2026 Kia EV9 GT Debuts With 501 Horsepower
2026 Kia EV9 GT Debuts With 501 Horsepower
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| 2026 Kia EV9 GT Debuts With 501 Horsepower |
The 2026 Kia EV9 GT takes the already excellent EV9 to thrilling new heights. This 501-horsepower electric crossover blends luxury, practicality, and a performance boost that ensures school runs are anything but ordinary. Debuting at the Los Angeles Auto Show, it offers a compelling mix of speed and sophistication.
The GT’s upgraded powertrain includes a 214-hp front motor and a 362-hp rear motor, a significant step up from the regular AWD EV9's 189 hp per motor. Kia estimates a 0-60 MPH time of 4.3 seconds, shaving 0.7 seconds off the EV9 GT-Line AWD's sprint. However, final horsepower figures are still being refined, so the GT's output may climb even higher.
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| 2026 Kia EV9 GT Debuts With 501 Horsepower |
To handle the extra muscle, the EV9 GT features larger brakes, adaptive suspension dampers, 21-inch wheels with Continental tires, and an electronic rear limited-slip differential. These upgrades not only make it faster in a straight line but also more agile in the corners, promising a dynamic driving experience to match its powerful new look.
Kia is pushing boundaries with the 2026 EV9 GT, introducing a slew of high-tech and performance-focused upgrades. One standout addition is Virtual Gear Shift (VGS), a mode that replicates the sensation of driving an internal-combustion engine vehicle. Borrowed from Hyundai's Ioniq 5 N, VGS delivers simulated engine sounds, faux gear shifts, and torque interruptions, creating an immersive experience. Drivers can choose between an automatic-style mode or manually shift through the “gears” using paddle shifters. Given its success in the Ioniq 5 N, it’s expected to shine here as well.
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| 2026 Kia EV9 GT Debuts With 501 Horsepower |
The EV9 GT also gets unique 21-inch wheels, sporty exterior trim, and lime-green interior accents. Inside, Alcantara-trimmed sport seats with added bolstering emphasize its performance persona. Standard features include advanced driving-assist tech and a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port for access to Tesla's Supercharger network.
Unlike its Georgia-built siblings, the EV9 GT will be manufactured in South Korea. Kia has yet to confirm the price or range, though it’s likely to exceed the $75,395 starting price of the GT-Line AWD while offering slightly less than its 270-mile range. Deliveries are slated for the latter half of 2025.
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