This week’s Los Angeles Auto Show may be more low-key than in some years — but Kia heated things up with three debuts on Thursday, including updates to the Sportage SUV and EV6. It also rolled out a new GT version of its three-row EV9.
Kia offered up three new vehicles at the LA Auto Show, including the performance version of the EV9, the EV9 GT.
Kia pulled out the stops during media day at the LA Auto Show, rolling out three all-new or updated products, including its two dedicated EV lines.
Among the models making their debut, Kia showed off an “enhanced” version of the Sportage SUV. The all-electric EV6 gets some design tweaks and a large battery pack for the 2025 model year. And the bigger battery-powered line gets a new 501-horsepower option, the Kia EV9 GT.
Here’s a closer look at the three debuts.
2026 Kia EV9 GT
Kia isn’t shy about muscling up with its various product lines. And that includes its all-electric models. It already offers the compact EV6 GT. Now the three-row EV9 gets a GT option.
Based on the Korean carmaker’s E-GMP platform, the EV9 debuted with several different powertrain options, including since and twin motor packages. The EV9 GT takes things to a new level by bumping the two-motor layout up to 501 hp. That’s 122 more ponies than the people-mover made with the original EV9 GT-Line. And Kia now estimates zero-to-60 times of just 4.3 seconds.
In a first for any Kia 3-row SUV, the EV9 GT gets an electronically controlled suspension. It offers four different modes accessible through a button on the steering wheel.
Visual enhancements include unique 21-inch wheels shod in high-performance Continental tires, updated Active Air Flaps up front, and the use of Alcantara and other premium materials in the cabin.
The popular Kia Sportage crossover enters the next model year with a number of design and technology updates.
“The EV9 has been a home run for Kia and introduced the first mass-market electric three-row SUV,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “And EV9 GT includes all those wonderful elements while amping up the fun factor significantly. This new halo trim is set to spark the hearts of driving enthusiasts who still need the practicality of a six-passenger SUV. You can have your cake and eat it too!”
2026 Kia Sportage
The popular compact crossover enters the next model year with a number of design and technology updates.
Picking up on the brand’s “Opposites United” design philosophy, which includes a more upright front end, back-end revisions, and some notable changes to the cabin.
The 2026 features a Connected Car Navigation Cockpit with a standard curved 12.3-inch touchscreen display for infotainment and another 12.3-inch display for driver instrumentation. There’s also an all-new 10-inch head-up display option.
Add a variety of other tech updates, including the updated Digital Key option. There are more advanced driver assistance systems, including Forward Collision Avoidance.
There are more trim options for 2026 — including a hybrid package. And the X-Line, X-Pro, Prestige and all AWD trims now feature driver-adjustable mode settings.
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2025 Kia EV6
The 2026 EV6 GT also comes into the new year with a Connected Car Navigation Cockpit.
The big news for the updated battery-electric vehicle is the introduction of a more powerful battery option. Long-range models now come with an 84-kWh pack. It can deliver a peak 319 miles per charge, depending on the trim and powertrain choice.
The larger pack should be of particular interest in those buying the EV6 GT, with its emphasis on range-sapping performance. The performance model makes 601 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque but can surge to 641 hp and 568 lb-ft when GT mode is activated.
The GT also gets a new Virtual Gear Shift feature which, the automaker explains, “enhances driving immersion by simulating gear shifts with visuals, engine sound effects, and a tactile sensation through motor torque adjustments.”
The EV6 GT also comes into the new year with a Connected Car Navigation Cockpit.
“The EV6 represents Kia’s forward-thinking approach to electrification, and with this refreshed model, we are excited to build on that success by offering even more style, technology, and features,” said COO Center.
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