The 2026 Kia EV9 has been introduced in the United States with minor updates while preserving the design, interior space, and performance. The Nightfall Edition joins the lineup for the new model year, and select trims have received slightly improved range estimates.
Recently, we got up close with the 2026 Kia EV9 in the high-end GT-Line trim with the black roof, and here’s what we observed.
Design
Considering that the EV9 is brand new, there are no design changes. A new Nightfall Edition adds gloss black detailing, 20-inch black wheels, and a unique Roadrider Brown body paint option on the Land AWD trim. The 2026 GT-Line, which is featured in the story, now offers new two-tone colors: Glacial White Pearl or Wolf Gray, each paired with a black roof.
Seeing it in the flesh, the 2026 Kia EV9 GT-Line is loaded with black elements giving it a mean yet classy look. The lower bumper and air intakes are all black, complemented by active grille shutters at the front for cooling the battery. The LED headlights look identical to the 2025 model, but there seems to be more black detailing overall. The side skirts, fenders, mirrors, and wheels continue the black theme, enhancing its aggressive stance.
Interior
Inside, the layout stays familiar. Trims include large displays, quality materials, and generous space ideal for families. The Nightfall Edition introduces a black interior theme, special stitching, and updated seat patterns. Six- or seven-seat layouts remain, with either captain’s chairs or a second-row bench, based on trim selection.
Experience in the 2026 EV9 GT-Line
Stepping inside, the driver’s seat position immediately stood out. Unlike many other EVs that we’ve experienced, it is not too knees-up, quite natural and comfortable. The seats have power lumbar support and adjustments for height and recline. Visibility is exceptional, aided by huge side mirrors and a slender A-pillar housing a Meridian sound system speaker. There’s even an air vent neatly integrated into the A-pillar, which feels premium.
The steering wheel, flat on the top and bottom, is chunky, premium-feeling, and packed with tactile buttons, including paddle shifters for regenerative braking. Although plastic, the paddles feel solid and high-quality. The center console differs from the Hyundai Ioniq 9, offering a dual-layer storage layout. Cup holders, wireless charging, and extra cubby spaces make the EV9 very practical. Ambient lighting strips run throughout the cabin, including the dashboard, doors, and even inside the door pockets, creating a cool atmosphere.
The second-row bucket seats provide excellent comfort and legroom. With the front seat adjusted to some 5’8″, you get plenty of knee space. Here, passengers can move the front seat forward using side-mounted controls, a useful feature if you’re being chauffeured. Push the passenger seat all the way forward, recline your second-row seat, and it feels like a lounge.
The third-row has surprising levels of space. Adjusting the second-row seats to someone 5’8″, you can still slide your feet underneath them. Space is decent here, not roomy, but comfortable enough for average-sized adults on shorter trips. Hyundai Motor Group nailed the interior packaging on this EV9, just as they did with the Ioniq 9. Overall, a very impressive cabin layout and use of space.
Specifications
Range estimates slightly increase on certain trims:
- Light Long Range: 305 miles
- Wind and Land: 283 miles
- GT-Line: 280 miles
The Nightfall Edition, available only on the Land all-wheel-drive trim, adds a Boost function that increases torque from 443 lb-ft. to 516 lb-ft., reducing 0-60 mph to 4.5 seconds. Otherwise, performance remains consistent across trims, with dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants delivering 379 hp. All-wheel-drive models now feature a Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand), replacing the previous four-wheel-drive setting, improving drive customization in various conditions.
The EV9 gets the native NACS (North American Charging Standard) plug, compatible with Tesla Superchargers and CCS stations.
Price & Release Date
- Light Standard Range: USD 54,900
- Light Long Range: USD 57,900
- Wind: USD 63,900
- Land: USD $68,900
- GT-Line: USD 71,900
All prices exclude the USD 1,495 destination fee. The Nightfall Edition is standard on the Land AWD trim at no additional cost. Built in Georgia, all trims qualify for the USD 7,500 EV tax credit. Sales begin Q2 2025.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
