When the Kia EV9 came out for the 2024 model year, the existence of the GT-Line trim implied that a high-performance GT model was on the way. Now, the 2026 Kia EV9 GT has been unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, along with many new details on the go-fast electric family crossover from Kia.
“The EV9 has been a home run for Kia and introduced the first mass-market electric three-row SUV,” Kia America COO and Executive Vice President Steven Center said. “And EV9 GT includes all those wonderful elements while amping up the fun factor significantly. This new halo trim is set to spark the hearts of driving enthusiasts who still need the practicality of a six-passenger SUV. You can have your cake and eat it too!”
The performance-tuned dual-motor powertrain in the Kia EV9 GT will be good for 501 horsepower, but no torque rating is provided. Kia says it’s capable of a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. In addition to the power boost, the EV9 GT will have an electronically controlled suspension system, upgraded brakes, an electronic limited-slip differential, and what Kia calls Virtual Gear Shift (VGS). With VGS, the EV9 will “shift” when it hits an imaginary “rev limit” to simulate a step-shift automatic transmission. It also has paddle shifters.
Exterior tweaks setting the GT model apart from the rest of the EV9 lineup include unique 21-inch wheels with high-performance Continental tires, neon green “GT” brake calipers, active air flaps, and an “ENERGETIC” front lighting pattern.
Kia also announced that starting in the first half of 2025, all EV9 models will come standard with a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port.
As with the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 that debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the closest GM rival to the Kia EV9 GT is the Cadillac Vistiq. The recently unveiled 2026 Cadillac Vistiq is an electric three-row luxury crossover with a potent standard dual-motor powertrain producing 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. The range is estimated at 300 miles, and pricing starts at $78,790. Since the top GT-Line trim of the 2025 Kia EV9 starts at $75,395, the pricing of the EV9 GT will likely overlap with the Vistiq.
Comments
I don’t think GM is worried.
An $80k Kia that’ll be worth 1/4 that this time next year. IF it doesn’t burn your house down, first.
GM should run away from emulating such garbage, but no, they’re getting into bed with sleezy HKG. For shame.
GM has been making a lot of bad decisions over the past 5 years
I can’t imagine that any good things will come out of this