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

Rivian

Dual Standard

Dual Large

Dual Max

Tri Max

Quad Max

The Rivian R1S is a three-row electric SUV that competes with the Cadillac Escalade IQ and Mercedes EQS SUV while appealing to buyers who actually want to use their vehicles off-road. Built on Rivian's skateboard platform shared with the R1T pickup, it combines genuine trail capability with a spacious, premium interior. Reviewers at MotorTrend and Car and Driver consistently single out its quad-zone air suspension and tank-turn-capable software as features no other luxury electric SUV matches, while the Dual Large trim's 352-mile EPA range draws particular praise for long-haul usability.

Dual Large trim achieves 352 miles EPA range, and the Dual Max extends that to 410 miles — among the highest in the class for a three-row SUV

Tri Max and Quad Max trims hit 0–60 in 3.0s and 2.6s respectively, with up to 1,025 hp, rivaling performance SUVs costing significantly more

Standard air suspension with up to 15 inches of ground clearance and genuine wading depth up to 3.5 feet distinguishes it from competitors that offer off-road styling without capability

Interior build quality and material choices received favorable marks from Edmunds and MotorTrend, particularly the thoughtful storage layout, gear tunnel integration, and configurable flat-fold seating

Over-the-air software updates have meaningfully improved range estimates, charging speed, and off-road drive modes since launch, a pattern reviewers note as ongoing rather than one-time

Entry Dual Standard trim is priced at $75,900 for only 270 miles of EPA range, making the value case weak unless buyers step up to the $82,900 Dual Large

Rivian's proprietary charging network remains far smaller than Tesla's Supercharger network, and DC fast-charging peaks around 200 kW, slower than rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 7 on a per-kWh basis

Third-row space is tighter than in conventionally proportioned three-row SUVs of similar exterior length, a consistent complaint in long-term reviews from Car and Driver and InsideEVs

Quad Max at $121,990 adds 655 hp and drops 0–60 by 0.4s compared to the Tri Max, but range does not improve beyond 371 miles, making the top trim difficult to justify on practicality grounds alone

	Hyundai Ioniq 9	Rivian R1S
Body type	three-row SUV	three-row SUV
Trims	4	5
Starting price	$60,555	$75,900
Max EPA range	335 mi	410 mi
Max power	422 hp	1,025 hp
Quickest 0–60	5.2 s	2.6 s
Federal tax credit	$7,500 eligible	$7,500 eligible
Drive options	Single-Motor RWD Dual-Motor AWD	Dual-Motor AWD Tri-Motor AWD Quad-Motor AWD
	Full Hyundai Ioniq 9 specs →	Full Rivian R1S specs →

Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Rivian R1S