In 2025, a three-row SUV for six adults does not need to compromise driving excitement or demand a six-figure price. The upcoming Kia EV9 GT positions itself below premium rivals such as the Tesla Model X, Cadillac Escalade IQ, and Mercedes EQS SUV, while aiming to deliver performance and everyday usability in a family-oriented package.
Positioned above the 2026 EV9 GT-Line that we checked out earlier, here’s everything we know and expect from the performance SUV.
Design
High-performance EVs no longer rely on aggressive styling cues. Instead, automakers are using subtle changes to mark their sport trims, and the EV9 GT follows this approach. It features an “Energetic” lighting pattern in the closed upper grille, a vertical fin design for the lower grille, and exclusive 21-inch wheels wrapped in Continental performance tires.
Flush roof rails, larger brake discs, and GT-branded neon green mono-block calipers complete the exterior updates. Kia does not offer paint finishes unique to the GT.
Interior
Inside, too, the Kia EV9 GT has a laid-back character, even compared to the EV6 GT. For instance, Kia doesn’t offer full bucket seats in this model, in line with the EV9’s family-oriented vibes. It uses semi-bucket seats draped in genuine Alcantara instead. The dashboard and door trims also feature this premium material.
The most distinguishing styling bit of the EV9 GT’s interior is a special three-spoke steering wheel featuring a neon green ‘GT’ button that unleashes the EV’s full performance, and a neon green 12 o’clock marking. A GT logo on the dashboard, neon green highlights throughout the cabin, a unique ambient lighting scheme, and exclusive graphics in the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster add to the SUV’s sporty character.
Specifications
Performance
Globally, the Kia EV9 GT packs two motors, a main unit at the back and an assisting unit at the front, for a combined 502 hp and 546 lb.-ft. of torque. This powertrain enables the SUV to hit 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds, 0.4 seconds quicker than the 379 hp/516-lb.-ft. EV9 GT-Line (5.0 seconds).
Virtual Gear Shift (VGS)
A Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) function aims to replicate the more engaging feel of driving a gas-powered car. Like in an automatic transmission, the driver can shift paddles on either side of the steering wheel to manually change gears, and this is possible in four driving modes: Normal, Sport, MyDrive, and GT.
Limited Slip Differential
Besides the performance-focused all-wheel drive system, cornering stability should be better than the regular EV9, thanks to an electronic Limited Slip Differential, which directs torque to the wheels with the most grip.
Battery & Range
The familiar 99.8 kWh battery pack supplies energy to the motors and supports charging at up to 10.9 kW (AC)/210 kW (DC) in the U.S. Fully charging the battery pack using a Level 2 charger would take close to nine hours. Using a DC fast-charger, a 10-80% top-up would take just under 25 minutes.
On a full charge, we expect the EV9 GT to achieve an EPA-est. range rating of 250 miles. We’ll update the specifications section when Kia publishes the U.S.-spec model’s numbers.
Price & Release Date
We expect the Kia EV9 GT to retail at approximately USD 80,000, and reach U.S. dealers at the end of 2025. We’ll learn more about the U.S. launch in the coming months.
TopElectricSUV says
At around USD 80,000, understandably, this Kia isn’t going to be on every American buyer’s shopping list.
Kia EV9 GT FAQs
What is the Kia EV9 GT’s release date?
The EV9 GT will likely go on sale in the U.S. in late 2025.
What will be the Kia EV9 GT’s price?
We anticipate the Kia EV9 GT to be priced at around USD 80,000.
Featured Image Source: Kia
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
