With its recent unveiling at the LA Auto Show, the 2026 Kia EV9 GT in Albuquerque, NM is set to take the top spot in the world of three-row, electric SUVs. Although it looks mostly the same as the existing EV9, the GT version brings an estimated 501 horsepower to the mix, which the company says will launch the vehicle from zero to 60 mph in a scant 4.3 seconds! If you’re into the numbers, that’s 122 more horses than the EV9 GT-Line and 0.7 seconds faster! And for eco-conscious drivers who like performance but also need room for the family, the EV9 GT is a dream come true.
What Makes the Kia EV9 GT Different? 
As the newest addition to the Kia EV9 lineup, the GT variant comes standard equipped with four-wheel drive and is powered by two motors, one on the front axle and one at the rear. Picking up where the EV9 GT-Line left off (and adding to it), the permanent magnet motors churn out 214 hp in the front and 362 hp in the back. Kia states these will combine to get an estimated 501 horsepower. However, final calibration is still forthcoming. It’s worth mentioning the same motors in the 2024 Kia EV6 GT deliver 576 hp, so it wouldn’t surprise us if the EV9 GT’s horsepower increases before its actual release date.
The Kia EV9 GT will also feature what the company calls “virtual gear shifts” or VGS, which imitate the feel of a performance 8-speed automatic transmission by cutting power off if you get to the virtual “redline” or use the steering-wheel-mounted paddles to shift. The virtual gears are enhanced with Kia’s active sound design system, which provides the sounds of an internal combustion engine (or a few other non-car vehicles, such as fighter jets!) to match the “shifting” gears. The EV9 GT also gets an electronic limited-slip differential, guaranteeing this AWD family hauler can actively transfer power to where it’s needed most.
Power is complemented by performance, and the NewKia EV9 GT gets it with upgrades to braking, suspension, and tires. There are new drive modes (Custom, Eco, Normal, Sport, and GT- in order of mounting performance) that work in tandem with the SUV’s new electronic adaptive suspension, steering, and larger front brakes, softening or firming up the suspension’s damping, in addition to adjusting steering and brake feel. High-performance Continental tires wrapped around new 21-inch rims complete the package.
And don’t worry about the SUV perks being overshadowed by the performance upgrades. The EV9 GT keeps the 5,000-pound towing capacity and the 7.8 inches of ground clearance of regular EV9s.
2026 Kia EV9 GT in Albuquerque, NM: Charging and Range
It’s been confirmed that the EV9 GT will keep the 800-volt architecture used by the standard EV9. This will allow for quicker charging speeds upwards of 200 kW, so a charge up to 80% could take less than 25 minutes! Although battery capacities are unknown at this time, we expect the GT model to get the larger 99.8-kWh battery like the regular EV9.
Range hasn’t been released yet, either, but allowing for performance additions, don’t be surprised if it is decreased from the GT-Line’s 270 miles to around 250 miles for the GT.
And for the first time, beginning in the first half of 2025, all Kia EV9s will come standard-equipped with a Tesla-friendly North American Charging Standard (NACS) port.
Interior Style
On the outside, the 2026 Kia EV9 GT in Albuquerque, NM looks a lot like the GT-Line model, only with distinctive wheels, neon green brake calipers, and unique LED lighting patterns separating it form the lower trim EV9s. Moving inside, you’ll see neon green accents on the seats, steering wheel, and elsewhere throughout the cabin. Heavily bolstered sport seats with Alcantara suede trim have an embossed GT logo that stands out in the black and dark gray interior, a three-spoke steering wheel exclusive to GT trims, and exclusive graphics on the 12.3-inch infotainment and digital instrument displays round out the look. Expect Kia’s latest advanced driver-assist systems once the EV9 GT arrives.
Visit Fiesta Kia
Despite the Kia EV9 GT not arriving for some time, you can get a look (and a test drive) at the regular models right now at Fiesta Kia. Visit us at 7400 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.
