Kia has unveiled the highly anticipated 2026 Kia EV9 GT, a high-performance version of its three-row electric SUV. With 80 kWh of usable capacity (giving a combined capacity of 113 kWh), uprated motors, a brushed metal grille at the front, 22 inch wheels (giving a 5 mm lower ride height), the color red, and other design touches, the EV9 GT reaches new heights of both practicality and excitement of driving.
Under the hood, the 2026 Kia EV9 GT packs a punch with its dual-motor setup. The front motor makes 215hp, while the rear one makes an astounding 362hp. While the exact combined output is yet to be determined, Kia is confident that the EV9 GT will lay in the region of around 501 horsepower. It’s less than the 641 hp of the smaller EV6 GT, but more than enough to make this family hauler very fast indeed.
Virtual Gear Shift Technology
One of the most surprising features of the 2026 Kia EV9 GT is the inclusion of Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) technology. The first take on this tech was spotted in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, where it simulates the same experience you get from using a traditional automatic transmission by mimicking preset “gear” ratios. However drivers can still use paddle shifters to manually cycle through these virtual gears.
To add to the experience the EV9 GT’s Active Sound Design system works alongside VGS to replicate gear changes. This unique feature adds an extra layer of engagement and excitement to the driving experience, making the 2026 Kia EV9 GT feel more like a high-performance vehicle than a typical family SUV.
Adaptive Suspension and Drive Modes
The 2026 Kia EV9 GT is the first three-row SUV from Kia to feature an electronically controlled suspension. It uses the adaptive dampers, which are designed to change stiffness based on the selected drive mode to provide ideal performance and comfort in a broad range of driving situations.
Several drive modes are available to drivers, and a new GT mode is selected from a dedicated green steering wheel button. The other modes include Normal, Eco, Sport and My Drive (for customizable individual settings). They also change the steering, brake feel and acceleration characteristics that are preferred by the driver.
Performance Upgrades and Design Tweaks
To squeeze out even more performance with the EV9 GT, Kia has fitted electronic limited slip differential. The torque is sent to the tires with the most traction and helps limit wheelspin to improve handling and stability.
The 2026 Kia EV9 GT also features larger brakes with eye-catching neon green calipers, as well as unique 21-inch wheels. Some design changes are a specific lighting pattern in the front grille region, altered trim in the lower air dam, and unique interior aspects, that include a special steering wheel, dashboard trim and sport seats.
Impressive Technology and Charging Capabilities
The EV9 GT kicks off performance but it’s still got the EV9’s advanced infotainment suite, with GT exclusive graphics and unique ambient lighting to boot. All the driver assistance features from the EV9 GT-Line also come standard on the 2026 Kia EV9 GT.
Details of the range nor battery capacity are confirmed, but the EV9 GT is expected to support quick charging due to its 800-volt architecture. Kia says the SUV can recharge from 10% to 80% in less than 25 minutes, giving it enough range to be suitable for long trips away from a charging station.
Final Thought
The 2026 Kia EV9 GT is set to redefine what a high-performance family SUV can be. Being a practical beast and an EV, the EV9 GT caresses its occupants with suspension softness, produces some pretty impressive power, boasts innovative Virtual Gear Shift technology, and has more than a few performance tweaks and upgrades.
As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electrification, the 2026 Kia EV9 GT represents a significant step forward in combining performance, technology, and sustainability in a family-friendly package. Of course, pricing details for the EV9 GT have yet to be announced, but we can expect to see it entering the market by the second half of 2025, and it won’t be lacking on head turning or turning on the enthusiasm of enthusiasts and families.
