Kia fulfilled its earlier this year pledge that a performance version of the EV9 would be available to consumers at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The 2026 EV9 GT, new trims, and other changes to the 2026 Sportage lineup were revealed on the exhibition floor Thursday, along with design and battery upgrades for the 2025 EV6 electric crossover.
Presenting the Kia EV9 GT for 2026
The EV9 huge electric SUV is upped with a sportier dual-motor variant that has 501 horsepower. The dual-motor GT-Line model has 379 horsepower, up from the standard model’s 215 horsepower.
However, the large SUV now has electronically adjustable suspension, all-wheel drive, and a 4.3-second zero-to-60 mph performance. 8.8 seconds is how long the slowest EV9 takes. It takes 5.0 seconds for the GT-Line with the best performance.
With its 21-inch alloy wheels, neon green highlights throughout, and other GT-specific branding, the GT will stand out from other EV9 variants. It will be equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, which is used by the network of Tesla Superchargers. The EV9 GT is powered by the E-GMP battery platform, just like other Kia EVs.
The GT will be available in the second half of 2025, with price to be finalized closer to the sales opening, despite Kia’s prior optimism over a January arrival. The EV9’s starting price is $54,900. The GT variant of the EV6 costs about $62,000.
The EV6 is updated by Kia for the 2025 model year
The Korean company’s first EV, the Kia EV6, made its debut in 2022. It is now displaying updates for the 2025 model year.
A larger 84 kWh battery with a range of up to 319 miles is now available, and a larger 63 kWh battery is now standard (instead of 58 kWh on the current base trim). Just over 300 miles is the maximum range at the moment.
The American-made 2025 EV6 will be produced at Kia’s Georgia facility. The current EV6 is made in South Korea and is not eligible for the federal EV tax credit, which is probably going to be discontinued.
There are some modifications inside, including as a 12.3-inch curved touchscreen display, a revised center console, and a new steering wheel design.
2026 Sportage ‘enhancements’ through plug-in, hybrid, and gas models
With its 1993 launch, the Sportage is Kia’s longest-running SUV. It is still updating its fifth-generation model more than thirty years later.
New technology is included in the gas, hybrid, and plug-in variants, including two new 12.3-inch dashboard screens and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a brand-new 10-inch head-up display.
For more robust driving, the hybrid version comes with two new trims: the S and X-Line. LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, and X-Pro Prestige trims are available for the combustion engine version. LX, S, EX, X-Line, and SX-Prestige are the available hybrid models. X-Line and X-Line Prestige plug-ins are available for the 1.6-liter GDI turbo engine with a 72 kW motor. The pure electric range of the PHEV is around 34 miles.
Concluding remarks
By making small changes to its electrified lineup, Kia is maintaining composure. The EV9 GT is the most noteworthy announcement. After its late-last-year arrival in the United States, the EV9 has gained some attention thanks to the new GT edition, which appeals to sporty customers who want more performance out of the large SUV with a battery. With the identical Hyundai Ioniq 9 making waves with its world premiere at this year’s LA Auto Show, the timing couldn’t be better.