Kia America’s flagship electric SUV, the EV9, is entering its third model year with subtle name updates, expanded customisation options, and meaningful performance upgrades. The 2026 EV9 now includes a stealthy Nightfall Edition package, increased range for select trims, and the promise of an incoming performance-oriented GT variant.
Nightfall Edition: Blackout With Style
Aimed squarely at buyers looking for a bolder aesthetic, the newly unveiled Nightfall Edition is exclusive to the Land AWD trim and is priced at a reasonable $1,500. This package brings an unmistakably aggressive look thanks to 20-inch gloss black wheels, blacked-out badging, and gloss black exterior accents. Inside, unique design elements and Nightfall-exclusive stitching round out the theme, while a new Roadrider Brown paint colour gives this variant a truly bespoke appeal.
Available in six- or seven-passenger layouts, the Nightfall Edition underscores Kia’s intention to add more personality and premium feel to its top-selling EV SUV without pushing into full luxury territory.
Trim Structure and Pricing
Kia has retained its familiar trim hierarchy for 2026, now comprising:
- Light RWD – starting at $54,900
- Light Long Range RWD
- Wind AWD
- Land AWD (now Nightfall Edition eligible)
- GT-Line AWD – topping out at $71,900
All prices are before the $1,495 destination fee. Notably, the Land trim continues to be a strong middle ground, offering solid features without the GT-Line’s hefty premium.
More Miles for Your Money
Efficiency updates for 2026 bring a welcome improvement in range, especially in the more accessible trims. According to Kia America’s internal estimates:
- Light Long Range now reaches up to 305 miles (491 km) on a full charge.
- Wind AWD and Land AWD trims achieve 283 miles (455 km).
- GT-Line AWD closely follows with 280 miles (451 km).
It’s important to note that these are Kia’s estimates, not official EPA numbers, but they signal progress in battery management and aerodynamics. Buyers prioritising long-distance capability over performance now have clearer options to choose from.
Incoming Beast: The 2026 Kia EV9 GT
The most exciting news for performance enthusiasts is the upcoming EV9 GT, which has already launched in South Korea and will arrive in the US later in the 2026 model year.
The EV9 GT is a true high-performance EV with specs to back it up:
- 374 kW (501 hp)
- 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque
- 0–60 mph in just 4.3 seconds
Although it lacks the corner-carving agility of the smaller EV6 GT, the EV9 GT focuses on family-friendly performance, seating six passengers in a larger, heavier body. There will be no seven-seat option for the GT.
The EV9 GT is built exclusively in South Korea, and while it’s priced at ₩88,490,000 (~$64,350 USD) domestically, **import tariffs—especially the recent 25% tax on non-US-built vehicles—**mean US pricing is expected to be significantly higher.
Design and Customisation Updates
Kia continues to refine the EV9’s aesthetics with fresh two-tone colour options for the GT-Line:
- Glacial White Pearl with an Ebony Black roof
- Wolf Gray with Ebony Black roof
These finishes provide a premium, custom look without needing to step up to full luxury brands. It’s a smart move that keeps Kia competitive in an increasingly crowded EV SUV market.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Kia EV9 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it fine-tunes the formula. The new Nightfall Edition adds a touch of sophistication, the range improvements enhance real-world usability, and the GT promises to deliver family-size thrills in a way few electric SUVs can match. With trims built in the USA and a flagship GT made in Korea, Kia continues to straddle the line between accessibility, performance, and innovation.
Whether you’re a family seeking all-weather utility, a commuter focused on range, or a performance enthusiast eyeing practicality with a punch, the EV9’s expanding lineup offers something for everyone in the electric age.
