Kia's EV9 GT: A High-Performance Electric SUV with Tesla Charging Compatibility

At the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Kia EV9 GT was revealed. It's a big step forward in Kia's electric vehicle lineup. As a powerful version of Kia's three-row electric SUV, the EV9 GT aims to meet the U.S. market's demands. It brings new technology and impressive engineering to set high standards for electric SUVs.

Kia introduced its second GT model with the EV9 GT, boosting performance to 501 horsepower. It can go from 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. Featuring an 800-volt system, it charges from 10-80% in less than 25 minutes with a DC fast charger. Plus, its Tesla charging compatibility adds to its appeal, offering both high performance and convenience.

The Kia EV9 GT is set to hit dealerships in late 2025 as a 2026 model. It aims to take a large part of the electric SUV market. With the current EV9 model outselling the EV6, selling 17,911 units by October 2023, the future looks promising. Featuring top-notch features and made in Kia's South Korea plant, the EV9 GT is ready to change the game in electric vehicles.

Introduction

The Kia EV9 GT is a big step for the Korean car maker. It shows Kia's strong focus on the high-end electric SUV market. This electric vehicle merges top-notch features with luxury driving, perfect for eco-friendly car lovers. It comes with an impressive 501 horsepower, making it a strong competitor in the electric vehicle world.

The EV9 GT is set to change the game with a 0-60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds. This is much quicker compared to the current EV9 GT-Line's 5.0 seconds. The boost of 122 HP to a total of 501 HP highlights Kia's drive to excel. Fans are excited for its launch, expected in late 2025.

As Kia pushes into the electric future, the EV9 GT aims to set a new benchmark. It's all about higher performance and luxury. This makes it a keenly awaited release among car enthusiasts.

Powerful Performance of Kia EV9 GT

The EV9 GT specs show off impressive power, speed, and high-tech features. This 2025 Kia EV9 GT pushes past 500 horsepower, a big jump from previous models' 379 horsepower. It shows why this electric SUV is top of its class.

Over 500 Horsepower

At the core of the 2025 Kia EV9 GT is its electric setup, giving out 501 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This power is the result of two electric motors working together. It proves the Kia EV9 gt horsepower has grown, making it a strong and efficient ride.

Acceleration & Speed

The Kia EV9 GT's acceleration is incredibly quick. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. This is faster than the EV9 GT-Line's 5 seconds. The 2025 model can charge super fast too, thanks to its 800-volt system.

Specification	Details
Power Output	501 hp
Torque	516 lb-ft
Acceleration (0-60 mph)	4.3 seconds
Ground Clearance	7.9 inches
Towing Capacity	5,000 lbs
Charging Time (to 80%)	Less than 25 minutes
Starting Price	Approximately $80,000

The EV9 GT is a mix of exciting power and speed. With its quick acceleration and strong Kia EV9 gt horsepower, it's set to excite both car lovers and practical drivers.

Electronically Controlled Suspension for Smooth Handling

The Kia EV9 GT is changing the game in the electric SUV field with its cutting-edge electronically controlled suspension. This smart tech shifts based on how you drive, making for a smooth and responsive journey.

Especially in GT mode, the suspension tweaks to better handle the road, mixing comfort with performance. This makes for a unique driving feel, perfect for both city streets and open highways. The system keeps the ride smooth, no matter where you're driving.

Also, this suspension works with a dual-motor all-wheel drive to give a powerful 509 horsepower and 740 Nm torque. This means not just easy handling but strong performance, letting the EV9 GT zoom from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds.

Since its December 2023 debut, about 18,000 EV9s have been sold in the US, proving it's a hit. It's also Kia's first to have electronically controlled suspension, showing Kia's push for new and better technology.

Advanced Virtual Gear Shifting Technology

The Kia EV9 GT uses new tech to make driving better. It has virtual gear shifting, a big highlight. This advanced tech gives drivers a smooth shift feeling, like in traditional cars with automatic transmission. Kia's goal is to bring back the fun of shifting gears for electric car lovers.

Simulated Step-Shift Automatic Transmission

The Kia EV9 GT's fake transmission feels just like the old-school automatic. It's built to make driving more fun and active. Drivers can use paddle shifters to change these fake gears, making them feel more in tune with the car.

