The 2026 Kia EV9 will feature a performance-focused GT model with an estimated 501 horsepower. The new GT comes with more powerful electric motors, adaptive dampers, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, improved tires, and enhanced brakes. Kia has not announced the EV9 GT’s price, but we think it will be more than $80,000 when it arrives in stores in the second half of next year. There will soon be a new type of mid-size three-row SUV that is more adventure-oriented, but the Kia EV9 is mostly an electric family car. Kia’s best cars and equipment are the only ones that can be called GT. At present, the EV6 GT from Kia is the only model with this feature. But the EV9 GT from 2026 will also have it. Kia says that the new EV9 GT’s basic dual-motor all-wheel-drive system will make a total of 501 horsepower. As of now, its exact output and torque number have yet to be made public. The non-GT dual-motor EV9, on the other hand, can now make up to 379 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, while the GT-Line achieves the same in exactly 5 seconds. The EV9 GT-Line we tried went from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, so the next GT will be faster than Kia thinks. The EV9 GT, on the other hand, is more than just a better model. It has hardware that works quickly. Some of the improvements that can be made are adaptive dampers, an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, and better brakes with neon green calipers. The GT also has 21-inch wheels with Continental performance tires that grip better. It will look different from other EV9s because its wheels are specially made, the front panel has a unique lighting pattern, and the lower bumpers have different decorations. Kia will follow Hyundai’s lead and add a drive mode called Virtual Gear Shift. As the name suggests, this mode will simulate the mechanical gear shifts of a normal transmission. The fake shifts will be clear when you speed up to the EV9 GT’s made-up redline. We hope that the driver will be able to turn off the setting and change the “shifting” with the steering wheel buttons. The same goes for the fake engine noises that EVs make, which most people either like or don’t like. The EV9 GT’s cabin has a well-known style with green accents all over. The front seats have been strengthened to protect people when the driver really pushes the GT’s sticky rubber to its limits. There are microsuede pieces in the seats that have the GT logo on them. Kia also says that the digital gauge cluster has unique graphics that can be seen behind the redesigned steering wheel. The new steering wheel has a neon hash at noon and a “GT” button that quickly changes to the sportiest drive mode. Kia hasn’t said anything about the EV9 GT’s battery or range, but it will likely use the new 110.3-kWh pack that will be in the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9. This pack is said to have a range of more than 300 miles. The EPA says that the EV9’s 99.8-kWh battery can power the car for 270 to 280 miles in dual-motor models. Kia announced that beginning in the first half of 2025, every EV9 will be equipped with a standard NACS charging port. The GT model can charge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes. They intend to launch the 2026 EV9 GT for sale in the latter half of next year. Kia hasn’t said how much it will cost yet, but it should start at more than $80,000.
