Kia EV9 GT
Kia introduced one of its most promising SUVs a year ago, the EV9 GT. With three rows of seating and 501 horsepower, it promised a combination of a practical, high-tech interior and impressive performance. The smaller EV6 GT had already demonstrated Kia’s capabilities in the high-performance EV segment, and the EV9 GT was poised to expand on that success.
Unfortunately, the EV9 GT now appears unlikely to arrive anytime soon, if at all. Kia confirmed that the model has been “delayed until further notice” due to “changing market conditions,” a likely nod to insufficient demand for the EV9 GT.
Based on the same platform as the upcoming Hyundai IONIQ 9, the Kia EV9 boasts plenty of strong points, but it’s not without challenges.
Sales of the EV9 in the U.S. fell sharply in October, dropping to just 666 units compared with 1,941 units in the same month last year. This steep decline reflects a broader downturn in EV sales across multiple brands, exacerbated by the discontinuation of the federal tax credit.
If the standard EV9 is already struggling, the higher-priced, high-performance EV9 GT would likely face even tougher market conditions.
The EV9 GT had been expected to launch in the second half of this year, and it would have competed in a relatively small niche. Hyundai currently lacks an IONIQ 9 with comparable power, and while potential competitors like the Jeep Wagoneer S and Chevrolet Blazer EV offer similar performance, none provide a third row like Kia.
Under the hood, the EV9 GT’s dual motors produce 501 horsepower, and its all-wheel-drive system enables a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. Features like the Electronically Controlled Suspension, the first of its kind in a Kia, along with a limited-slip differential and simulated gear shifts, promised a more engaging driving experience than other EV9 models.
Recent months have also seen price uncertainty due to tariffs, but some automakers have resisted passing the increases directly onto consumers.
The delay of the EV9 GT follows Kia’s earlier postponement of the EV4 in the U.S., a small sedan initially slated for early 2026 that would likely have been among the cheapest electric sedans on the market, particularly with its 58.3-kWh base battery. Kia described the EV4 delay as a “temporary hold,” though optimism is limited.
Meanwhile, the smaller EV3 remains on track for a U.S. release by the end of 2026. Having already won the 2025 World Car of the Year award, the EV3 demonstrates strong potential. If Kia can price the entry-level model below $35,000, it could become particularly attractive.
Even so, recent cancellations and delays make it difficult to generate enthusiasm for new EV launches, leaving consumers and enthusiasts uncertain about what’s next from Kia.
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