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Hyundai on Wednesday unveiled the new Ioniq 9, an all-electric three-row SUV — and its largest electric vehicle yet — based on the Seven concept we saw in 2021. (See, no one said car naming protocol had to make sense ).
The SUV, which debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show and will hit the US market in spring 2025, joins the smaller Ioniq 5 SUV and Ioniq 6 sedan as Hyundai works towards its goal of 23 all-electric models by 2030. With By skipping Hyundai for the 7 and 8 nameplates, the automaker has left itself open for future products.
I got a look at the Ioniq 9 ahead of its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Although I didn’t get to drive it, I was impressed with the interior space and overall design, and was disappointed by the omission of some key — and cool — elements we saw in the Seven concept car.
Not that I can fault Hyundai. US regulations have been blamed for influencing Hyundai’s decision to opt out of second-row seats that can rotate to face the third row. I mean, how cool would it be for big sister to swivel her seat in the second row to torment her little brother? As someone who doesn’t have kids, I’m interested. We also won’t get digital side mirrors. As soon as you see a car without side mirrors, you’ll realize how ugly it looks – like an ugly pimple on a supermodel’s face.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 will also not get the pillarless coach doors that were teased in the Seven concept; The only indication of the SUV’s “hygienic interior” is a UV sterilizer that can disinfect smaller items like phones, wallets and masks.
What are the features of Hyundai Ioniq 9? Quite a bit.
Here’s what the Hyundai Ioniq 9 has
Still, there’s enough to like about the Ioniq 9’s output.
The design is stunning with the signature dotted lighting of the Ioniq range. I loved it when I first saw it on the Ioniq 5 and I love it here. The rear boat tail design is attractive with just a touch of Volvo XC90 styling in the form of the tail light. From the side, the windswept roofline looks impressive, emphasized by the steeply raked windshield.
The design of the barrier leaves me a bit puzzled. As for the lower edges, the fenders are shaded in black, giving the illusion of a square-shaped design, highlighted by a body-colored visor at the top. However, the blacked-out section appears disproportionate, making it appear as if the wheels are too small. Furthermore, on the upper trims without the black fenders, the separate eyebrow piece still sticks out like a sore thumb. Unless you know the whole story, it won’t make any sense. In fact, the first note I wrote when they took the cover off the car was: “What’s with the fender?”
The Ioniq 9 has the longest wheelbase of any Hyundai on the market, and that translates to plenty of interior space and a flat floor. Although the second-row seats don’t swivel, they do have a footrest and can recline for a quick nap. Taller people may find that their toes don’t quite cover the back of the first row, but I imagine it’s still a comfortable way to spend a road trip. The driver and first-row passenger seats can also recline for napping while charging.
The second-row seats in the pre-production model I sat in didn’t slide forward, so the third row was particularly cramped, despite the long wheelbase. Don’t expect to fit an adult in there and have an adult lying down in the second row. I won’t be able to make a judgment call on how the second and third rows share interior space until I get to a production car with fully equipped seats.
There’s plenty of luggage space inside, with a nice sliding center console that can be opened from the first or second row. The two-level structure is very roomy, but I wish it was cooled. Everyone needs a cold soda, right? As for storing larger items, there’s approximately 47 cubic feet of space in the back with the third row folded down, and the Ioniq 9 has an additional 3 cubic feet of storage bin.
Like other IONIQ products, the dashboard design is stylish and fun. There’s a 12-inch digital instrument cluster augmented by a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, all under a single pane of glass. The HVAC system has manual buttons and dials, so there’s no need to take your eyes off the road just to raise the temperature a few degrees.
There are also 100-watt USB-C ports for all three rows and a standard outlet in the charging area for using the car’s 110.3 kWh battery to power external devices if necessary.
Although I didn’t get a chance to drive the Ioniq 9, Hyundai provided some specs to whet my appetite. The SUV will be available in rear- or all-wheel drive with the ability to charge from 10% to 80% with a 350 kW charger in ideal conditions via the NACS charging port. Buyers can choose a long-range model that offers 335 miles for rear-wheel drive (no range specs were offered for all-wheel drive), or a performance model that prefers higher horsepower and torque.
I noticed that the usual Comfort and Sport driving modes are augmented by Terrain, with additional sub-modes for Mud, Snow and Sand. I can’t imagine people driving this thing across the desert, but once again Hyundai has entered a Telluride in the tough Rebel Rally and has been on the podium more than once, so who knows?
For those who want a little customization, Hyundai has a new on-demand feature system. Are you looking for a great lighting signature when you open the door? What about the infotainment screen? Simply go to the Hyundai online store and you will be able to purchase and download digital upgrades to your heart’s content.
There’s no word on pricing yet, but Hyundai says the Ioniq 9 will be eligible for the full $7,500 tax credit, assuming the next administration doesn’t cut these incentives to ribbons.
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