The Hyundai Loniq 9 Is A Spacious Electric SUV That Stands Out With Its Striking Design

The selection of electric vehicles in North America continues to grow, but a noticeable gap has remained in one key area: three-row SUVs. Despite their popularity, affordable options have been scarce, with only high-end models like the Rivian R1S and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV filling the space.

Kia addressed this last year with the more accessible EV9, and now Hyundai joins the segment with the Ioniq 9. This new American-made electric SUV combines bold design with strong performance. After a test drive near its future assembly site in Savannah, Georgia, its $58,955 starting price feels well justified.

Small-Scale

There’s no question that Hyundai’s new Ioniq is massive. Measuring 199 inches in length, it’s three inches longer than the Hyundai Palisade, now the brand’s second-largest three-row SUV. Still, Hyundai’s designers have done an excellent job crafting a striking and appealing silhouette for their biggest model yet.

Many large SUVs end up with vast stretches of flat sheet metal just to span the length between bumpers, but the Ioniq 9 takes a different approach with a sleek, refined, and importantly, aerodynamic design. While I’m not particularly fond of the front end’s soft curves, the subtle tapering at the rear is a standout—it not only improves aerodynamics (with a drag coefficient of 0.269) but also gives the vehicle a more compact appearance than its size suggests.

Spacious and Tech-Forward

The Ioniq 9 sits more like a Volvo wagon than a bulky family SUV, yet it definitely fits into the latter category. That becomes clear the moment you get into the third row. While the power-operated second-row seats make entry a bit slow, access is otherwise easy. Surprisingly, the third row offers ample headroom and a decent amount of legroom—enough to comfortably seat an adult.

Even more impressive are the 100-watt USB-C ports available even in the third row. All three rows are equipped with high-power charging options, enough to keep nearly any device—short of a full gaming laptop—charged while on the move.

Second-row comfort is a standout, especially in the Limited or Calligraphy trims, which feature a six-seat layout with heated and ventilated captain’s chairs. A seven-seat version with a bench is also available.

Up front, the seats offer similar amenities—heating, ventilation, and in the driver’s case, a massage function. Extendable leg rests add to the comfort, making the Ioniq 9 a great spot to relax or even catch a quick nap during a charging stop—though you won’t be napping for long.

Performance and Charging

The Ioniq 9 is based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, which also supports models like the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. It features an 800-volt system and can charge at a maximum rate of 350 kW. With a compatible charger, it can go from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes.

The Ioniq 9 comes with a Tesla-style NACS plug, allowing you to use Superchargers without needing an adapter. However, Tesla’s current chargers aren’t fast enough to support the full charging speed, so you’ll need to use the included CCS adapter.

Powering everything is a 110.3-kWh battery pack, with about 104 kWh of usable capacity. Depending on the trim, the range varies: the base rear-wheel-drive model offers 335 miles, while the high-performance dual-motor AWD variant drops to 311 miles. This upgrade also boosts power, delivering either 303 or 422 horsepower, depending on the motor choice. Even the single-motor version offers a respectable 215 horsepower.

While I didn’t get to try the single-motor version, the Performance Calligraphy Design I drove was impressively responsive. Even in Eco mode, the Ioniq 9 had enough power to make quick passes and satisfy my occasional need for acceleration. There are also off-road modes for various terrains, though off-roading isn’t its primary strength. It can handle unpaved roads and light trails, but due to its size, I wouldn’t recommend taking it on particularly challenging off-road paths.

Driving Experience

During my time driving the Ioniq 9, I mostly found myself in traffic, cruising through city streets, or leisurely driving between rest stops on rough rural roads. That’s probably a typical usage scenario for a vehicle like this, and the Ioniq 9 proved to be a pleasure for most of it.

At lower speeds, the suspension felt a bit stiff, likely due to the 21-inch wheels on the Calligraphy trim. However, once I hit around 30 mph, the ride smoothed out considerably. This three-row SUV remains calm and quiet at higher speeds, thanks to sound-insulating laminated glass in the front and second rows, along with active noise cancellation similar to what you’d find in high-quality headphones, just on a much larger scale.

The only place where road noise is noticeable is in the third row, where there’s more wind noise and a slight hum from the rear motor. Still, I’d take that over the typical exhaust drone of most SUVs.

In terms of storage, the Ioniq 9 offers 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, which expands to a generous 86.9 cubic feet when both rows are folded down. There is a frunk, but it’s quite small, filled with the charging cable, CCS adapter, and a flat tire kit.

Every Tech Feature

The 100-watt USB-C ports are undoubtedly one of the standout tech features inside the Ioniq 9. However, you’ll also find Hyundai’s familiar infotainment system, which includes both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. These are displayed on two 12.3-inch screens that merge at the bezel, stretching from behind the steering wheel to the center of the dashboard. While this design looks striking on the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, on the Ioniq 9, it feels a bit small in comparison to the vehicle’s massive size.

The Ioniq 9 boasts some stylish details, including subtle RGB LED mood lighting and generally pleasant surfaces—though the lower areas of the interior, covered in hard plastics, feel less premium for a vehicle that otherwise looks so luxurious.

However, it comes at a reasonable price. The base model starts at $58,955 if you opt for the single-motor version, and you can also benefit from a $7,500 federal incentive while it lasts. With six trims available, the top-tier Performance Calligraphy Design AWD model, like the one shown here, costs $79,540 after a $1,600 destination charge.

While this puts the Ioniq 9 in the same price range as the Rivian R1S, the Rivian is faster and more capable off-road. The Ioniq 9, on the other hand, offers more space, practicality, and comfort for daily use.

If you’re looking to save a bit, the Kia EV9 is a more affordable alternative, but the Hyundai’s extra features and presence are likely to appeal to many. Either way, it’s a solid choice, further proving that the current range of EV options is the best we’ve had and only improving.

Read the original article on: Engadget

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