New Nightfall Edition (Blacked-Out Style & More Power)

One of the most eye-catching additions is the Nightfall Edition on the Land AWD trim. This special edition caters to style-conscious buyers and brings a stealthy, upscale vibe to the EV9. Key highlights of Nightfall Edition include:

• Sleek Black Styling: Gloss-black exterior trim with exclusive 20-inch black wheels and black badging, plus an exclusive “Roadrider Brown” paint option for a distinctive look. The EV9 GT-Line trim also gets new two-tone color options (Glacial White Pearl or Wolf Gray, each with a black roof) for added flair.

• Unique Interior Touches: A black-themed interior with special stitching and updated seat patterns gives the cabin a sportier feel. Customers can choose 6-passenger or 7-passenger seating at no extra cost, thanks to flexible captain’s chairs or bench configurations.

• Performance Boost: The Nightfall Edition isn’t just cosmetic – it includes a Boost function that spikes torque from 443 lb-ft to 516 lb-ft, cutting 0–60 mph acceleration to about 4.5 seconds. That means even quicker off-the-line performance, a great selling point for enthusiasts who want extra power without jumping to a different model.

Selling Tip: Use the Nightfall’s head-turning looks as a conversation starter. It’s perfect for customers who might otherwise consider aftermarket black-out packages – now they can get that look factory-direct with warranty. Mention the added torque boost as an “exclusive bonus” that makes the EV9 Nightfall even more exciting to drive.

Enhanced Capability & Tech Features

The 2026 EV9 also brings functional improvements that make the vehicle more capable and user-friendly:

• NACS Charging Port (Tesla-Compatible): All new EV9s for 2026 come equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug. In plain terms, this is the Tesla-style charging port, which opens up the extensive Tesla Supercharger network to your EV9 drivers. This change means customers can plug into thousands of Tesla Superchargers with ease (while still using CCS stations too), greatly easing charging anxieties. Be sure to highlight this to tech-savvy shoppers – it’s a huge convenience upgrade that many 2024/2025 EV models couldn’t offer.

  

• Terrain Mode for AWD: Kia replaced the old single 4WD lock setting with a new Terrain Mode on all AWD (Wind, Land, GT-Line) trims. Drivers can now select Snow, Mud, or Sand modes, which optimizes traction and stability for each condition. This improvement gives the EV9 more versatility for customers who drive in winter weather, on unpaved roads, or enjoy light off-roading. It’s a strong selling point for families and adventurers who want confidence beyond the pavement. Demonstrate this feature in your test drives – showing how the EV9 adapts at the twist of a dial can really impress buyers concerned about safety in tough conditions.

Aside from these, the EV9’s core specs (battery, motors, etc.) remain robust and familiar. The 379 hp dual-motor AWD system and roomy tech-filled interior carry over, so you don’t need to reteach the basics – just emphasize these new perks that enhance the ownership experience.

Pricing Drops and Range Improvements

Kia has made the 2026 EV9 even more attractive by adjusting prices and eking out more range on a charge:

• Lower Pricing on Key Trims: Several EV9 trims are now more affordable than before. Notably, the flagship GT-Line is about $2,000 cheaper for 2026 (now roughly $71,900 MSRP). The mid-level Land AWD trim dropped around $1,000 (to about $68,900), and the Light Long Range trim fell by roughly $2,000 as well. Other trims like the Light Standard and Wind held their prices steady, though the Wind gained equipment, also making it a better value. These price cuts, combined with potential $7,500 federal EV tax credits (the EV9 is built in the USA, qualifying it for incentives), mean you can pitch a better deal to customers. A lower price and a tax credit effectively give buyers a significant discount – a compelling argument for value-conscious shoppers.

• Slightly Better Range: Kia managed to squeeze out a bit more range from the EV9’s battery software/ tuning. For instance, the Light Long Range model now gets about 305 miles on a full charge, a small bump from last year. The Wind and Land AWD versions see a modest increase to roughly 283 miles, and the sporty GT-Line now offers around 280 miles (~10 miles more than the 2025 model). These aren’t huge jumps, but they can reassure buyers on the fence – every extra mile of range counts for road trips and daily commutes. Make sure to update any quoted range figures in your sales materials to reflect these 2026 numbers, underscoring that Kia is continually improving its EV technology.

Selling Tip: When discussing price, point out the price drops and tax credit together – e.g., “The EV9 GT-Line is not only a few thousand cheaper this year, but also eligible for a $7,500 credit – that’s like a $9,500 total savings versus last year’s deal for essentially a better car.” Framing it this way can urge value-minded buyers to act now, especially in light of the possible elimination of these incentives as soon as September 30.

