2026 Kia EV9 Review

Although this is a sizable 3 row SUV, the 2026 EV9 GT is a competitive beast. To create the EV9 GT, engineers combined a 160 kw front motor and a more powerful 270 kw rear electric motor. With a Kia-first electronically controlled suspension, this electric ride has everything it needs to rule the road.

Driving enthusiasts can command an estimated 501 horsepower and hit a targeted 0-60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds. The GT button on the EV9 steering wheel lets the driver tell the suspension what driving mode is preferred for the situation. One push regulates the shock damping for the most effective response to conditions in microseconds.

Of course, Kia balances speed with stopping precision. Larger front brakes are on board to make sure that this speedy big rig will slow down almost as fast as it speeds up. 

To create the 2025 EV9 GT-Line, engineers utilize dual 160kw motors. This generates a driver-pleasing 379 horsepower. 2025 GT-Line models can go from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds.

Rear-wheel drive EV9 models are unique in the electric marketplace. Most single-motor vehicles have a front motor. Instead, this rear set-up, which generates 258 lb-ft of torque, makes this 2025 EV more fun to drive. 

Kia electric vehicles have a special 800-volt architecture. This allows the EV9 to recharge from 10 to 80 percent at a roadside charger in less than 20 minutes.  The electric driving range can be as long as 310 miles.

Powertrain output hasn’t been announced for the GT-Line or RWD models for 2026, but it can be assumed that they will be similar. All 2026 models will have an integrated North American Charging Standard (NACS) port.

Making its mark in the 2025 model year, the Kia EV9 is the least expensive three-row electric vehicle in the marketplace. It doesn’t ask for 100 grand like the Tesla Model X or 78 grand like the Rivian. Instead it is priced more affordably to reach more parents on the lookout for a green machine for their big family.

Seating 6 in the GT and 7 on other models, Kia executive class seating is soft and comfortable with ample headroom and good legroom at every position. Important numbers include:

• 160.3 cu ft of passenger space

• 3.2 cu ft frunk

• 20.2 cu ft cargo hold

• 81.9 cu ft total cargo area

The well-equipped cabin is packed with important features and detailing to take care of everyone:

• Dual Front Power Chairs

• Power-heated & Power-ventilated Front Seats

• Front passenger walk-in switch

• Tri-zone automatic climate controls with 3rd row vents

• Acoustic front windows and windshield

• Smart power liftgate

The EV9 comes packed with high tech features to entertain, inform and connect drivers. A dual screen panoramic display provides a true cockpit for driving enthusiasts.

• 12.3-in color touchscreen

• 12.3-in digital instrumentation

• 4.2-in HVAC screen

• Digital Key with Fingerprint module

• USB ports (all 3 rows)

• Over the Air Updates

• Kia Connect 

Parents will appreciate the ways that the EV9 uses technology to assist them. For instance, there is a rear door logic system that tries to ensure that caregivers leave no one behind. To help prevent kids from opening a door into traffic, a safe exit assist is on board.

Schedule a test drive to learn more about the exciting technologies available at Peoria Kia today.

If you want true luxury swagger, the 2026 EV9 GT is the answer. Exterior GT upgrades include high-performance tires and 21-inch alloy wheels. Special details include neon green calipers and a unique pattern on the Active Air Flaps. At night, an energetic lighting pattern adds to the fun.

Cabins have bright green accents and the softness of Alcantara suede. Drivers will love the deeply bolstered sport seats in dark gray and black simulated leather. GT exclusive touches dress up the steering wheel, dashboard, ambient lighting, and display screen graphics.  

For those who want the most comfortable seats, there are relaxation seats with massage capability available for the front row. A second-row VIP package turns the captain’s chairs into living room recliners:

• 8-way power-adjustable seats

• Wing-out type headrests

• 2-way power-adjustable leg support

From ten airbags to intelligent speed limit assist, the EV9 is rich with high-tech safety and driver assistance. Other standards include:

• Forward Collision Assist (FCA) Cyclist, Pedestrian, Car

• FCA:  Junction Turning, Crossing

• FCA: Lane Change Oncoming, Lane Side 

• FCA: Direct Oncoming, Evasive Steering Assist

• Blind spot: monitoring, avoidance assist

• Rear cross traffic: monitoring, avoidance assist

• Parking Distance Warning Front, Rear

• Smart Cruise: Machine learning, Navigation, Stop & Go

• Highway Driving Assist and Lane Following Assist 

Kia’s highway driving assist 2 is a state-of-the-art semi-autonomous system. Adaptive cruise control utilizes machine learning and navigation to anticipate the best moves in every situation and on every curve. 

The GT has Parking Collision Avoidance Assist which watches for people and objects. It can trigger emergency braking in response to front, side and rear dangers. Plus it has a full remote parking system, a surround view camera system, and a camera-based Blind Spot Monitor.

If you are interested in the 2026 EV9 GT, talk to the staff at Earnhardt Peoria Kia. They can answer your questions and help you order it (if the 2026 EV9 isn’t yet available). 

Earnhardt Peoria Kia is your gateway to the best electric vehicles. Our family-owned dealership offers No Bull prices and competitive financing, and our team is dedicated to customer satisfaction. We love demonstrating Kia’s electric powertrain, safety tech tools, and entertainment tech toys. So come see us any day of the week.

Click here to find the 2025 EV9 inventory. Please use the form below to contact our team with your questions or to start your order.