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Hotter Kia EV9 GT Coming Next Year

Kia says to expect 'enormous power' from this three-row EV

2024 Kia EV9 front 3/4
  • Kia confirms a more powerful EV9 GT is coming next year.
  • This hotter three-row SUV is expected to have a 0-to-62-mph time of less than 4 seconds.
  • Look for the EV9 GT to debut in January.

The three-row Kia EV9 electric SUV is just now hitting American roads, but we're already looking forward to what's next. During its CEO Investor Day presentation this week, Kia confirmed a more powerful EV9 GT will arrive next year. It's expected to debut in January.

Kia says the EV9 GT will have "enormous power," and that it will be able to hit 62 mph in less than 4 seconds. That's impressive for a nearly 6,000-pound electric SUV, especially since that's more than a full second quicker than the current dual-motor EV9's acceleration time.

It's unclear exactly how much power the EV9 GT will make, but we're expecting a nice upgrade over the current SUV's 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Perhaps we'll see a version of the dual-motor powertrain used in the smaller EV6 GT, which offers 576 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque.

Of course, the GT's added oomph will likely decrease its driving range. Right now, the EPA rates the dual-motor EV9 GT-Line at 270 miles, though we were able to achieve 306 miles in the Edmunds EV Range Test. Exactly how much lower the GT's range will be is unclear, but considering the boost in performance, we think it'll be worth it.

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Am I Ready for an EV?

  • EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.
  • If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.
  • Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.

Edmunds says

Considering how much we already like the current Kia EV9 — we named it our Edmunds Top Rated Best of the Best for 2024, after all — we're pretty stoked to see what the GT has in store.

2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line rear 3/4
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