Hyundai unveiled its new three-row electric SUV Ioniq 9 last night at an event adjacent to the LA Auto Show. The seven-seater sits on the same platform as the Kia EV9 SUV.
“That said, the EV market is facing headwinds right now, and there’s even more uncertainty around the corner for them once the next Trump administration takes over. The fact that this Ioniq 9 will be built in the US should help some of that, and from a product standpoint, this has The SUV has a lot going for it.”
The Ioniq 9 showcases the high level of technology the automaker offers to customers, taking design inspiration from mid-century modern architecture with a design language the company calls “Aerosthetic.” The low, boxy SUV features a smooth, curved roofline and active aerodynamics at the bottom to balance airflow. It has a 123-inch wheelbase, making it longer than the Ford Explorer.
In terms of size and design from the side, it has a shape reminiscent of the long-lost Mercedes-Benz R-Class, but takes on a futuristic look from the rear and front. Like Hyundai’s other new-style cars, the Ioniq 9 features the signature Parametric Pixel bulbs with small cube-shaped projector headlamps. The taillights are LED as are the puddle lights in the door handles.
Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America
It’s also the first Hyundai to figure out how to remove the roof antenna, splitting its functions between the windscreen cover, dashboard and tailgate glass for GPS and satellite radio, connected garages and radio.
The Ioniq 9 comes with 19- to 21-inch wheels and is available in 16 exterior paint colors, including new shades like Celadon Gray Matte, Celadon Gray Metallic, Ionosphere Green Pearl, Sunset Brown Pearl and Cosmic Blue Pearl.
Inside, the Ioniq 9 features elliptical design elements and a panoramic sunroof. Like some other Hyundai vehicles, the Ioniq 9 offers relaxing seats in the first and second rows that fully recline and offer footrests for added comfort. They also massage and the second row swivels, allowing second and third row passengers to face each other when the vehicle is stationary.
The new sliding center console moves 7.5 inches fore and aft to allow access for first and second row passengers. The armrests can be opened from the front and back.
Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9 includes an EV route planner for on-the-go charging, while green dots on the steering wheel show drivers the remaining battery power. The AI assistant is standard, activated by a button and can control certain vehicle functions. Wireless updates and on-demand features keep the vehicle fresh with new technology. It has multiple power ports in all ranges and a UV-C sterilization tray for phones and other everyday items.
The rear-wheel drive models feature a single 160-kilowatt (kW) electric motor and the longest range. All-wheel drive (AWD) versions are equipped with a motor on each axle.
The Ioniq 9 Performance model can accelerate to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds, while the Long-Range AWD variant takes 6.7 seconds.
The Ioniq 9 comes with a terrain traction control system for rough roads and an automatic terrain mode that uses AI to select the optimal mode for road conditions. It can tow 5,000 pounds.
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Hyundai faces a headwind with the Ioniq 9
Americans’ attitudes toward electric and hybrid vehicles are evolving as automakers introduce new vehicles that fit many lifestyles and lower barriers to adoption. However, Hyundai faces a situation similar to General Motors with its lineup. GM has Chevrolet and Cadillac offering different gas and battery models side by side instead of selling the same model in different powertrains. Hyundai will now offer the Ioniq 9 to directly compete with its Palisade. For the Ioniq 9 to be successful, Hyundai not only needs to steal customers from Palisade, but also from Kia, GM, Rivian and Jeep.
The battery on the floor offers 110.3 kilowatt hours of energy. Hyundai claims it can charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes using a 350kW charger. It also has vehicle charging (V2L) capabilities, which means it can power other things like a house without power or another EV.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9 will go on sale next year in Korea and in the first half of 2025 in the United States. It will reach Europe and other countries later.
