The Ioniq 9’s exterior is a masterstroke of Hyundai’s “aerosthetic” design philosophy, blending aerodynamic efficiency with futuristic flair. Stretching over five meters, it’s imposing yet sleek, with a drag coefficient of 0.259 (with optional digital side mirrors). The signature Parametric Pixel lights give it a retro-futuristic vibe, while the sculpted bodywork and tapered rear evoke a spaceship-like elegance. It’s bold without being brash, with subtle wheel arch “eyebrows” adding character. Available in colors like Abyss Black and Serenity White, the Ioniq 9 demands attention.
Step inside, and the Ioniq 9’s interior feels like a modern lounge. Built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the flat floor creates an airy, spacious cabin. Available in six- or seven-seat layouts, it caters to families of all sizes. The second-row captain’s chairs (on higher trims) swivel to face the third row when parked, perfect for family gatherings during charging stops. The “Universal Island” sliding console is a game-changer, offering storage and flexibility, while premium touches like vegan leather and open-pore wood elevate the ambiance. Dual 12.3-inch screens dominate the dashboard, running Hyundai’s intuitive infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. Third-row access is a breeze, and even adults will find it comfortable for short trips.
Starting around $60,000 (estimated), the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 undercuts premium rivals while offering comparable luxury and tech. It’s not perfect—third-row space is tight for adults on long trips, and the base model’s range (around 250 miles) lags behind some competitors. But with its stunning design, versatile interior, and robust performance, the Ioniq 9 feels like a glimpse into the future of family transportation. Hyundai has crafted a flagship EV that’s as practical as it is aspirational, making it a top contender in the electric SUV race.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 rivals
1.Kia EV9
- Price: ~$55,000–$75,000
- Range: 230–304 miles (EPA)
- Performance: 201–379 hp; 0–60 mph in 5.0–6.0 seconds (top trims)
- Key Features: Built on the same E-GMP platform as the Ioniq 9, the EV9 offers a similar blend of tech and practicality. Its bold, boxy design contrasts with the Ioniq 9’s sleeker look. It features a spacious cabin, fast charging (10–80% in ~24 minutes), and V2L capability. The GT-Line’s 379 hp and torque-vectoring AWD give it sporty credentials.
- Vs. Ioniq 9: The EV9 is slightly cheaper and offers a high-performance GT variant, but its range is marginally lower, and its design is less futuristic. The Ioniq 9’s premium interior and smoother styling give it an edge for luxury seekers.
2. Tesla Model X
- Price: ~$80,000–$100,000
- Range: 326–351 miles (EPA)
- Performance: 670 hp (Plaid); 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds
- Key Features: The Model X is the performance king, with blistering acceleration and falcon-wing doors that scream innovation. Its minimalist interior, dominated by a 17-inch touchscreen, prioritizes tech over tactile luxury. Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (optional) remain industry benchmarks, though real-world autonomy is still limited.
- Vs. Ioniq 9: The Model X offers superior range and performance but at a significantly higher price. Its cabin feels less family-oriented, and reliability concerns linger. The Ioniq 9 is more affordable and practical for everyday family use.
3. Rivian R1S
- Price: ~$76,000–$96,000
- Range: 270–410 miles (EPA, depending on battery)
- Performance: 533–835 hp; 0–60 mph in 3.0–4.5 seconds
- Key Features: The R1S is an adventure-ready SUV with off-road prowess, a premium interior, and up to 410 miles of range (Max Pack). Its quad-motor AWD delivers unmatched power, and features like adjustable air suspension and a rugged design appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. Cargo space is generous (up to 104.7 cubic feet).
- Vs. Ioniq 9: The R1S excels in range and off-road capability, but its price and focus on adventure make it less family-centric. The Ioniq 9 offers a more refined on-road experience and better value.
4. Volvo EX90
- Price: ~$80,000–$90,000
- Range: ~300 miles (EPA estimated)
- Performance: 402–510 hp; 0–60 mph in ~4.7–5.7 seconds
- Key Features: The EX90 blends Scandinavian luxury with safety-first tech, including advanced LIDAR for semi-autonomous driving. Its minimalist interior uses sustainable materials, and it offers a smooth, quiet ride. Cargo space (up to 85.3 cubic feet) and towing (4,850 lbs) are competitive.
- Vs. Ioniq 9: The EX90’s safety tech and premium feel are strong, but its range and pricing are closer to the Ioniq 9’s. Hyundai’s bolder design and lower starting price give it an edge for style-conscious buyers.
5. Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV (7-seat configuration)
- Price: ~$80,000–$110,000
- Range: 253–307 miles (EPA)
- Performance: 288–617 hp; 0–60 mph in 3.4–6.2 seconds
- Key Features: The EQE SUV offers a plush interior, MBUX hyperscreen, and Mercedes’ signature refinement. Its third row is optional, but tight for adults. Advanced driver aids and a comfortable ride make it a luxury benchmark, though charging speed (200 kW max) lags behind the Ioniq 9’s 350 kW.
- Vs. Ioniq 9: The EQE’s luxury credentials are undeniable, but its higher price and smaller third row make it less practical. The Ioniq 9 offers better value and faster charging.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9, starting around $60,000 with an estimated 300–330 miles of range, holds its own against pricier rivals. It matches the Kia EV9’s practicality, undercuts the Tesla Model X and Rivian R1S on price, and rivals the Volvo EX90 and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV in refinement. Its blend of futuristic design, family-focused features, and competitive range makes it a standout in a crowded field. For families seeking an electric SUV that balances value, style, and tech, the Ioniq 9 is a formidable contender.
