Kia’s award profitable 3-row EV SUV line expands with the introduction of the sporty GT
- Twin-motor EV SUV boasts e-AWD and an estimated 501 horsepower[1]
- Focused 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds[2]
- Electronically Managed Suspension (ECS) is a primary for a Kia SUV
- Unique exterior and inside design parts set the EV9 GT other than the remainder
- Arrives with built-in North American Charging Customary (NACS) port
Kia America at present unveiled the high-performance 2026 Kia EV9 GT SUV[3] on the LA Auto Present. With an estimated 501 horsepower1 propelled via twin electrical motors mounted entrance and rear, the EV9 GT is focused to hit 60 mph in simply 4.3 seconds2 and represents essentially the most highly effective three-row SUV Kia has ever produced. An electronically managed suspension, a primary for a Kia SUV, units shock damping primarily based on the chosen drive mode or via the GT button mounted on the steering wheel, whereas bigger entrance brakes are designed to deliver the angular SUV to a reassuring halt. Distinctive design parts in and out set the EV9 GT other than the remainder of the award-winning EV9 mannequin vary.
“The EV9 has been a house run for Kia and launched the primary mass-market electrical three-row SUV,” stated Steven Heart, COO & EVP, Kia America. “And EV9 GT consists of all these fantastic parts whereas amping up the enjoyable issue considerably. This new halo trim is about to spark the hearts of driving fans who nonetheless want the practicality of a six-passenger SUV. You may have your cake and eat it too!”
Assembled in South Korea and anticipated to reach within the latter half of 20253, the Kia EV9 GT follows on the heels of the hot-blooded EV6 GT however with extra room for passengers and their gear. Pricing can be introduced nearer to the EV9 GT’s on-sale date.
Motivation, Journey & Dealing with
With normal e-AWD[4], the Kia EV9 GT is motivated via twin electrical motors mounted entrance and rear. Up entrance is a 160-kW motor and on the rear, a robust 270-kW motor. Mixed, they internet an estimated 501 horsepower1, a 122 HP enhance from the EV9 GT-Line’s 379 HP. Whereas inside testing continues and ultimate horsepower scores could differ, Kia is concentrating on an estimated 0-60 MPH time of simply 4.3 seconds2 for the EV9 GT, whereas the present EV9 GT-Line scoots to 60 MPH in 5.0 seconds2. Serving to to deliver the EV9 GT to a fast cease are upgraded brakes with unique GT-badged entrance calipers.
Balancing the facility is a driver selectable Electronically Managed Suspension (ECS), a primary of its variety for a Kia three-row SUV. Accessed via the Drive Mode button discovered on the steering wheel, Regular, Eco, Sport and My Drive modes might be simply toggled by the driving force relying on the situations or desired driving type. Except for setting shock damping, steering and brake really feel are additionally optimized for every mode. Miserable the intense inexperienced GT button discovered on the steering wheel hub accesses GT mode, dialing within the shock damping to its stiffest setting. The EV9 GT maintains the 7.8-inches of floor clearance and the 5,000-lb. towing capability[5] discovered on choose EV9 trims.
Leaning into its sporting intentions, the EV9 GT arrives normal with unique Digital Gear Shift (VGS)[6]. Simulating the expertise of a standard step-shift automated transmission, VGS gives noticeable “shifts” because the automobile accelerates and might cut back acceleration when the rev restrict is reached. Whereas VGS might be felt when used to simulate a standard automated transmission, the driving force can even use the paddles situated on both aspect of the steering wheel to manually shift via the gears for an elevated sense of driving engagement. In-cabin electrical Energetic Sound Design (e-ASD) works in live performance with VGS to copy the sounds of the gear shifts because the EV9 GT accelerates.
Just like its EV6 GT stablemate, the EV9 GT comes normal with an digital Restricted Slip Differential (e-LSD). The e-LSD helps with corning stability by limiting wheelspin to the tires with much less grip. Torque is electronically routed to the tires with extra traction to assist the EV9 GT preserve a steady perspective because it navigates corners.
What hasn’t modified is the 800-volt quick charging structure that’s normal throughout the EV9 lineup, which is able to charging from 10-80 p.c in lower than 25 minutes with DC quick chargers[7]. Beginning within the first half of 2025, all EV9s will come normal with the North American Charging Customary (NACS) cost port, opening entry to roughly 35,000[8] DC quick chargers throughout the U.S.
GT-Unique Design Parts
Befitting its GT moniker, this high-performance EV9 is about other than different EV9s within the lineup with distinctive exterior and inside design parts.
Exterior, the EV9 GT is shod with 285/45R-21 high-performance Continental tires wrapped round unique 21-inch alloy wheels. The Kia EV9 GT calipers are painted within the now-synonymous neon inexperienced first seen on the Kia EV6 GT. Distinctive to the GT, the “ENERGETIC” lighting sample and GT-exclusive patterns on the Energetic Air Flaps assist set the entrance finish aside.
