Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Power Meets Parenting: Kia EV9 GT Electrifies the Family SUV Game

2026 Kia EV9

In today’s world, families shouldn’t have to choose between driving excitement and everyday usability here at
Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis. The upcoming Kia EV9 GT proves that a three-row SUV designed for six adults can deliver both. This high-performance addition to Kia’s lineup balances thrilling capability with the comfort and practicality that families in Missouri and beyond expect.

A Step Above the EV9 GT-Line

Positioned above the already impressive EV9 GT-Line, the EV9 GT is crafted for drivers who want an SUV that combines advanced technology, eye-catching design, and pulse-quickening performance. While many premium brands such as Tesla, Cadillac, and Mercedes dominate headlines in the high-performance SUV space, Kia is carving out its own lane with a model that blends family versatility with serious power.

Design That Speaks Confidence

The EV9 GT sets itself apart through subtle yet purposeful design touches. Rather than relying on exaggerated body kits, Kia opted for refined upgrades that highlight both sophistication and performance. Up front, a unique “Energetic” lighting pattern accents the closed upper grille, while the lower grille showcases a bold vertical fin design. 

Exclusive 21-inch wheels wrapped in Continental performance tires anchor the SUV with authority. Flush roof rails, enlarged brake discs, and GT-branded neon green mono-block calipers complete the exterior transformation. Though the GT doesn’t offer special paint colors, its details signal a performance edge without stepping away from the clean, modern styling of the EV9 family.

Interior Built for Performance and Comfort

Inside, the EV9 GT embraces a sporty yet family-focused personality. Unlike some high-performance models that sacrifice comfort for racing-style seating, the EV9 GT keeps practicality in mind. Semi-bucket seats wrapped in genuine Alcantara provide both support and luxury, making long trips more enjoyable for all passengers.

The cabin is highlighted by neon green accents that run across the dashboard, door trims, and even the three-spoke steering wheel. That steering wheel is home to the GT button, a simple press unleashes the SUV’s full performance potential. A neon green 12 o’clock marker, ambient lighting with exclusive themes, and a GT logo integrated into the dashboard all contribute to the SUV’s athletic character.

Second- and third-row passengers aren’t forgotten either. With a six-seat layout, the EV9 GT ensures every occupant rides in comfort while still enjoying the sense of refinement that Kia has built into the cabin.

Performance That Redefines the Family SUV

At the heart of the EV9 GT is a dual-motor setup: a primary motor at the rear and a secondary unit up front. Together, they generate an astounding 502 horsepower and 546 lb.-ft. of torque. This allows the SUV to rocket from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds, quicker than the already potent EV9 GT-Line.

For those who miss the feel of shifting gears, Kia introduces its Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) system. Using paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel, drivers can simulate gear changes across four drive modes: Normal, Sport, MyDrive, and GT. This adds an engaging, gas-powered feel to the electric driving experience.

Handling is enhanced with an electronic Limited Slip Differential, which distributes torque to the wheels with the most grip. This system works in tandem with the all-wheel drive setup, delivering improved stability and cornering confidence even when road conditions are less than ideal.

Battery Power and Range

Energy comes from Kia’s familiar 99.8 kWh battery pack. Charging options include Level 2 AC charging and high-speed DC fast charging. On a Level 2 setup, a full charge takes about nine hours. Using a DC fast charger, drivers can expect a 10 to 80 percent charge in just under 25 minutes, perfect for quick stops on a road trip.

Striking the Right Balance

What makes the EV9 GT special is its ability to balance two worlds: the needs of a modern family and the desires of a driving enthusiast. It has the spaciousness and flexibility required for school runs, soccer practices, and family road trips, yet it also delivers the kind of performance numbers that rival some of the most prestigious SUVs on the market. 

Savvy drivers who want both practicality and performance in their next SUV will find the EV9 GT offers an unmatched blend of technology, design, and driving excitement.

Looking Ahead

The Kia EV9 GT is set to make its arrival soon, joining Kia showrooms and giving families in Missouri a chance to experience something truly unique: a three-row electric SUV that doesn’t compromise. With its powerful drivetrain, advanced features, and family-first design, it represents the next evolution of Kia performance.

For drivers who expect refinement with their performance, the Kia EV9 GT blends upscale design, advanced tech, and uncompromising power.