Kia’s flagship three-row EV9 SUV is taking a leap with the introduction of the high-performance EV9 GT, revealed at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show alongside an updated EV6. This bold addition underscores Kia’s commitment to carving out a larger share in the electric vehicle market.
Arriving in showrooms in late 2025 as a 2026 model, the EV9 GT packs a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup producing 501 horsepower. It’s slightly less powerful than the 576-horsepower EV6 GT but still accelerates the six-seat SUV from 0-60 mph in a brisk 4.3 seconds, per Kia’s claims. The current EV9 range peaks at 379 horsepower.
Details about the EV9 GT’s battery remain undisclosed, though it will likely match the 99.8-kWh pack found in other trims. Built with 800-volt architecture, it supports ultra-fast charging, replenishing from 10% to 80% in just 25 minutes with a compatible DC charger. Starting next year, all U.S. EV9 models will adopt Tesla’s NACS charging port for expanded fast-charging access.
Performance upgrades go beyond raw power, with the EV9 GT boasting active dampers, larger front brake rotors, an electronic limited-slip differential, and adjustable drive modes. Drivers can select Normal, Eco, Sport, or a customizable My Drive mode to fine-tune handling, suspension, and braking to their preferences.
Innovative features include the Virtual Gear Shift system, designed to mimic manual gear changes using paddles behind the steering wheel—an approach similar to Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N e-shift. Exterior highlights include unique grille lighting, 21-inch wheels, and neon green brake calipers, echoed inside with green accents, Alcantara inserts, and GT badges on the seats.
Despite slowing EV sales, the EV9 remains a standout, with 17,911 units sold in the U.S. through October, outperforming the EV6. While regular EV9 models are now built stateside, the EV9 GT will be exclusively manufactured in South Korea, cementing its role as Kia’s performance-focused electric flagship.
