- Kia unveiled the EV9 GT at the 2024 Los Angeles auto show
- The high-performance electric SUV is the second GT model from Kia
- Performance figures for the EV9 GT include 501 hp and 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.3 seconds
- Pricing will be announced closer to the market launch in the second half of 2025
Kia’s popular EV9 electric three-row SUV has gained a high-performance variant in the form of the EV9 GT, which made its debut on Thursday at the 2024 Los Angeles auto show, where Kia also presented an updated EV6.
The EV9 GT is slated to arrive at dealerships in the second half of next year, as a 2026 model. It will come standard with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain generating a peak 501 hp.
That’s not as high as the 576 hp generated in the smaller EV6 GT, but it will still hustle the six-seat EV9 from 0-60 mph in a brisk 4.3 seconds, Kia estimates. Currently, the EV9 tops out at 379 hp.
2026 Kia EV9 GT
Kia hasn’t mentioned what battery the EV9 GT packs, but the capacity should at a minimum match the 99.8-kwh size of the biggest battery currently offered in the EV9. Thanks to 800-volt technology, a 10-80% charge in less than 25 minutes will be possible, when using a suitable DC fast-charger. All EV9s in the U.S. will come standard with a NACS charge port starting in the first half of next year, which will make using one of the many Tesla DC fast-charging stations convenient.
The performance upgrades don’t stop at the powertrain in the EV9 GT. Other features include active dampers, larger front brake rotors, an electronic limited-slip differential, and a drive mode selector with Normal, Eco, Sport, and custom (My Drive) modes. The modes adjust elements like the dampers, steering, and brakes.
Kia has also fitted the EV9 GT with something called the Virtual Gear Shift (VGS). EVs typically don’t have multi-gear transmissions, but the VGS system is designed to simulate the feel of gears being shifted. The driver can even initiate one of these fake shifts using paddles located behind the steering wheel. The system is similar to the N e-shift feature on sister brand Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N.
2026 Kia EV9 GT
The EV9 GT can be distinguished by its unique lighting pattern in the front grille area, as well as its unique 21-inch wheels, and neon green brake calipers. The neon green, which is becoming a signature of Kia’s GT models, also features as an accent in the cabin, where it is found in various areas, including on the steering wheel and seats. The EV9 GT’s front seats are trimmed with Alcantara inserts and embossed with the GT logo. The logo is also repeated in the infotainment system menus.
Though EV sales aren’t growing as fast as they once did, the EV9 continues to find plenty of buyers. U.S. sales totaled 17,911 units through October, which is higher than the sales for the EV6. The popularity led to Kia starting production of the EV9 in the U.S. in the summer, though Kia confirmed the EV9 GT will only be built at a plant in South Korea.
Pricing information will be announced closer to next year’s market launch.
Kia might not be finished with new versions of its EV9. The automaker used this month’s 2024 SEMA show in Las Vegas to show a rugged EV9 concept ready to head off-road. Steven Center, Kia America’s chief operating officer, said at the reveal that the concept offers a glimpse into what Kia’s future may hold.
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