Kia has revised its incentive strategy for the 2026 EV9, offering smaller cash rebates compared with the 2025 model, while increasing the number of trims that qualify for the U.S. federal EV tax credit.
The three-row electric SUV enters its second model year with a $4,000 Customer Cash rebate available across all trims, according to a dealer bulletin cited by CarsDirect.
In addition, Kia is offering a $1,000 Competitive Bonus Program for customers who purchase or lease the vehicle by July 7 and own a 2014–2026 vehicle from a competing automaker. No trade-in is required for the offer.
Although total upfront discounts are smaller than the $10,000 incentives seen on the outgoing 2025 version, more 2026 EV9 trims are eligible for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit due to their U.S. assembly. The high-performance EV9 GT, assembled in South Korea, remains ineligible under current rules, but other versions built at Kia’s Georgia facility do qualify.
With the combined offers and tax credit, buyers may see total savings of up to $12,500 on select 2026 EV9 models. Kia is also launching an introductory lease deal at $399 per month.
The company had used deeper discounts in the past to accelerate sales and clear inventories but appears to be adjusting its strategy with expanded eligibility for federal incentives.