KIA AMERICA HOSTS WORLD DEBUT OF EV9 GT AT 2024 LA AUTO SHOW
Kia’s award winning 3-row EV SUV line expands with the introduction of the sporty GT
- Dual-motor EV SUV boasts e-AWD and an estimated 501 horsepower1
- Targeted 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds2
- Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) is a first for a Kia SUV
- Exclusive exterior and interior design elements set the EV9 GT apart from the rest
- Arrives with integrated North American Charging Standard (NACS) port
November 21, 2024, Los Angeles – Kia America today unveiled the high-performance 2026 Kia EV9 GT SUV3 at the LA Auto Show. With an estimated 501 horsepower1 propelled through dual electric motors mounted front and rear, the EV9 GT is targeted to hit 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds2 and represents the most powerful three-row SUV Kia has ever produced. An electronically controlled suspension, a first for a Kia SUV, sets shock damping based on the selected drive mode or through the GT button mounted on the steering wheel, while larger front brakes are designed to bring the angular SUV to a reassuring halt. Unique design elements inside and out set the EV9 GT apart from the rest of the award-winning EV9 model range.
“The EV9 has been a home run for Kia and introduced the first mass-market electric three-row SUV,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “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!”
Assembled in South Korea and expected to arrive in the latter half of 20253, the Kia EV9 GT follows on the heels of the hot-blooded EV6 GT but with more room for passengers and their gear. Pricing will be announced closer to the EV9 GT’s on-sale date.
Motivation, Ride & Handling
With standard e-AWD4, the Kia EV9 GT is motivated through dual electric motors mounted front and rear. Up front is a 160-kW motor and at the rear, a powerful 270-kW motor. Combined, they net an estimated 501 horsepower1, a 122 HP increase from the EV9 GT-Line’s 379 HP. While internal testing continues and final horsepower ratings may differ, Kia is targeting an estimated 0-60 MPH time of just 4.3 seconds2 for the EV9 GT, while the current EV9 GT-Line scoots to 60 MPH in 5.0 seconds2. Helping to bring the EV9 GT to a quick stop are upgraded brakes with exclusive GT-badged front calipers.
Balancing the power is a driver selectable Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS), a first of its kind for a Kia three-row SUV. Accessed through the Drive Mode button found on the steering wheel, Normal, Eco, Sport and My Drive modes can be easily toggled by the driver depending on the conditions or desired driving style. Aside from setting shock damping, steering and brake feel are also optimized for each mode. Depressing the bright green GT button found on the steering wheel hub accesses GT mode, dialing in the shock damping to its stiffest setting. The EV9 GT maintains the 7.8-inches of ground clearance and the 5,000-lb. towing capacity5 found on select EV9 trims.
Leaning into its sporting intentions, the EV9 GT arrives standard with exclusive Virtual Gear Shift (VGS)6. Simulating the experience of a traditional step-shift automatic transmission, VGS provides noticeable “shifts” as the vehicle accelerates and can reduce acceleration when the rev limit is reached. While VGS can be felt when used to simulate a traditional automatic transmission, the driver can also use the paddles located on either side of the steering wheel to manually shift through the gears for an elevated sense of driving engagement. In-cabin electric Active Sound Design (e-ASD) works in concert with VGS to replicate the sounds of the gear shifts as the EV9 GT accelerates.