As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to capture global attention, Hyundai has unveiled a significant addition to its electric lineup with the all-new Ioniq 9—a large, three-row electric SUV that’s spacious, stylish, and technologically advanced. Developed for the North American market and manufactured at Hyundai’s facility in Savannah, Georgia, this SUV is also making waves internationally for its practicality and premium design.
Filling a Major Gap in the EV Segment
Three-row electric SUVs have been a rarity so far, with most offerings positioned at the premium end of the spectrum, such as the Rivian R1S or Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. Hyundai’s Ioniq 9, along with Kia’s EV9, is set to bring more accessible and family-friendly electric mobility to this underserved segment.
At nearly 5 meters in length, the Ioniq 9 is even larger than Hyundai’s own Palisade, and its sleek yet commanding road presence sets it apart from the boxy norm of full-sized SUVs. The aerodynamic design, highlighted by a tapered rear and a drag coefficient of just 0.269, is not only functional but also lends the Ioniq 9 a more compact appearance than its actual size suggests.
Spacious Interiors, Premium Comfort
Inside, the Ioniq 9 impresses with three usable rows of seating. Even the third row accommodates adult passengers comfortably—something few SUVs in this segment manage well. Hyundai has equipped each row with 100W USB-C charging ports, ensuring all passengers can keep their devices powered, whether on a long drive or during a quick commute.
For added luxury, higher trims like Limited and Calligraphy offer second-row captain’s chairs that are both heated and ventilated. The front seats come with massage functionality and leg rests—ideal for a relaxing break during a fast-charge stop.
High-Speed Charging and Performance
Built on Hyundai’s advanced E-GMP platform, the Ioniq 9 supports ultra-fast charging with an 800-volt architecture. With compatible chargers, the battery can go from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes. It also features a Tesla-style NACS charging port, and includes a CCS adapter for flexibility with different charging networks.
Powering the Ioniq 9 is a 110.3 kWh battery, of which around 104 kWh is usable. Depending on the variant, the range stretches up to 539 km (335 miles) for the base rear-wheel-drive model, and about 500 km for the dual-motor AWD performance version. Power output ranges from 215 hp to 422 hp, depending on the configuration.
The ride quality is refined and whisper-quiet, thanks to laminated glass and active noise cancellation. While low-speed bumps may be slightly noticeable—especially on models with 21-inch wheels—the ride becomes impressively smooth at higher speeds.
Loaded with Smart Tech
The Ioniq 9 features a dual-screen infotainment setup with two 12.3-inch displays, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and ambient lighting throughout the cabin. Though the infotainment screens look slightly modest in size given the SUV’s large interior, the overall cabin experience is premium and user-friendly.
One downside is the use of hard plastics in lower cabin areas, which feel a bit out of place in an otherwise upscale interior. However, practicality is a clear priority: you get 21.9 cubic feet of boot space behind the third row, expanding to 86.9 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. There’s also a small front trunk (frunk), mainly used for storing the charger and tire repair kit.
Competitive Pricing and Global Appeal
In the U.S., the starting price of the Ioniq 9 is around ₹49 lakh (converted), with top-end trims reaching up to ₹66 lakh. With the U.S. federal EV incentive of ₹6 lakh (approx. $7,500), the effective cost becomes more attractive. For Indian consumers awaiting Hyundai’s EV roadmap, the Ioniq 9 sets a high benchmark in what a premium electric SUV can offer.
If Hyundai brings the Ioniq 9 to India, it could serve as a strong contender in the premium EV SUV segment, rivaling offerings from Volvo, BMW, and even Kia’s own EV9—should it also arrive.
