2026 Kia EV9 GT is Finally Here, Offers 501 Hp and Fake Gear Shifts
Kia came to the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show to unveil the 2026 EV9 GT. With an estimated 501 horsepower delivered by a pair of electric motors mounted front and rear, this high-performance electric SUV is targeted to hit 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds and represents the most powerful three-row SUV Kia has ever produced.
Assembled in South Korea and expected to arrive in the latter half of 2025, the EV9 GT follows on the heels of the EV6 GT but with more room for passengers and their gear. Pricing will be announced closer to the EV9 GT’s on-sale date.
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The EV9 GT generates an extra 122 horsepower over the existing EV9 GT-Line and further stands out with the first application of an electronically controlled suspension on a Kia SUV. Accessed through the Drive Mode button found on the steering wheel, Normal, Eco, Sport and My Drive modes can be easily toggled by the driver depending on the conditions or desired driving style.
Depressing the bright green GT button found on the steering wheel hub accesses GT mode, dialing in the shock damping to its stiffest setting. In order to handle the EV9 GT’s 501 horsepower, Kia engineers have upgraded the braking system, which includes GT-branded front callipers. Also, just like the EV6 GT, the EV9 GT comes standard with an electronic limited-slip differential, which helps with corning stability by limiting wheelspin to the tires with less grip.
Prepare for Fake Gear Shifts
A highlight of Kia’s new high-performance electric SUV is a technology called Virtual Gear Shift (VGS). Basically, it simulates the experience of a traditional step-shift automatic transmission, providing noticeable “shifts” as the vehicle accelerates. It can also reduce acceleration when the rev limit is reached.
Drivers can let the system do all the work or use the paddles on either side of the steering wheel to manually shift through the gears. In addition, in-cabin electric Active Sound Design (e-ASD) works in concert with VGS to replicate the sounds of the gear shifts as the EV9 GT accelerates. We’re looking forward to our first test drive opportunity and seeing if it’s just as good as the system on the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N.
NACS Charging Port
Starting in the first half of 2025, all Kia EV9 models including the GT will come standard with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging port, opening direct access to Tesla Superchargers in the U.S. and Canada. What doesn’t change is the 800V fast charging architecture, which is capable of charging the battery from 10-80 percent in less than 25 minutes in ideal conditions.
By the way, the EV9 GT is shod with 285/45R21 high-performance Continental tires wrapped around exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels. Similar to the EV6 GT, the brake callipers are finished in Neon Green. Other exclusive features include a unique steering wheel, bright green accents in various areas of the interior, as well as deeply bolstered sport seats trimmed with Alcantara suede inserts and embossed with the GT logo. Oh, and GT-exclusive graphics face the driver through the large 12.3-inch display.
The Kia EV9 has enjoyed plenty of success since launching last year and was even named the 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. This new GT model will help the brand attract performance enthusiasts with a growing family to take care of.