Three Rows, Endless Thrills: The 2026 Kia EV9 GT Takes EVs to the Next Level

The Kia EV9 is set to redefine what it means to be a family-friendly electric SUV. While it already impresses as a versatile three-row vehicle, things are about to get even more exciting with the upcoming 2026 EV9 GT. Designed for those who love a little extra thrill here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, the GT badge is packed with performance upgrades and exclusive features that make it stand out from the crowd.

This powerhouse will come equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, expected to deliver a whopping 501 horsepower—quite the jump from the already impressive 379 horsepower found in the standard dual-motor version. With an estimated 0-to-60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds, it’s shaping up to be one of the quickest in its class, offering exhilarating acceleration bound to leave a smile on your face.

But the EV9 GT isn’t just about speed. It’s loaded with serious performance gear, including adaptive dampers, a limited-slip rear differential, and bold neon-green brake calipers paired with upgraded brakes. The look is just as striking, thanks to a unique illuminated front panel, special bumper accents, and 21-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance Continental tires.

For those who enjoy the thrill of driving, Kia is also introducing a Virtual Gear Shift mode that mimics traditional gear changes—complete with paddle controls—making every drive feel like a spirited adventure. Whether on the school run or heading out for a weekend getaway, the EV9 GT blends cutting-edge performance with the practicality and style you’d expect from Kia’s flagship electric SUV.

The EV9 GT’s interior design has stylish green accents that give the cabin a lively and sporty feel. The front seats are enhanced with extra bolstering, ensuring passengers stay comfortably in place during spirited drives. With sleek microsuede inserts and an embossed GT logo, these seats add a touch of sophistication. 

The driver is treated to a revamped steering wheel featuring a neon mark at the 12-o'clock position and a convenient "GT" button for instant access to its most dynamic driving mode. Even the digital gauge cluster has unique graphics that add to the excitement.

While exact battery specs and range figures haven’t been confirmed, there’s speculation the EV9 GT could feature the 110.3-kWh battery seen in the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, promising over 300 miles of range. The current EV9 dual-motor models already boast a 99.8-kWh battery with an EPA estimate of 270 to 280 miles. 

Kia has stated that the GT version will be able to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes, and by early 2025, all EV9 models will include the NACS charge port as a standard feature. The highly anticipated 2026 Kia EV9 GT is set to launch in the latter half of next year, adding another impressive option to Kia’s lineup of electric vehicles.

This holiday season, tackle family gatherings, unpredictable weather, and the hustle and bustle of the busiest time of year with confidence and style. At Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, the Kia EV9 is ready to impress with its spacious three rows, advanced features, and all-wheel drive capabilities. Whether navigating icy roads, ferrying loved ones to holiday celebrations, or managing last-minute shopping trips, this SUV has the versatility and performance to make your holidays brighter.

Why wait? Visit Jim Butler Kia today and experience the future of electric SUVs with a test drive that showcases how the EV9 can keep up with everything the season throws your way.

Kia Goes Authentic & Off-Grid: Meet the PV5 WKNDR and EV9 ADVNTR All-Electric Campers

When Kia unveiled its PV5 concept van, promising a 2025 launch, it caught the attention of camping enthusiasts everywhere. Known for their cutting-edge expertise in EVs and sleek, forward-thinking design, Kia signaled that the PV5 could pave the way for a new era of all-electric camper vans. 

Adding even more buzz here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, the EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR graced the stage at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. These innovative designs highlight how Kia's current SUV flagship and an exciting future model could transform into the ultimate electric adventure vehicles.

Let’s start with the ADVNTR. The Kia EV9, already known for its sleek looks, roomy interior, and solid capability, gets an extra dose of adventure from the creative minds at Kia Design Center America (KDCA) in Irvine, California. This three-row SUV now boasts a 3-inch lift, tougher tires and wheels, and a brand-new roof platform designed for car-top camping—a trend that’s taken the outdoor world by storm. What’s exciting is how straightforward these upgrades are, hinting that the ADVNTR could easily transition from concept to reality.

