The Kia EV9 GT 2025 receives a comprehensive set of updates to manage the increased power. Larger brakes improve stopping power, and an upgraded suspe

With the Hyundai Ioniq 9 EV SUV recently being unveiled, CarBuzz decided to pitch it head-to-head with its Kia EV9 cousin to see which is better.

After thrilling us with its high-performance take on the two-row electric SUV with the smaller EV6 GT, Kia has unveiled an early preview of the new three-row, six-seat, 501-hp 2026 Kia EV9 GT. Promising a 0-60 mph time of just 4.

The next Kia to wear the brand’s GT performance badge might come as an unexpected surprise. Enter the 2026 EV9 GT, which will be the brand’s most powerful and capable version of its three-row electric SUV, and Kia’s first real attempt at a performance crossover.

While it looks largely the same as the existing EV9, the GT packs an estimated 501 horsepower, which Kia says will fling the three-row electric SUV from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds.

Kia juices up its three-row EV and adds performance hardware such as adaptive dampers, grippier tires, and upgraded brakes.