At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia unveiled the 2026 Kia EV9 GT, which has garnered significant attention for its powerful performance, establishing itself as a leader among three-row SUVs. The EV9 GT follows the design philosophy of the EV6 GT, aiming to enhance the overall performance of Kia electric vehicles.
In comparison to the 576 horsepower of the EV6 GT, the new EV9 GT is rated at 501 horsepower. The front wheels are driven by a 214-horsepower electric motor, while the rear wheels are powered by a 362-horsepower motor. Impressively, this SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds, which is remarkable for a vehicle of this size.
To enhance the dynamic performance of the EV9 GT, Kia has equipped it with an electronically controlled suspension that adapts in real-time to the driver's needs. The vehicle offers several driving modes including Normal, Eco, Sport, and My Drive, and to maximize driving pleasure, a green GT button on the steering wheel can instantly switch the vehicle to full performance mode.
A highlight of the EV9 GT is its Virtual Gear Shift system, which simulates a manual transmission experience and provides “gear shifts” feedback while even limiting acceleration. A similar feature was used by Hyundai in the Ioniq 5 N. Additionally, Kia has included an electronic limited-slip differential to improve vehicle control during turns.
Kia has yet to release the official range figures for the EV9 GT, but the vehicle is equipped with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging port and supports fast DC charging. Using the appropriate charger, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in under 25 minutes.
Similar to the Kia GT prototype, the EV9 GT's exterior updates are simple yet effective. It features custom 21-inch wheels and larger brakes painted green. The front fascia receives minor adjustments, including active air vents and revised lighting elements, while the interior continues to showcase green accents. The cabin benefits from sport seats specific to GT, with Alcantara touches, unique ambient lighting, and a variety of GT logos.
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