Next, there’s the PV5 WKNDR, a true marvel of space and versatility. Part of Kia’s cutting-edge lineup of Purpose Beyond Vehicles (PBVs), first introduced at CES 2024, this all-electric van is designed primarily for delivery and small businesses. But who says a commercial vehicle can’t double as the perfect camper? KDCA describes the WKNDR as a “Swiss Army Knife on wheels,” with the modular “Gear Head” storage system. This clever setup keeps all your gear neatly organized in your garage and ready to load up when adventure calls.

It’s a dream come true for campers—featuring swappable components like a mobile kitchen, pantry, off-road tools, and storage modules that can be customized for any trip. The built-in compressor is a game-changer, handling everything from inflating air mattresses to tweaking tire pressure. It's functional, flexible, and ready for the great outdoors!

Kia has already made strides with its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, equipping its EVs with a standard outlet that lets you power all sorts of gadgets right from the car’s battery—think vacuum cleaners, portable speakers, or even a coffee maker for your camping trips. But the WKNDR concept takes self-sufficiency to a whole new level. It features onboard solar panels and the more futuristic-sounding “hydro turbine wheels,” designed to store energy and recharge the batteries.

Kia America’s COO and EVP, Steven Center, unveiled these exciting concepts at SEMA, sharing his thoughts on the brand’s innovative edge. "Our vehicles already empower people to live active, adventurous lifestyles, and it was exciting to explore how far we could push those boundaries with these concepts," he explained. He also highlighted how the SEMA Show provides a creative playground for fresh ideas, giving us a glimpse of Kia’s bold vision for the future of automotive design.

Get ready to redefine adventure with Kia’s electrifying concepts! The EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR are paving the way for a new era of off-grid exploration, combining cutting-edge EV technology with bold, versatile designs that cater to your outdoor lifestyle. Whether it's the rugged enhancements of the EV9 ADVNTR or the modular, camper-ready features of the PV5 WKNDR, these all-electric marvels are proof that Kia is revolutionizing how we hit the road and embrace the great outdoors.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on these groundbreaking vehicles at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis—your gateway to Kia’s bold vision for the future of adventure-ready EVs!

Dynamic, Stylish, and Unstoppable: Step Ahead with the Bold 2026 Kia Sportage!

Sometimes, all it takes is a small design tweak to make a huge difference—and that’s exactly what the 2026 Kia Sportage has in store! It’s getting a sleek mid-cycle refresh for the 2026 model year, set to arrive in 2025. While it’s not a complete redesign, this update will give the Sportage a fresh, updated feel with improved styling and new tech features. Kia just unveiled the updated version in South Korea and even shared a couple of teaser videos on YouTube, so we’ve enjoyed getting a little sneak peek at what’s to come here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis.

Since Kia often offers the same version of the Sportage in both South Korea and the U.S., we can expect this updated model to roll out here in the States too—so keep your eyes peeled! The 2026 Sportage looks more polished than ever, with a more mature and refined appearance.

Kia’s compact SUV has always been a go-to, especially with its impressive list of standard features at an affordable price. The previous generation, which ran from 2017 to 2022, had a more rounded, bulbous look but made up for it with amazing value—hello, Kia’s unbeatable 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty! It was a solid pick for anyone looking for a long-term investment.

The 2023 redesign gave the Sportage a new look, with sleeker lines and a sharper, more angular style inside and out. Now one of the bigger choices in the compact SUV segment, it kept all the great features people love, just wrapped in a more stylish package. The updated Sportage has definitely turned heads, standing out for its strong value and bold, fresh design. 

One unique feature of the 2024 Sportage that stood out is its bold boomerang-shaped daytime running lights. These lights instantly catch your eye with their striking design, making a strong first impression. While they add a distinctive flair, they don’t fully blend with the SUV’s otherwise refined and mature styling. It’s a playful touch on an otherwise polished vehicle, adding a bit of character to its modern look.

