Kia EV9 GT Delayed Indefinitely Due to Market Conditions

Kia EV9 GT Delayed Indefinitely: Performance SUV Halted Amid Sales Slump

Yet another exciting electric vehicle has been put on ice as manufacturers struggle with cooling demand. Kia has confirmed that the launch of the high-performance Kia EV9 GT has been delayed “until further notice.”

The 501-horsepower SUV was poised to be one of the brand’s most exciting vehicles, combining three-row practicality with a 4.3-second 0-60 mph time. Originally scheduled for the second half of this year, the model’s future is now uncertain due to what Kia calls “changing market conditions.”

Here is the full breakdown of why this delay happened and what it means for the rest of Kia’s electric lineup.

The Numbers Behind the Delay

The decision to halt the Kia EV9 GT didn’t happen in a vacuum. It follows a sharp decline in sales for the standard EV9 model in the United States, largely driven by the loss of federal tax credits and broader market hesitation.

“Changing Market Conditions”

Kia confirmed to automotive outlets that the Kia EV9 GT delayed status is a direct result of the current economic landscape.

The standard EV9 has struggled to maintain momentum after a strong start. In October 2025, sales plummeted to just 666 units—a massive drop from nearly 2,000 units the previous year. With the standard model struggling to find buyers without incentives, the business case for a pricier, high-performance “GT” variant likely evaporated.

The Kia EV9 GT was expected to feature dual motors producing 501 horsepower, an electronic limited-slip differential, and simulated gear shifts similar to the EV6 GT. Now, it joins a growing list of canceled or delayed EV projects across the industry.

EV4 Also Paused, But EV3 Is Safe

The bad news doesn’t stop with the flagship SUV. The affordable Kia EV4 sedan has also been placed on a “temporary hold.” Originally slated for early 2026, the small electric sedan would have been one of the cheapest options on the market, but it seems American buyers’ preference for crossovers over sedans has forced a rethink.

However, there is a silver lining. The Kia EV3—a compact electric crossover—is still on schedule. Kia has confirmed the EV3 is expected to arrive in the US before the end of 2026. Given its projected sub-$35,000 price point and crossover form factor, it is arguably a more critical product for Kia’s volume goals than the niche, high-performance Kia EV9 GT.

Final Thoughts

The indefinite delay of the Kia EV9 GT is a stark reminder that the “EV Gold Rush” is slowing down. As enthusiasts, we miss out on a 501-horsepower family hauler, but for Kia, focusing on affordable volume sellers like the EV3 might be the only way to survive these “changing market conditions.”

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