Extra distinctive design parts might be discovered inside. The intense inexperienced accents proceed in numerous areas of the inside, together with the steering wheel and the seats. Distinctive to EV9 GT are deeply bolstered sport seats trimmed with Alcantara suede inserts, embossed with the GT brand. Additional differentiation might be discovered with GT-exclusive steering wheel and dashboard trim. As well as, the inside is accessible in GT-exclusive Darkish Grey & Black simulated leather-based with neon accents.
GT-exclusive graphics face the driving force via the massive 12.3-inch show display, whereas all passengers can benefit from the GT’s distinctive ambient lighting scheme. Since all EV9s come outfitted with over- the-air-update expertise[9] new lighting patterns and content material obtainable sooner or later can simply be downloaded via the Kia Join app.
ADAS Know-how
Outfitted with a collection of normal superior driver help options[10], the EV9 GT additionally arrives with Parking Collision Avoidance Help entrance, aspect and rear (PCA – f/s/r)[11]. The system is designed to supply a warning if the danger of collision with pedestrians or objects across the automobile is detected throughout parking and might mechanically assists with emergency braking in sure circumstances.
Different normal ADAS options embrace Ahead Collision-Avoidance Help 2 with Automobile, Bicycle owner and Pedestrian Detection (FCA 2) with Evasive Steering Help[12] that’s designed to supply steering enter when a possible collision is detected. Navigation-based Good Cruise Management-Curve (N-SCC-C)[13] is designed to use the brakes to take care of a predetermined velocity via a flip when Good Cruise Management is lively. Different normal ADAS comfort options embrace: Rear Cross-traffic Collision-avoidance Help (RCCA)[14], Parking Distance Warning – Ahead (PDW-F), Rear (PDW-R), and Facet (PDW-S)[15], Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)[16], Encompass View Monitor and Distant Good Parking Help (RSPA 2)[17] amongst a protracted listing of different normal ADAS options.
[1] Based mostly on preliminary producer estimates.
[2] Based mostly on inside Kia testing. Precise outcomes could fluctuate relying on choices, driving situations, driving habits, and your automobile’s situation. Verification of those outcomes shouldn’t be tried. At all times drive safely and obey all visitors legal guidelines.
[3] Stock anticipated to be extraordinarily restricted.
[4] No system, irrespective of how superior, can compensate for all driver error and/or driving situations. At all times drive safely.
[5] Towing could considerably cut back electrical vary and requires further gear. See Proprietor’s Handbook for towing directions. At all times use warning whereas towing.
[6] Digital Gear Shift (VGS) just isn’t supported in ECO Drive Mode.
[7] Cost time primarily based on Kia Company testing with 350 kW DC quick charger and roughly 72 levels Fahrenheit battery temperature. Precise cost time could fluctuate with choices, driving situations, driving habits, automobile upkeep, charging follow, battery age, climate, temperature, and your automobile’s situation. Battery capability will lower with time and use. Frequent use of DC quick charging can negatively influence battery efficiency and sturdiness, and Kia recommends minimizing use of DC quick charging.
[8] NACS port depend supply: U.S. Division of Power Different Gasoline Information Heart (AFDC), for U.S. solely, September 2024.
[9] Over-the-Air options and updates could require a further price and should fluctuate by mannequin, mannequin 12 months, and trim degree. Options, specs, and charges are topic to vary. Kia Join subscription is required and Kia Join phrases and situations apply.
[10] Superior Driver Help Techniques will not be substitutes for secure driving and should not detect all objects across the automobile. At all times drive safely and use warning.
[11] When engaged, Parking Collision Avoidance Help just isn’t an alternative to one’s consideration and should not detect all objects surrounding the automobile. At all times take note of visitors and to the world round your automobile when exiting the automobile.
[12] When engaged, Ahead Collision-Avoidance Help just isn’t an alternative to secure driving and should not detect all objects in entrance of auto. At all times drive safely and use warning.
[13] When engaged, Navigation-based Good Cruise Management just isn’t an alternative to secure driving and should not detect all objects across the automobile. At all times drive safely and use warning.
[14] When engaged, Rear Cross Site visitors Collision-Avoidance Help just isn’t an alternative to secure driving and should not detect all objects in entrance of auto. At all times drive safely and use warning.
[15] When engaged, Parking Distance Warning just isn’t an alternative to secure driving and should not detect all objects in entrance of auto. At all times drive safely and use warning.
[16] When engaged, Blind-Spot View Monitor could not detect all objects across the automobile. At all times drive safely and use warning.
[17] Distant Good Parking Help could not detect all objects across the automobile. Please see the Proprietor’s Handbook for limitations, warnings and directions.
