HYUNDAI JUST BROKE THE MOLD WITH THE IONIQ 9

EV Channels Review

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is presented as a compelling and affordable three-row electric SUV, aiming to break the mold with its distinctive design and practical features. The reviewer highlights its spacious interior, particularly the best-in-class headroom and legroom, and a third row that rivals the first row in comfort. Key advantages include impressive range (up to 335 miles for RWD, 320 for AWD), a low drag coefficient of 0.27, and the inclusion of a native NACS port, enabling access to Tesla Superchargers. The vehicle also boasts 800-volt architecture for rapid charging (10-80% in ~22 minutes) and bidirectional charging capabilities (V2L/V2H). The interior is praised for its lounge-like, eco-friendly design with vegan leather, heated/ventilated seats, and a unique relaxation mode. However, the reviewer notes some drawbacks, including a slightly less premium feel in certain interior trim elements (specifically the aluminum foil-like finish on the dash), a less engaging driving experience with noticeable body roll at higher speeds, and the charge port's passenger-side placement which can complicate charging at older Superchargers. Despite these points, the IONIQ 9 is considered a better value proposition than the Kia EV9, offering more features and space for a slightly higher price, making it a strong contender in the electric SUV market.