Hyundai’s newest electric car, the Ioniq 9, is its largest yet. It arrives in the first half of 2025 with three rows of seats, fast-charging in 24 minutes, and a 335-mile range.
Right now, there are only two seven-seat, three-row electric SUVs on the market—the Rivian R1S and Kia EV9. The Ioniq 9 is a welcome addition to the segment, along with the luxe Lucid Gravity and Volvo EX90, which also arrive in 2025.
Ioniq 9 (Credit: Hyundai)
Hyundai hasn’t announced pricing for the Ioniq 9, but it will most likely compete with the EV9 ($54,900 starting). Both are made by the same parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, and both are curiously named with the number 9, which will be fun for EV shoppers to navigate.
The Ioniq 9 and EV9 have similar electric ranges and the same impressive charge time of 10% to 80% in 24 minutes on a public fast charger. That’s because they’re built on the same battery platform, Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which is widely recognized as one of the most efficient in the industry. The Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 also run on the E-GMP.
Hyundai did not mention the charge port on the Ioniq 9 or whether it will have the Tesla-backed NACS or CCS port. Odds are, it will have a NACS port like the updated Ioniq 5, which also debuts in 2025.
Hyundai also added energy-saving features to the Ioniq 9, including more balanced “airflow under the body,” reduced tire resistance, a new “dual-motion active air flap (AAF) system,” hidden antennas, and aerodynamic wheels. The Ioniq 9 is also the first Hyundai model with aluminum fenders and quarter panels, which reduces weight and boosts battery efficiency.
Ioniq 9 (Credit: Hyundai)
The key word for Hyundai when it comes to the Ioniq 9 is “big,” with the tagline, “Big on Space – Bigger on Innovation.” The SUV has the longest wheelbase of any Hyundai, with an “expansive cabin and grand proportions.” It offers a larger option for customers than the Ioniq 5, which is a more compact SUV with five seats to rival the Tesla Model Y.
“With the longest wheelbase of any Hyundai model, Ioniq 9 impresses with its expansive cabin and grand proportions,” says Hyundai. “The pure volume of the body and fenders create an imposing impression, while intricately designed accents add depth and dimension.”
Tesla has not announced plans to release a three-row SUV. In a recent X post, one user called for a larger Tesla to accommodate bigger families, and CEO Elon Musk responded with a simple, “Ok.” The only large vehicle the company is working on is the “Robovan” autonomous taxi, which seats up to 20 and is more like a small bus.
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Ioniq 9 (Credit: Hyundai)
The first and second rows of the Ioniq 9 have “relaxation seats,” which fully recline and have a leg rest, likely when the third-row seats are taken out. Another seating configuration option is “swiveling seats,” which allow passengers in the second and third rows to face each other when the vehicle is stationary, such as when charging.
“This flexible configuration feature enhances interaction and communication among passengers, adding another way to enjoy the vehicle’s unique space,” says Hyundai.
Ioniq 9 (Credit: Hyundai)
Tech-wise, the Ioniq 9 receives over-the-air updates, has a digital key, a wireless charging pad with a rubber grip to prevent sliding, and USB-C outlets in the first, second, and third rows. Hyundai’s AI assistant is activated by a button. Customers can pay for additional features, such as dynamic lighting when opening the door, content streaming, Amazon Music, and Soundcloud.
The autonomous driving assists are comprehensive, including collision prevention, lane keeping, blind spot warning, rear occupant alert, and more. The only thing Hyundai lacks in this area is a hands-free Level 2 driving system.
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About Emily Dreibelbis Forlini
Senior Reporter
