2026 Kia EV9 GT revealed: Electric seven-seat SUV gets 374kW high-performance makeover
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Kia has built one of the quickest and sportiest seven-seat SUVs on the planet, with an injection of power and grip for the full-size electric EV9.
The 2026 Kia EV9 GT has been revealed at the Los Angeles motor show – with close to 375kW and simulated gear shifts – with Australian arrivals not yet confirmed.
The EV9 GT follows the EV6 GT in Kia’s growing range of high-performance electric cars, with every battery-powered model on a dedicated electric-vehicle platform the company sells planned to receive a GT version.
If it is confirmed for Australia, given the EV9 GT-Line is already $121,000 plus on-road costs, the GT could start close to $135,000 – making it the most expensive Kia ever.
US showroom arrivals are due to commence in the second half of 2025.
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It is powered by dual electric motors developing 160kW at the front and 270kW at the rear, for a claimed combined output of 374kW (501 horsepower), up on the GT-Line’s 283kW.
The front and rear motor outputs are shared with the pre-facelift EV6 GT, but Kia has de-rated the combined output from the maximum theoretical 430kW quoted by its smaller sibling.
Kia claims a 0-60mph (97km/h) acceleration time of 4.3 seconds – compared to 5.0sec for the GT-Line – though it says “internal testing continues and final horsepower ratings may differ.”
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Backing up the EV9 GT’s power are upgraded performance brakes with green calipers, as well as adaptive suspension for the first time in a seven-seat Kia, and an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential.
The normal set of drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport and My Drive – are joined by a GT setting accessed by a green button on the steering wheel, with stiffer suspension, heavier steering and altered brake feel.
The EV9 GT inherits the Virtual Gear Shift function from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which uses software to simulate gear shifts of a traditional automatic transmission.
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Kia references an Active Sound Design system that “works in concert with VGS to replicate the sounds of the gear shifts as the EV9 GT accelerates,” but it does not appear to gain the simulated petrol-car engine sounds of the Ioniq 5 N.
Virtual Gear Shift cuts motor torque during ‘upshifts’ with paddles, and “can reduce acceleration” when a simulated ‘rev limiter’ is reached.
DC fast charging mirrors the wider EV9 range, claimed to be capable a 10 to 80 per cent charge of its 99.8kWh battery in 25 minutes, but US-market EV9s will soon be fitted with the Tesla-designed North American Charging Standard plug.
Differentiating the GT from the GT-Line are unique 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 285/45 R21 Continental SportContact 6 tyres, as well as a unique front lighting design, and unique patterns on the lower front air flaps.
Inside, there are new front sports seats with leather-look and Alcantara upholstery, GT embossing and neon green highlights, as well as a neon green 12 o’clock stripe on the steering wheel, and similar accents on the second- and third-row seats.
Unique GT graphics have been added to the 12.3-inch instrument display, as well as different patterns for the ambient interior lighting system.
A full suite of safety technology is available, including blind-spot cameras, all-around parking sensors, remote parking from the key fob, and adaptive cruise control.
The 2026 Kia EV9 GT is due in US showrooms in the second half of next year, with local plans still to be confirmed.
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