For 2026, we’ve enhanced the Sportage’s styling with a polished, contemporary update. With the addition of our signature "star map" linear lighting theme, the design feels more refined and cohesive, aligning beautifully with the bold style of the Sorento and Telluride. The rear lights have a subtle, sophisticated feel, and inside, the dual screens now feature a slight curve for an even sleeker, more modern vibe. We've also upgraded the gear shifter to a more stylish dial, adding another touch of elegance to the interior.

Some reports from Asia suggest a smaller 4-cylinder engine may be used in Korean models, but it’s still unclear if this change will extend to U.S. versions. We’ll have to wait and see!

It might take a little while before we get all the full details—automakers are just now starting to roll out 2025 models. So, it could be late next year before Kia officially unveils the 2026 Kia Sportage for the U.S. We'll keep you posted with the latest updates as soon as we have more information. In the meantime, stay tuned for any teasers or sneak peeks that might hint at what’s coming next!

Sleeker, Bolder, Uncovered: Discover the Electrifying Kia EV6 GT Facelift!

Kia’s sporty EV6 GT is getting a fresh new look, just in time for its upcoming debut. Recently spotted without its usual camouflage, the facelifted EV6 GT turns heads with sleek updates and stylish enhancements. Following the unveiling of the updated EV6 earlier this year, Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis is now bringing its high-performance GT model to the next level with a revamped design, improved range, and even smoother ride quality.

Drawing from the latest in Kia’s EV lineup, including inspirations from the EV3 and the larger EV9, this facelifted model adds standout details like new "Star Map Signature Lighting" for both the headlights and taillights. The constellation-inspired LED lights give the EV6 GT a distinctive, modern flair that pairs perfectly with its bold lines. And it’s not just the lights—Kia has also given the exterior some extra polish, with the hood flowing seamlessly into the front bumper for a more unified look.

For those drawn to the GT-Line, this model now features a 3D-patterned bumper that gives it an even sportier, lower stance on the road.

Kia’s powerhouse EV, the EV6 GT (distinct from the GT-Line), is getting a refresh, and we’re finally getting an up-close look at this high-performance EV without any camouflage. If you’ve been keeping tabs, you might have spotted this sporty model before, but these latest images from ShortsCar reveal the fresh design details in all their glory. Right away, you can see the updated daytime running lights (DRLs) and the more aggressive bumper design—definitely eye-catching upgrades!

The refreshed EV6 GT isn’t just about looks, though. Kia is upping the ante with a larger, fourth-generation battery that means more range on a full charge. The new model nailed down up to 307 miles during Korean test drives, an improvement over the previous 295 miles, and it charges fast too—going from 10% to 80% in a swift 18 minutes.

Inside, Kia’s latest ccNC infotainment system awaits, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens for both the driver and the center display. So, whether it’s for errands, road trips, or just staying connected on the go, this EV6 GT update has all the upgrades for a busy lifestyle! With intuitive controls and seamless smartphone integration, the EV6 GT ensures every ride feels effortless and in sync with your day-to-day demands.

The EV6 GT is gearing up to deliver an even more thrilling experience, especially with the addition of a virtual transmission—just like Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N—for that “high-performance car” feel behind the wheel, according to TheKoreanCarBlog. Kia’s high-powered EV6 GT packs a serious punch with its 577 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. The big question is whether the updated model, with its enhanced aerodynamics and fine-tuned powertrain, will beat the current GT's impressive 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds.

If you’re a fan of electric power that doesn’t skimp on sportiness, this model promises to impress, with its release expected by the end of 2024. Kia's continued focus on performance and style for the EV6 GT means drivers get to enjoy a seamless blend of speed, advanced technology, and a touch of luxury, making it a strong contender in the high-performance EV space.

Ready to turn heads and elevate your drive? Discover the all-new Kia EV6 GT with its thrilling blend of high-performance power, extended range, and a stylish facelift that redefines electric luxury. Secure your spot to experience the future of driving - visit us here at Jim Butler today!