For Kia, “9” seems to be the lucky number as they finally struck gold with their ninth entry into the EV market. Debuting back in 2021 as a concept, the EV9 would serve as a prescient model for the future of the Korean marque’s electric lineup with its angular design and spacious interior. Finally coming to market with the 2024 model, Kia now sets its sights on the 2026 model year, unveiling the upcoming EV9 GT, a new performance version of the SUV.
The Illusion of Combustion
Built on Kia’s three-row SUV platform, the EV9 GT looks like the ultimate performance version of a family commuter car (if there were ever such a thing) with its electronically controlled suspension — the first-ever for Kia. The stiffest settings are toggled in GT mode, activated by the push of a button. This is one of several driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, and My Drive, all of which have different levels of steering and brake feel, as well as shock dampening.
Another cool feature is the virtual gear shifting that will simulate a combustion car with step-shift transmission, giving you the option to paddle shift through the gears and emitting a fake engine noise with each new shift for acceleration or deceleration.
A More Powerful Ride
The EV9 GT is also billed as the “most powerful three-row SUV Kia has ever produced.” As expected the GT version is more powerful than the standard EV9, with a pair of electric motors combining for a total of 501hp (up from 379hp) and a target 0-to-60 time of 4.3 seconds (up from 5.0 seconds). The brakes have also been upgraded with exclusive neon green GT-badged calipers in front.
Just like Kia’s parent company Hyundai just announced for its 2025 Ioniq 5, the EV9 GT will come with native Tesla NACS charging ports, giving it access to some 15,000 charging stations across the country.
New Design Elements
In terms of design, we don’t get anything drastic aside from a few GT-specific elements both inside and out. Aside from the aforementioned brake calipers, there are also new 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 285/45R-21 high-performance Continental tires. You’ll also see new lighting patterns on the Active Air Flaps in the front of the car. The GT signature neon green will also continue to the inside on the seats and steering wheel, and there’s also a new lighting scheme for the interior.
Spec Sheet
Model: EV9 GT
Model Year: 2026
Engine: Dual-motor electric
Power: 501hp
0-to-60: 4.3 seconds (targeted)
Pricing & Availability
Aiming to land in late 2025, the EV9 GT is still awaiting pricing info, as well as deeper specs. MSRP on the 2024 EV9 is around $55,000, so expect this to be much more. Head over to Kia’s website to learn more.
Recap
2026 Kia EV9 GT
Kia unveiled the 2026 EV9 GT, which is billed as its most powerful three-row SUV ever, with 501hp and a new electronically controlled stability feature to aid this high-performance vehicle.
