Imagine a spacious, luxurious electric SUV that doesn’t just promise sustainability, but genuinely delivers an experience your family will love. Meet the Hyundai Ioniq 9—Hyundai’s biggest, boldest EV yet, designed to transform your daily drive into a premium lounge on wheels. From its stunning debut in Los Angeles to its recent arrival in U.S. showrooms in May 2025, the Ioniq 9 isn’t just another electric SUV; it’s Hyundai’s confident step into the fiercely competitive three-row EV market.
But does it really stack up against rivals like the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90? Let’s dive deep into what makes the Hyundai Ioniq 9 a standout family electric vehicle.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 North American Launch: Space to Connect
Launched with a bold campaign, “Space to Connect,” Hyundai positions the Ioniq 9 as the ultimate digital-savvy family cruiser. This flagship EV comes fresh off the assembly line at Hyundai’s brand-new U.S. Metaplant in Bryan County, Georgia, a strategic move ensuring eligibility for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit—a significant advantage over its imported rivals.
Here’s the U.S. pricing breakdown:
- IONIQ 9 RWD S (335-mile range, 215 hp): $60,555
- IONIQ 9 AWD SE/SEL (320-mile range, 303 hp): $64,365 – $67,920
- IONIQ 9 AWD PERFORMANCE LIMITED/CALLIGRAPHY (311-mile range, 422 hp): $72,850 – $78,090
Canada also got its slice, with pricing from CA$59,999 to CA$81,499, proving Hyundai’s commitment to North America.
Why the Ioniq 9 Stands Out: Aerosthetic Design Meets Luxury Lounge
The Ioniq 9 is visually striking—what Hyundai calls “Aerosthetic,” a beautiful blend of aerodynamics and aesthetics. Picture an SUV as sleek as a luxury sedan, achieving an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.259. This isn’t just beauty; it significantly boosts range and efficiency.
Exterior Highlights:
- Futuristic Parametric Pixel Lamps create a striking, unique identity.
- Smooth, tapering roofline inspired by aerodynamics.
- Available digital side mirrors boost efficiency and style.
- Bold “Hanbok Line”—a Korean cultural signature across its body.
- Exclusive 21-inch turbine-inspired wheels on premium trims.
Inside, Hyundai goes all-out luxury with its “Natural Lounge” concept. Think first-class airline comfort meets eco-conscious materials.
Interior Highlights:
- Ultra-spacious three-row seating, accommodating 6-7 passengers.
- Sustainable materials like BIO suede and BIO polyurethane from recycled sources.
- Universal Island 2.0 Console enhances storage and passenger comfort.
- Relaxation seats, with recline functions and optional swiveling second-row seats.
- Stunning panoramic dual 12.3-inch curved displays for infotainment and driver information.
- Multiple high-power USB-C ports across all rows.
Powertrain and Performance: Range Anxiety, Be Gone!
Power and range aren’t just numbers on paper. Hyundai has genuinely delivered EV practicality that real families need.
Powertrain Options:
- Long-Range RWD: 215 hp, 335-mile range (EPA).
- Long-Range AWD: 303 hp, 320-mile range.
- Performance AWD: 422 hp, 311-mile range, 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds.
With its massive 110.3 kWh battery and 800V architecture, you can charge from 10% to 80% in just about 24 minutes at 350 kW fast chargers. It also smartly integrates a Tesla-compatible NACS port, offering seamless charging across networks.
Real-World Impressions: How Does It Actually Drive?
Early tests by Car and Driver, Edmunds, and InsideEVs praised the Ioniq 9’s serene, quiet ride and handling stability—better tuned than its Kia EV9 sibling. While performance trims offer impressive acceleration, even the base models deliver refined, comfortable family transportation ideal for daily commutes and road trips alike.
Awards Already Rolling In: Critics Love It
Just months into its launch, the Ioniq 9 has secured:
- 2025 TopGear.com Electric Awards: “Best Seven-Seat EV.”
- 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX: Highlighting its smart, eco-conscious luxury.
Early Owner Reactions: What Are Families Saying?
Public feedback from forums like Reddit indicates enthusiasm for its roomy cabin, though styling opinions vary. While some find its aerodynamic form beautiful and innovative, others prefer the more conventional Kia EV9. Yet, nearly everyone agrees on its standout practicality, impressive real-world range, and thoughtful family-focused features.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Key Competitors
Here’s how the Hyundai Ioniq 9 compares against its two closest rivals:
| Feature | Hyundai Ioniq 9 | Kia EV9 | Volvo EX90 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $60,555 | $56,395 | $81,290 |
| Range (EPA est.) | 335 miles | 304 miles | 310 miles |
| Max Horsepower | 422 hp | 379 hp | 496 hp |
| Seating | 6-7 | 6-7 | 7 |
| Tax Credit Eligibility | Yes (U.S.-built) | Yes (U.S.-built) | TBD |
Hyundai’s key advantage? Exceptional range, charging flexibility, and strong value proposition, especially factoring the federal tax credit eligibility.
Outlook: A Game-Changer for Hyundai’s EV Ambitions?
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 isn’t just an exciting new EV—it’s a clear indicator of Hyundai’s ambition to dominate family-focused electric vehicles. By blending luxury, cutting-edge tech, impressive range, and strong value, the Ioniq 9 positions Hyundai as a legitimate contender at the premium end of the EV market.
Also Read: Tesla Faces a Make-or-Break Moment in Mid-2025