Kia unveiled a high-performance version of its highly regarded, award-winning three-row all-electric SUV at the LA Auto show.

The Kia EV9 GT will be launching as a 2026 model.

The SUV is powered by a dual-motor electric propulsion system packing an estimated 501 hp. The automaker is targeting a zero to 60 mph acceleration time of 4.3 seconds.

“The EV9 has been a home run for Kia and introduced the first mass-market electric three-row SUV,” said Steven Center, COO and EVP, Kia America, in a news release. “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 model gets its motivation from motors mounted on the front and rear axles. The front motor is rated at 160 kW (215 hp), while the rear motor has 270 kW (362 hp) of output. The combined net power rating is 501 hp, which is 122 more than the EV9 GT-Line’s 379 hp. The GT-Line is no slouch either as it can accelerate to 60 mph in five seconds, Kia says.

The EV9 GT has a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

The GT features a driver-selectable electronically controlled suspension, which is a first for the EV9 line of vehicles, which can set things such as shock damping, steering and brake feel. Pressing a green button on the steering wheel will set the shock damping to its stiffest setting.

The vehicle also gets an electronic limited slip differential (e-LSD), to help with cornering stabiilty by limiting wheel spin and torque is electronically sent to the tires with more traction to maintain cornering stability, Kia says.

The EV9 GT also features virtual gear shifting, which simulates the experience of a traditional “shift” of an automatic transmission.

Charging up

The GT maintains the 800-volt fast-charging architecture and Kia says the vehicle can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in less than 25 minutes when connected to a DC fast-charger.

Sometime in the first half of 2025, all EV9 models will come standard with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port, giving them native charging capability at Tesla Superchargers.

The looks

The EV9 GT rides on 21-inch alloy wheels and brake calipers will be painted neon green.

The front-end is distinguished from other EV9 models with a different lighting pattern on the active air flaps.

The interior also features bright green accents, the seats are deeply bolstered and feature Alcantara suede inserts, and the steering wheel and dashboard is unique to the GT model as well.

The EV9 GT comes loaded with safety tech, including parking collision avoidance assist in front, side and rear, forward collision-avoidance assist with car, cyclist and pedestrian detection with evasive steering assist, navigation-based smart cruise control-curve and a whole lot more.

The EV9 GT is assembled in South Korea and is expected to go on sale in the second half of 2025. Pricing has not been announced.

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