Hyundai

S RWD

SE AWD

Limited AWD

Calligraphy AWD

Ioniq 9

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a three-row electric SUV slotting above the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 to compete directly with the Kia EV9, Rivian R1S, and upcoming Volkswagen ID. Buzz. Built on Hyundai's 800-volt E-GMP platform, it seats up to seven and offers a wide trim spread from a 215-hp rear-wheel-drive base to a 422-hp dual-motor range-topper. Reviewers most frequently highlight its spacious, lounge-like interior and the S RWD trim's class-leading 335-mile EPA range as immediate differentiators in a still-sparse three-row EV segment.

S RWD trim delivers 335 miles of EPA-rated range, the longest of any configuration and competitive with most rivals in the segment

Third-row space is notably generous for the class, with reviewers citing usable legroom even for adults rather than the token accommodation common in mid-size SUVs

800-volt architecture enables DC fast charging at up to 350 kW, allowing the vehicle to accept high charge rates that can meaningfully reduce charging stops on long trips

Limited and Calligraphy AWD trims reach 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds with 422 hp, providing brisk performance without moving into a premium performance price tier

Hyundai's second-row swivel seats (available on higher trims) received consistent praise from reviewers for enabling face-to-face seating, a feature uncommon in production three-row EVs

AWD trims sacrifice meaningful range — the SE AWD drops to 320 miles and both AWD performance trims fall to 311 miles, a 24-mile penalty versus the base RWD for buyers who need all-wheel traction

The S RWD's 8.4-second 0-60 time is noticeably leisurely relative to the segment norm, which may disappoint buyers cross-shopping quicker rivals like the Kia EV9 Standard Range

At $76,590, the Calligraphy trim approaches Rivian R1S Adventure territory, where some reviewers note the Hyundai's exterior styling reads as conservative and less distinctive for the price

As a freshly launched model, long-term reliability data and real-world charging network compatibility reports are not yet established, introducing more ownership uncertainty than incumbent rivals

Light Standard Range RWD

Light Long Range RWD

Wind AWD

Land AWD

GT-Line AWD

The Kia EV9 is a three-row electric SUV that competes directly with the Rivian R1S and Volkswagen ID.Buzz in a segment with few established players. Arriving for the 2024 model year, it shares its E-GMP platform with the Hyundai IONIQ 6 and Genesis GV80 Coupe EV, bringing 800-volt architecture to a family-oriented package. Reviewers at Edmunds and Car and Driver consistently highlight its genuinely usable third row for adults and the upscale, minimalist interior as differentiators that justify its price positioning against both traditional three-row SUVs and rival EVs.

Third-row seating is legitimately usable for adults, a distinction Car and Driver noted separates the EV9 from most three-row SUVs at any price point

800-volt architecture enables DC fast charging at up to 240 kW, allowing roughly 10–80 percent charge in around 24 minutes under ideal conditions

Light Long Range RWD trim achieves 304 miles of EPA-rated range, the longest in the lineup and competitive with the Rivian R1S Standard battery

GT-Line AWD produces 501 hp and a 4.5-second 0–60 time while retaining full seven- or eight-passenger seating with no dedicated performance penalty to cargo space

Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability across all trims allows up to 3.6 kW of external power output, usable for camping equipment or jobsite tools

Wind AWD and upper trims see range drop to 270–280 miles despite significantly higher prices, a trade-off InsideEVs flagged as a meaningful efficiency penalty for the dual-motor setup

Standard Range RWD base trim at $54,900 produces only 215 hp and an 8.2-second 0–60 time, noticeably sluggish relative to the weight of the vehicle

Real-world charging speeds frequently fall short of the 240 kW peak rating outside of optimal battery temperature and state-of-charge conditions, per owner reports

At 6,000-plus pounds of curb weight, reviewers including MotorTrend noted that body roll and overall dynamics feel closer to a traditional three-row SUV than a performance-oriented EV

	Hyundai Ioniq 9	Kia EV9
Body type	three-row SUV	three-row SUV
Trims	4	5
Starting price	$60,555	$54,900
Max EPA range	335 mi	304 mi
Max power	422 hp	501 hp
Quickest 0–60	5.2 s	4.5 s
Federal tax credit	$7,500 eligible	$7,500 eligible
Drive options	Single-Motor RWD Dual-Motor AWD	Single-Motor RWD Dual-Motor AWD
	Full Hyundai Ioniq 9 specs →	Full Kia EV9 specs →

Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Kia EV9