The Kia EV9, already lauded as one of the most impressive electric vehicles on the market, is getting a performance upgrade. The South Korean automaker is launching a GT version of its three-row electric SUV, the 2025 Kia EV9 GT, promising a more exciting driving experience.
The GT badge signifies a leap in both power and technology. The new model incorporates Kia’s first-ever Electronically Controlled Suspension and the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, ensuring compatibility with Tesla Superchargers. It also features an advanced virtual transmission system. Complementing these hardware upgrades is a sportier design throughout the vehicle.
The 2025 Kia EV9 GT boasts 21-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance, low-profile Continental tires. Distinctive design elements include the eye-catching neon green brake calipers, borrowed from the EV6 GT, and a new lighting pattern for the LED headlights, dubbed “Energetic.”
“The EV9 GT can build on Kia’s efforts to have performance-oriented variants across the lineup, and the performance variant of a battery electric vehicle reflects that buyers do want powerful, engaging performance from electric drivetrains as they do gasoline-powered drivetrains,” Stephanie Brinley, associate director of AutoIntelligence at S&P Global, told Newsweek.
Brinley pointed out that the EV6 GT has found a following. From January to September 2024, the GT version accounted for roughly 5% of EV6 registrations, based on S&P Global Mobility US light-vehicle registration data. The GT version likely offers better profit margins than the standard model and creates excitement for the entire model line.
Inside, the EV9 GT gets a sportier treatment with bright green accents, mirroring the exterior calipers, highlighting the seats, steering wheel, and other areas. New sport bucket seats, upholstered in Alcantara suede and embossed with the GT logo, add a touch of luxury to the dark gray and black interior.
Like other SUVs, the EV9 GT features dual 12.3-inch screens: one as a digital instrument cluster, the other for infotainment. Kia confirms that features like ambient lighting will be updated via over-the-air updates. The design team included a clever touch with the button panel beneath the screen. It vanishes when the vehicle is off, creating a much cleaner look.
The 2025 Kia EV9 GT comes standard with all-wheel drive, powered by electric motors on both axles. The front motor delivers 160 kW, while the rear unit generates 270 kW. Combined, they produce an estimated 501 horsepower, a significant 122-hp increase over the already potent EV9 GT-Line. Kia is targeting a blistering zero-to-sixty time of just 4.3 seconds.
The new model integrates technology from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, offering drivers the ability to customize shock damping, steering, and brake feel. Furthermore, like a true sports car, it comes with a dedicated GT mode that configures all systems to their most aggressive settings with a single button press.
The Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) simulates the feel of a traditional automatic transmission, enhancing the driving experience. It can be used in automatic mode, mimicking the acceleration and deceleration of a conventional vehicle, or with paddle shifters for manual shifting. Kia’s electric Active Sound Design (e-ASD) works in concert with VGS to replicate the sounds of gear changes.
Continuing its focus on performance, the EV9 GT has an electronic limited-slip differential. This system enhances cornering stability by distributing power to the appropriate side of the rear axle.
Similar to the standard EV9, the GT model uses an 800-volt architecture, enabling fast charging. It can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in under 25 minutes. While Kia hasn’t yet released the all-electric range for the EV9 GT, it’s sure to be a strong number.
A comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems is included, featuring technology such as Smart Cruise Control-Curve, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed when navigating curves. The new Parking Collision Avoidance Assist system alerts the driver to potential hazards, like pedestrians or objects, during parking maneuvers, and can even apply the brakes.
Brinley noted that the GT versions don’t necessarily increase overall sales volume. However, she observed, “the more likely scenario is that it is an EV9 intender who chooses the more powerful option, which is good for the vehicle’s image and the automaker’s bottom line.”
The 2025 Kia EV9 GT is slated to go on sale next year. While the price has not yet been announced, it will undoubtedly be higher than the top-of-the-line EV9 GT-Line model, which starts at $73,900 before destination fees and any applicable EV tax credits.
