2026 Kia EV9 GT Debuts With 501 Horsepower

2026 Kia EV9 GT Debuts With 501 Horsepower

2026 Kia EV9 GT Debuts With 501 Horsepower
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.

2026 Kia EV9 GT Debuts With 501 Horsepower
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.

2026 Kia EV9 GT Debuts With 501 Horsepower
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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