Active Sound Design (e-ASD)

Kia's EV9 also has a cool sound feature called Active Sound Design (e-ASD). This makes engine sounds that match the fake gear changes. So, drivers hear sounds that make driving even more enjoyable. The e-ASD system gives off real car sounds, adding to the fun of each trip.

Tesla Charging Compatibility

The Kia EV9 GT is making it easier to charge by using the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. This means it works with EV9 GT Tesla compatibility. Now, drivers can easily use the Tesla Supercharger network, making life simpler and travel quicker for Kia’s customers.

Kia wants to give customers access to the Tesla Supercharging network by early 2025. They had to push the date back from 2024. If you buy a Kia EV after September 4, 2024, you get a free NACS adapter for Tesla Supercharger access. If you bought one earlier, the adapter costs $249.

The Energy Department's Alternative Fuel Data Center (AFDC) says the U.S. has over 16,500 NACS DC fast chargers. This makes it easy for Kia EV9 GT owners to find places to charge. The NACS adapter works perfectly with the EV9’s 800-volt system for fast charging. Kia using NACS helps them join a bigger network with companies like Ford, Rivian, and General Motors.

The adapter Kia offers can handle up to 350 amps. But some experts think a 500-amp one would work better, especially for future EVs. Even with some delays, Kia’s move greatly helps EV9 GT Tesla compatibility. It also encourages more companies to work together on EV charging.

EV Manufacturers	Tesla Supercharger Network Access
Ford, Rivian, General Motors (Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC), Volvo, Polestar, Nissan	Current NACS Partners
BMW, Genesis, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Lucid, Mercedes-Benz	Coming Soon (2025)
Volkswagen	June/July 2025

Kia’s bold move to integrate NACS shows their dedication to better charging options. It’s a big deal for the industry and highlights Kia’s effort towards green energy.

Enhanced Design and Features

The Kia EV9 GT design presents a stunning mix of beauty and practicality, raising the bar in the electric SUV world. It has a bold look and new features that grab your attention right away.

Exclusive Wheels and Tires

The Kia EV9 GT design shines even more with its exclusive wheels and top-notch tires. It comes with 21-inch alloy wheels, matched with high-quality Continental tires. These not only boost the car's looks but also improve driving and handling, mixing style with performance.

Lighting and Graphics Upgrades

Improved lighting and digital graphics are key to the Kia EV9 GT design. The unique lighting enhances the car's modern feel and safety. The dashboard inside has advanced digital graphics, making the user experience cutting-edge and engaging. These features make the Kia EV9 GT design a standout in both looks and function.

Kia EV9 Price and Release Date

The Kia EV9 GT is coming soon and it promises to shake up the electric SUV scene. It's expected to start at about USD 80,000 before adding any extras. This price point positions it as a strong contender for anyone looking for a top-notch electric ride.

Model	Starting Price
EV9 Light (RWD)	$54,900.00
EV9 Light Long Range (RWD)	$59,200.00
EV9 Wind (AWD)	$63,900.00
EV9 Land (AWD)	$69,900.00
EV9 GT-Line (AWD)	$73,900.00
EV9 GT (AWD)	Approximately $80,000.00

Kia plans to launch the EV9 GT in January 2025, with it hitting U.S. markets by mid-2025. This timing ensures Kia stays ahead in the fast-paced electric vehicle market. Plus, the EV9 GT will pack an impressive 580 horsepower and 550 lb.-ft. of torque.

Shoppers have a lot to get excited about. The EV9 GT will have a 99.8 kWh battery. It supports fast charging, up to 10.9 kW (AC) and 215 kW (DC). Its blend of power, style, and competitiveness makes the EV9 GT an attractive choice for electric vehicle enthusiasts.

Kia EV Models Lineup

Kia is expanding its electric vehicle lineup with a focus on innovation and sustainability. The Kia EV9 GT lineup features superb performance, range, and pricing. By August 2023, Kia sold 13,874 EV9 models in the US, showing their electric cars' rising popularity.

The Kia EV9 GT has a powerful dual-motor with 576 horsepower. It zooms from 0 to 62 mph in only 3.4 seconds. That's quicker than the 2025 Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. The GT is set to be priced about $80,000, while the GT-Line starts at $73,900 in the US. The EV9 GT lineup stands out for its top-notch performance and price against luxury rivals.

