 2025 mannequin 12 months with the $1,325 vacation spot cost factored in. The EV9 sees a modest $700 worth improve for 2025, with no different important modifications to the car that we named Inexperienced Automobile Studies Finest Automobile To Purchase 2024.
All EV9 GT fashions can be assembled in South Korea, which means they will not qualify for the $3,750 federal tax credit score out there for EV9 fashions assembled in Georgia, both at Kia’s West Level manufacturing unit or Hyundai’s new Metaplant. It is one other indication that, as a latest report instructed, Kia is turning into much less dedicated to U.S. meeting of the EV9 within the face of more durable tax-credit guidelines.