Comparing the battery technologies of the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 and its rivals
1. Battery Chemistry
- Hyundai Ioniq 9: Uses lithium-ion nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries, typical of Hyundai’s E-GMP platform. NMC offers a balance of energy density, power output, and longevity, optimized for cost and performance.
- Kia EV9: Also employs NMC batteries on the E-GMP platform, sharing Hyundai’s approach. Kia’s focus is on high energy density and thermal stability, similar to the Ioniq 9.
- Tesla Model X: Utilizes Tesla’s proprietary lithium-ion NMC cells (likely 4680 cells in newer models), which prioritize energy density and cost efficiency. Tesla’s cells are optimized for high performance and fast charging.
- Rivian R1S: Features NMC batteries, with an emphasis on durability for off-road use. Rivian’s cells are designed for high energy density, supporting larger battery packs for extended range.
- Volvo EX90: Uses NMC batteries, focusing on safety and sustainability. Volvo incorporates recycled materials and aims for thermal stability, aligning with its safety-first ethos.
- Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: Employs NMC batteries, with Mercedes’ focus on premium energy density and efficiency. The EQE’s cells are tuned for luxury applications, prioritizing smooth power delivery.
Comparison: All models use NMC-based lithium-ion batteries, the industry standard for EVs due to their balance of performance, cost, and lifespan. Tesla’s 4680 cells may offer slight advantages in energy density and production scalability, while Volvo emphasizes sustainability. The Ioniq 9 and EV9 benefit from shared R&D, ensuring competitive chemistry.
2. Battery Capacity
- Hyundai Ioniq 9: 99.8 kWh (Long Range), with a smaller ~76 kWh option for Standard Range. The larger pack supports its 300–330-mile range.
- Kia EV9: 99.8 kWh (Long Range), 76 kWh (Standard Range), mirroring the Ioniq 9 due to the shared platform.
- Tesla Model X: ~100 kWh (estimated for 2026 models), supporting up to 351 miles of range. Tesla doesn’t disclose exact capacities but optimizes for range and performance.
- Rivian R1S: Offers 105 kWh (Standard), 135 kWh (Large), and 180 kWh (Max Pack, estimated), enabling up to 410 miles of range.
- Volvo EX90: ~107 kWh, delivering ~300 miles of range, designed for efficiency and safety.
- Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: ~90.6 kWh, with a focus on efficiency for its 253–307-mile range.
Comparison: Rivian’s R1S offers the largest battery options, catering to range-focused buyers. The Ioniq 9 and EV9 are competitive with ~100 kWh packs, while the EQE’s smaller pack prioritizes efficiency. Tesla and Volvo fall in the middle, balancing capacity and range.
3. Charging Capabilities
- Hyundai Ioniq 9: 800-volt architecture, supports up to 350 kW DC fast charging, achieving 10–80% in ~24 minutes. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality included.
- Kia EV9: Identical 800-volt system, 350 kW charging, and V2L, matching the Ioniq 9’s capabilities.
- Tesla Model X: 400-volt architecture, up to 250 kW charging via Tesla’s Supercharger network, achieving 10–80% in ~30 minutes. Benefits from Tesla’s extensive charging infrastructure.
- Rivian R1S: 400-volt system, up to 220 kW charging, with 10–80% in ~30–35 minutes. Rivian’s Adventure Network is growing but less widespread than Tesla’s.
- Volvo EX90: 400-volt system, up to 250 kW charging, 10–80% in ~30 minutes. Supports bidirectional charging for future V2L applications.
- Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: 400-volt system, up to 200 kW charging, 10–80% in ~32 minutes. Lags behind in charging speed.
Comparison: The Ioniq 9 and EV9 lead with 800-volt systems, enabling faster charging than rivals. Tesla’s Supercharger network is a unique advantage, while Rivian and Mercedes trail slightly in charging speed. Volvo’s system is competitive but not class-leading.
4. Range (EPA Estimated)
- Hyundai Ioniq 9: 300–330 miles (Long Range), ~250 miles (Standard Range).
- Kia EV9: 230–304 miles, slightly lower due to less aerodynamic design.
- Tesla Model X: 326–351 miles, among the best in class.
- Rivian R1S: 270–410 miles, with the Max Pack leading the segment.
- Volvo EX90: ~300 miles, competitive but not standout.
- Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: 253–307 miles, prioritizing efficiency over maximum range.
Comparison: Rivian’s R1S offers the longest range, while Tesla and the Ioniq 9 are close behind. The EV9 and EQE have shorter ranges, and Volvo sits in the middle. The Ioniq 9’s range is strong for its price point.
5. Efficiency
- Hyundai Ioniq 9: ~3.0–3.3 mi/kWh (estimated), aided by its aerodynamic design (Cd 0.259).
- Kia EV9: ~2.8–3.1 mi/kWh, slightly less efficient due to boxier shape.
- Tesla Model X: ~3.2–3.5 mi/kWh, leveraging Tesla’s efficiency expertise.
- Rivian R1S: ~2.5–3.0 mi/kWh, impacted by its off-road focus and larger batteries.
- Volvo EX90: ~2.8–3.0 mi/kWh, optimized for safety and comfort.
- Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: ~3.0–3.3 mi/kWh, strong efficiency for its size.
Comparison: Tesla and the Ioniq 9 lead in efficiency, thanks to aerodynamic designs and optimized powertrains. The EV9 and Rivian are less efficient due to their shapes,