Subtle Design Tweaks & Refinements

Kia didn’t redesign the EV9 (it’s still a very fresh model), but they did listen to feedback and made a few small tweaksfor 2026. These refinements can be nice talking points, showing customers that Kia pays attention to details:

• New Two-Tone Roof Options: As mentioned, the GT-Line trim now offers two stylish two-tone paint schemes – Glacial White Pearl or Wolf Gray, each paired with a contrasting Ebony Black roof. This gives buyers a new way to personalize the look, adding a premium touch that rivals some luxury brands’ offerings. If you have a two-tone model on the lot, be sure to showcase it – the black roof really makes the EV9 stand out visually.

• Cleaner Dashboard: A small orange charging indicator light that used to sit atop the dashboard on earlier EV9s has been removed. The dash now looks cleaner and less distracting.

• Upgraded Interior Finish: The second-row storage compartment (the cubby/console between the captain’s chairs in 6-seat models) is now lined with carpet (felt) instead of hard plastic. This gives the storage area a more upscale feel and prevents items from sliding around noisily.

In short, the 2026 EV9 looks mostly the same as the 2025 model (which is great, since the design already turns heads). The new edition and color options add some spice, and the detail tweaks show Kia’s commitment to improving the product bit by bit. Use these points to assure buyers that with the EV9, they’re getting the latest and greatest version of Kia’s flagship EV SUV.

Coming Soon: The EV9 GT (Over 500 hp + Adaptive Suspension)

The EV9 GT is Kia’s upcoming high-performance version of the EV9, expected to arrive in late 2025 as a 2026 model. This is not the GT-Line — it's a full GT, like the EV6 GT, and it’s bringing serious upgrades.

Key Highlights:

• Power: The EV9 GT will produce 501 horsepower and an estimated 0–60 mph time of 4.3 seconds, making it the quickest Kia 3-row SUV ever. It uses a dual-motor AWD setup with significantly more output than the standard AWD EV9.

• Chassis Upgrades: The GT adds an electronically controlled adaptive suspension, a rear e-LSD (limited-slip differential), and larger front brakes with eye-catching neon-green calipers. These upgrades are built to handle the extra performance, making it more dynamic than the standard trims.

• Design: Expect a more aggressive front fascia, unique 21-inch wheels, sportier interior with GT logos, green stitching, and a GT-exclusive steering wheel. There’s also a playful touch: paddle shifters that simulate gear changes and engine sounds — more for fun than speed.

• Battery & Range: It will use the same 99.8 kWh battery, but range is expected to drop to around 250 miles due to performance tuning and stickier tires.

• Production Location: Unlike other 2026 EV9s built in Georgia, the GT will be imported from Korea, which means it will likely not qualify for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit.

• Price & Availability: While official pricing isn’t released, estimates place it in the high $70Ks, just under the $80,000 MSRP cap. Inventory will likely be limited, so dealers should treat it as a halo model to draw interest — especially from buyers comparing to the Rivian R1S or Tesla Model X.

Quick Pitch: If a performance-minded customer wants Model X Plaid speed but not the $100K price tag (or yoke steering wheel), the EV9 GT could be your ace.

Turning Updates into Sales (Leveraging Advanta-STAR)

All these updates are fantastic, but the real question for a salesperson is: How do they help me sell more EV9s? This is where your product knowledge and the right tools come together.

First, make sure to align each new feature with a customer need during your pitch. For example, if a customer is anxious about charging, emphasize the new Tesla-compatible port and how it gives access to thousands of convenient chargers. If a family expresses safety or adventure concerns, demonstrate the Terrain Mode and explain how it handles winter roads or camping trails. Price-sensitive shopper? Point out the lower MSRP and tax credits that make the EV9 more attainable than before. By connecting the EV9’s 2026 updates to real customer concerns, you create a sense of personalized value that can close the deal.

Secondly, don’t hesitate to use Advanta-STAR as your secret weapon in this process. Advanta-STAR is an online vehicle comparison and research tool that many top dealerships rely on to arm their sales teams with data advantastar.com. From your phone or computer, you can pull up quick comparisons showing how the EV9’s features and benefits stack up against competing SUVs – right in front of the customer. Is the shopper also considering a Volvo EX90 or a Tesla Model X? With a few clicks, you could show side-by-side how the EV9’s new Terrain Mode or pricing gives it an edge. If they have lingering doubts, an Advanta-STAR report can silence those concerns by highlighting the EV9’s advantages in black and white advantastar.com. This not only boosts your credibility as an expert, but also helps the customer feel confident that the EV9 is the right choice.

Bottom line: The 2026 Kia EV9’s enhancements – from the stylish Nightfall Edition to practical upgrades like the NACS port – are tailor-made to excite buyers. Combine this fresh knowledge with tools like Advanta-STAR’s competitive comparisons, and you’ll be well-equipped to turn curious walk-ins into satisfied EV9 owners. Happy selling!