A Week With: 2026 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD

Three years into its production run, the Kia EV9 remains a desirable choice in the midsize electric sport-utility segment. Headlight.News spent a week with the 2026 Kia EV9 GT-Line with all-wheel drive making certain the boxy EV is hitting all the marks.

Released into the North American market in October 2023, scoring North American Utility of the Year, the family friendly Kia offers three rows of seating, distinctive styling and the ability to tow 5,000 pounds.

Largely unchanged since its introduction, the midsized Kia’s big news for 2026 is the implementation of a NACS charging port. This gives EV9 drivers the option of using Tesla’s Supercharging network, aligning Kia with nearly a dozen other automakers which have announced the same move. My EV9 also had a CCS adapter, which gave me the option of using either system.

Kia’s product planning team also saw fit to apply its Nightfall trim package to the EV9. This brings the model into line with its Seltos, Sportage and Telluride siblings, which also offer the murdered-out package. Gloss-black accents for the front grille, skid plates, roof rails, side mirrors and lower door sills comprise the Nightfall’s exterior look, while a black-on-black interior treatment completes the formula.

Powertrains and Fuel Economy

My EV9 was fitted with the model’s Long-Range powertrain, which gave it an EPA-estimated 280 miles of range on a single charge. This translates to 82 MPGe combined, 92 in the city and 72 on the highway. Running all-wheel drive, my GT-Line EV9 also had a pair of electric motors, which generated a total system output of 379 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.

I usually charge in 15-minute increments unless I’m planning a long drive. This minimizes the time I have to spend at charging stations. Using this strategy at an EVgo fast charging station, the EV9 routinely accepted 100 miles of charge in 13 minutes. This was more than enough for my day-to-day needs, particularly since I seldom allow the EVs I drive to fall below a 50% charge.

Interior Accommodations

The Kia’s $2,000 optional second-row relaxation package gave it a pair of power adjustable captain chairs with leg rest extensions in the second row. The power-actuated front passenger seat also offered leg support. Power folding third row seats increased cargo capacity from 20.2 cubic feet to 43.5. Folding the second-row seats upped the quotient to a generous 81.7 cubes.

Each of the four primary seats offered heat and ventilation, while the EV9’s dual sunroofs embellished the passenger compartment with a softly lighted cheerful ambiance. All these elements, combined with the two-tone leather upholstery and handsome interior architecture, engendered an atmosphere that was at once luxurious and fashionable.

Comfort, Convenience & Safety Tech

From the driver’s seat, the 24.6-inch panoramic display commands the attention it deserves. An all-in-one configuration, the screen monitors the Kia’s vital signs, in addition to providing the Kia’s infotainment interface. Attractive, without being overwhelming, the screen accentuated the Kia’s interior treatment nicely.

With that said, though I found the arrangement pleasing to the eye, placement of the HVAC controls landed them behind the rim of the steering wheel on the screen. This made them almost useless from my perspective. Instead, I defaulted to the dash-mounted controls for quick adjustments. Satellite radio, CarPlay and Android compatibility are standard, as is a strong performing Meridia audio system.

Driver’s aids included parking collision avoidance, smart parking assistance and a head up display as part of the GT-Line trim package. Standard driver assistance tech included automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. The EV9 also had a navigation-based adaptive cruise control function and a hands-free driving mode.

Driving Impressions

With 516 lb-ft of torque just waiting for me to flex my right foot, the EV9 stepped off the line smartly. According to my Omega Speedmaster, the GT-Line Kia made it to 60 in just over four seconds from a standing start. Despite this capability however, I wouldn’t characterize the EV9 as sporty. Competent, reassuring and stable? Absolutely. Thrilling doesn’t apply though.

When all is said and done, the GT-Line EV9 is a nicely appointed family hauler. Don’t go chasing BMW SUVs on the Tail of the Dragon. Well, you can chase them all you want, as long as you to content yourself with never catching them. And yes, enthusiasts had been promised a 576-hp GT version. However, that package, along with a host of other anticipated EVs was axed due to slowing sales.

Meanwhile ride comfort was excellent, the Kia was also quiet, with but a minor intrusion of wind noise at speed. Steering was accurate and the propulsion system supported one-pedal driving so I could eschew the brakes with careful planning.

When I did need them, they were progressive, without being mushy for the initial part of their travel. This can be a concern for EVs employing regenerative braking. Overall, driving the EV9 was pleasant, if not exactly a soul-stirring experience.

In Summary

All in all, the award-winning Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD ranks as one of – if not the – best mid-size electric sport utility offerings. The electric SUV is handsome, well appointed, bristling with smart tech and exceptionally comfortable.

The interior treatment is welcoming and offers both strong ergonomics and thoughtful touches. The base MSRP for the example I drove was $71,900. The price as tested, with options and destination charges, came to $76,670.