The Hyundai Ioniq 9, the direct rival of the Kia EV9, is coming to U.S. dealers in Spring 2025. Although mechanically similar, the Hyundai model trumps its corporate cousin in several ways, on paper. Here are nine reasons the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is absolutely worth the wait, if you are considering the Kia EV9 as your next car.
Bigger dimensions
Measuring 199.2 in. in length and 70.5 in. in height, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is 2.0 in. longer and 0.4 in. taller than the Kia EV9. The bigger dimensions makes it ideal for those seeking a vehicle that not only meets practical needs (discussed in the following section) but also commands attention on the road.
More space
At 123.2 in., the wheelbase of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is 1.2 in. longer than that of the Kia EV9. The former’s length, height, and wheelbase lead to a roomier cabin, with the passenger volume coming at 163.5 cu. ft. in the seven-seat version, 4.7 cu. ft. more than in the latter. The Hyundai SUV also offers more luggage capacity – 21.9 cu. ft. (+1.7 cu. ft.) behind the third row, 46.7 cu. ft. (+3.2 cu. ft.) behind the second row, and 86.9 cu. ft. (+5.2 cu. ft.) behind the first row.
Front-row walk-through seating & slidable center console
The Ioniq 9’s front row comes with a walk-through seating arrangement for better accessibility and convenience, particularly in tight parking situations. More importantly, there’s an innovative center console called ‘Universal Island 2.0’ between the driver and front passenger seats. Users can move it forward or backward and adjust its position by up to 190 mm (7.5 in.). It has bidirectional armrests that allows second-row passengers also to access its upper storage area.
More physical controls
The Ioniq 9 seems to have better ergonomics, thanks to more physical controls. For example, while Kia equips the EV9 with hidden-until-lit touch-control buttons for core infotainment system functions like Home, Map, Search, Media, Favorite, and Setup, Hyundai uses physical switches in the Ioniq 9.
100W USB-C buttons
The Ioniq 9 has significantly more advanced USB-C ports, capable of delivering power at up to 100 watts, sufficient to fast-charge devices like a 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro at its peak capacity.
UV-C sterilizer
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 looks better suited for maintaining hygiene during outdoor adventures. It has a UV-C sterilizer that allows you to disinfect small objects like mobile phones, gloves, sunglasses, wallets, and masks. The availability of this feature in the U.S. is yet to be confirmed, though.
Quicker performance
While the top-end Kia EV9 employs twin 189.5 hp electric motors and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, the range-topping Hyundai Ioniq 9 sports two 214.5 hp motors, accomplishing the same in 4.9 seconds.
Longer range
Thanks to its bigger, 110.3 kWh battery pack and more streamlined design, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is projected to deliver an EPA-estimated range of up to 335 miles, 31 miles more than the Kia EV9.
Also See: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 shines in the Curated Silver body color
Future XRT variant
Spy images (via Autospy) and media reports (via carsales.com.au) suggest an XRT variant of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 with better off-road capability and a more rugged styling is in the works. For buyers expecting more from the Ioniq 9, this could be the solution. In contrast, a similar derivative has not been reported for the Kia EV9.
Featured Image Source: Kia & Hyundai
I got my Master’s in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.
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