Kia's electric vehicles come in various trims to meet different needs. Below is a closer look at the Kia EV9 trims:

Trim Level	MSRP	Range (EPA Estimated)	Key Features
Light RWD	$56,395	230 miles	215 horsepower, 258 lb-ft torque
Light Long Range RWD	$60,695	304 miles	201 horsepower, extended battery
Wind e-AWD	$65,395	280 miles	379 horsepower, 443 lb-ft torque
Land e-AWD	$71,395	280 miles	20-inch wheels, 14-speaker sound system
GT-Line e-AWD	$73,900	270 miles	516 lb-ft torque, 21-inch wheels, automated parking system

The Kia EV9 has a 7-inch ground clearance and a 122-inch wheelbase. It offers plenty of space inside. The first row has 41.2 inches of headroom, the second 39.8 inches, and the third 39.5 inches. Legroom is 41.4 inches in the front, 42.8 inches in the middle, and 30.8 inches in the back. It has 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, 81.7 with the seats down, and can tow 5,000 pounds.

Kia is improving its electric cars with more features, better performance, and various prices. With the Kia EV9 GT at its forefront, Kia is a big name in the electric car market.

Kia EV9 GT: Most Powerful Three-Row SUV

The 2026 Kia EV9 GT brings new power to the three-row SUV world. It packs 501 horsepower in total. The front motor has 215 horsepower and the rear motor offers 362 horsepower.

Quick acceleration is a key feature of the Kia EV9 GT. It can zoom from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight. It also charges super fast, going from 10 to 80 percent in under 25 minutes thanks to its 800-volt system.

The Kia EV9 GT is ready for anything. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds and has a ground clearance of 7.8 inches. It rides on 21-inch wheels with high-performance 285/45 Continental tires, looking great and driving even better.

This SUV is a turning point with its new Tesla-style NACS (North American Charging Standard) port. It's one of the first to use this advanced charging tech. When it comes out in late 2025, though in limited numbers, it's set to redefine powerful electric SUVs.

Feature	Kia EV9 GT	Standard EV9
Total Power Output	501 horsepower	379 horsepower
0-to-60 mph Time	4.3 seconds	5.0 seconds
Towing Capacity	5,000 pounds	Not specified
Ground Clearance	7.8 inches	Not specified
Wheel Size	21 inches	Not specified
Tire Specifications	285/45R-21 Continental	Not specified
Charging Compatibility	Tesla-style NACS	Not specified

Conclusion

The Kia EV9 GT-Line is a game-changer in electric SUVs, mixing high performance with top-notch tech. It has a driving range of 304 miles and a dual-motor that offers 380 bhp. This makes the EV9 a leader in its class, ready to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds.

It includes features like Tesla charging, showing Kia's focus on convenience and modern tech. The starting price is $54,900, and the GT-Line costs $73,900. These prices make the EV9 an affordable choice for many buyers.

Besides its great performance and price, the Kia EV9 GT shines in safety and comfort. It comes with 10 airbags and an optional Meridian Premium Audio system that has 14 speakers. With its strong specs and various options, Kia's future in electric vehicles looks bright. This analysis highlights the EV9's key advantages and Kia's innovative vision for electric SUVs.

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Sean Cassy is a renowned automotive industry expert, marketing strategist, and writer with over 35 years of experience. As the co-founder of Turbo Marketing Solutions, Sean has been at the forefront of crafting effective marketing solutions for automotive dealerships across North America.

With a passion for the written word and an encyclopedic knowledge of the automotive world, Sean has written thousands of engaging blog posts, articles, and marketing pieces for dealerships representing all major brands. His work spans from luxury marques to domestic favorites and independent pre-owned dealers.

Over the course of his career, Sean's marketing strategies and content have helped generate over $2 billion in sales for his clients in the automotive retail space. He brings this wealth of expertise and industry insight to every piece he pens.

Through his new blog "Dealers and Drivers", Sean aims to provide a unique blend of automotive enthusiasm and industry analysis, drawing from his decades working with dealers while catering to the interests of car aficionados. Sean's writing offers readers an insider's perspective on the rapidly evolving automotive retail landscape.

Follow him on this exciting new journey exploring the intersection of automotive passion and the retail experience.

You can follow Sean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seancassy/ and on his website: https://www.seancassy.com