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By
Nick Godt
Image used with permission by copyright holder
After months of teasing details about the Ioniq 9, Hyundai’s much-anticipated, three-row electric SUV, the company finally unveiled it at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
One of the Ioniq 9’s promised features — that the SUV had the ability to offer a lounge-like interior – had most of us wondering what exactly that might mean.
It all became much clearer after the launch: The second-row seats of the SUV can swivel around, providing enough space for a large lounge-like area.
But that’s not all.
The vehicle’s interior design is characterized by oval elements and calming tones, providing a serene and natural feel, especially when one is immersed in natural light from the panoramic sunroof, Hyundai says.
In addition, a slidable universal island provides ample storage and delivers a walk-through front-row seating arrangement, allowing for more accessibility and convenience. The bidirectional armrests can also be opened from the front and rear, allowing easy access to the console from the second row.
And the Ioniq 9’s relaxation seats feature a Dynamic Body Care System, which includes a massage function to “stimulate blood flow and circulation, reducing fatigue on long drives,” Hyundai says. The automaker, however, specified that these seats would be available in first and second rows, depending on the market.
The Ioniq 9’s 110.3-kilowatt-hour battery provides up to 335 miles of range on the Long-Range RWD model. The battery is able to charge from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes. As promised, the SUV also features Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) port.
As for the Ioniq 9’s price, no further details were so far provided, either at the auto show or on Hyundai’s website. But since the SUV will be built on the same platform as the Kia EV9, it’s expected to be roughly the same size and price ($55,000).
The Ioniq 9 is slated to go on sale in the U.S. in the first half of 2025, Hyundai says.
Nick Godt has covered global business news on three continents for over 25 years.
The Kia EV9 is coming, but you should wait to buy one. Here’s why
A big, new electric SUV is on the way — and it’s called the Kia EV9. Kia’s highly anticipated line topper will be big and spacious, offer a solid electric range, and will come at a lower price than much of the competition. Yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.
But while we think it might be one of the most compelling electric EVs to hit U.S. shores, would-be buyers may want to wait a little longer, if they can. Sure, the EV9 will likely be the best choice for most people who want a large SUV in its price range — but in a year or so, it’ll make an even more compelling case for itself. Here’s why.
Follow the money
The EV9 is set to be one of the cheapest electric SUVs out there, when you ignore imposters like the Mustang Mach-E and EV6, which are marketed as SUVs, but are really more crossovers. The base price of the EV9 has been announced to be $54,900. When you consider the fact that every single other large three-row electric SUV (like the Rivian R1S) starts at more than $80,000, the EV9 suddenly looks … cheap.
Rivian R1S vs. Kia EV9: Is the more expensive electric SUV really better?
While electric crossovers have become extremely popular, SUV-sized vehicles haven’t been quite as common. Sure, Tesla calls the Model X an SUV, but many customers think of a specific shape and size of car when they think of an SUV — and the Tesla Model X doesn’t really fit that. Now, however, actual electric SUVs are finally coming out — like the Rivian R1S and the Kia EV9.
The Rivian R1S may come from a lesser-known and smaller brand, but that certainly doesn’t make it worse. In fact, it could make the company more nimble, and more innovative. But, there’s still something to be said for the reliability of a well-known brand.
Move aside, Tesla. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the best electric sedan for the masses
EVs of all shapes and sizes are finally coming, but not in equal measure. While we now have a solid array of midsize crossovers (like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6), sedans and SUVs aren’t quite there yet. Sure, we have expensive sedans and SUVs, like the Rivian R1S and the Lucid Air, but if you’re looking for a car for your small family and don’t want, or can’t afford, to spend a ton of cash, your options are limited.
But that’s changing — and there’s a new car that, at least right now, makes a serious case for itself. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the best electric sedan for the masses, and it goes right up against the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. With a base price of $41,600, the Ioniq 6 is right in the same league as the $40,240 Model 3 and $48,400 Polestar 2.
What else is even out there?
When it comes to lower-priced electric sedans, before now, there were really only two options: the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2. Other sedans exist, but they’re not accessible by the majority of drivers. I recently reviewed the Lucid Air Grand Touring and loved it — but I’m not spending $138,000 on a car unless I win the lottery.
