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 remaining
- Arrives with built-in North American Charging Customary (NACS) port
Kia America immediately unveiled the high-performance 2026 Kia EV9 GT SUV[3] on the LA Auto Present. With an estimated 501 horsepower1 propelled by 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 based mostly on the chosen drive mode or by the GT button mounted on the steering wheel, whereas bigger entrance brakes are designed to carry 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 Middle, 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 ready to spark the hearts of driving lovers who nonetheless want the practicality of a six-passenger SUV. You possibly can 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 will likely be introduced nearer to the EV9 GT’s on-sale date.
Motivation, Experience & Dealing with
With normal e-AWD[4], the Kia EV9 GT is motivated by 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 web an estimated 501 horsepower1, a 122 HP enhance from the EV9 GT-Line’s 379 HP. Whereas inner testing continues and closing horsepower rankings might differ, Kia is focusing 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 carry 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 sort for a Kia three-row SUV. Accessed by the Drive Mode button discovered on the steering wheel, Regular, Eco, Sport and My Drive modes will be simply toggled by the driving force relying on the circumstances or desired driving fashion. Other than 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 offers noticeable “shifts” because the automobile accelerates and might cut back acceleration when the rev restrict is reached. Whereas VGS will be felt when used to simulate a standard automated transmission, the driving force may also use the paddles situated on both aspect of the steering wheel to manually shift by the gears for an elevated sense of driving engagement. In-cabin electrical Energetic Sound Design (e-ASD) works in live performance with VGS to duplicate 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 keep a steady angle 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 ready 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 will 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 will be discovered with GT-exclusive steering wheel and dashboard trim. As well as, the inside is on the market in GT-exclusive Darkish Grey & Black simulated leather-based with neon accents.
GT-exclusive graphics face the driving force by the massive 12.3-inch show display screen, whereas all passengers can benefit from the GT’s distinctive ambient lighting scheme. Since all EV9s come outfitted with over- the-air-update know-how[9] new lighting patterns and content material out there sooner or later can simply be downloaded by the Kia Join app.
ADAS Expertise
Geared up with a set 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 routinely assists with emergency braking in sure circumstances.
Different normal ADAS options embody Ahead Collision-Avoidance Help 2 with Automotive, 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 keep up a predetermined velocity by a flip when Good Cruise Management is energetic. Different normal ADAS comfort options embody: 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 inner Kia testing. Precise outcomes might differ relying on choices, driving circumstances, driving habits, and your automobile’s situation. Verification of those outcomes shouldn’t be tried. All the time drive safely and obey all site 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 circumstances. All the time drive safely.
[5] Towing might considerably cut back electrical vary and requires extra gear. See Proprietor’s Handbook for towing directions. All the time use warning whereas towing.
[6] Digital Gear Shift (VGS) will not be supported in ECO Drive Mode.
[7] Cost time based mostly on Kia Company testing with 350 kW DC quick charger and roughly 72 levels Fahrenheit battery temperature. Precise cost time might differ with choices, driving circumstances, driving habits, automobile upkeep, charging observe, 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 Vitality Various Gasoline Information Middle (AFDC), for U.S. solely, September 2024.
[9] Over-the-Air options and updates might require an extra price and will differ 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 circumstances apply.
[10] Superior Driver Help Techniques should not substitutes for protected driving and will not detect all objects across the automobile. All the time drive safely and use warning.
[11] When engaged, Parking Collision Avoidance Help will not be an alternative to one’s consideration and will not detect all objects surrounding the automobile. All the time take note of site visitors and to the world round your automobile when exiting the automobile.
[12] When engaged, Ahead Collision-Avoidance Help will not be an alternative to protected driving and will not detect all objects in entrance of car. All the time drive safely and use warning.
[13] When engaged, Navigation-based Good Cruise Management will not be an alternative to protected driving and will not detect all objects across the automobile. All the time drive safely and use warning.
[14] When engaged, Rear Cross Visitors Collision-Avoidance Help will not be an alternative to protected driving and will not detect all objects in entrance of car. All the time drive safely and use warning.
[15] When engaged, Parking Distance Warning will not be an alternative to protected driving and will not detect all objects in entrance of car. All the time drive safely and use warning.
[16] When engaged, Blind-Spot View Monitor might not detect all objects across the automobile. All the time drive safely and use warning.
[17] Distant Good Parking Help might not detect all objects across the automobile. Please see the Proprietor’s Handbook for limitations, warnings and directions.
