Hyundai IONIQ 9 Review: Family SUV of the Future, Today

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is the electric three-row SUV that families have been waiting for. Built on Hyundai's E-GMP platform, this flagship model offers up to 620 km of WLTP range, making range anxiety a thing of the past for family road trips.

The interior is where the IONIQ 9 truly shines. The first and second rows feature swivel seats that can rotate 180 degrees when parked, transforming the cabin into a mobile living room. The third row offers genuine adult-sized space — a rarity in this segment, complete with its own USB-C ports and climate controls. The flat floor, courtesy of the skateboard EV platform, creates an immense sense of openness.

Design-wise, the IONIQ 9 follows Hyundai's parametric pixel language but stretches it to its largest canvas yet. The result is striking and distinctive, though some may find the boxy proportions challenging. The aerodynamic flush door handles and digital side mirrors (in select markets) help it slip through the air, contributing to its impressive efficiency for a vehicle of this size.

Powertrain options include a standard 84 kWh battery with rear-wheel drive (providing 620 km range) and a larger 110 kWh option with all-wheel drive (580 km range). Both support the E-GMP platform's signature 800-volt architecture, allowing for 350 kW DC fast charging. This enables a 10-80% charge in just 24 minutes, barely enough time for a family bathroom break.

On the road, the IONIQ 9 prioritizes comfort over dynamism. The suspension is softly sprung, floating over road imperfections, while the cabin remains tomb-like even at highway speeds. Advanced driver assistance systems, including Highway Driving Assist 3, take the stress out of long-distance cruising.

Pricing starts at €65,000 for the base model, positioning it aggressively against the BMW iX, Mercedes EQE SUV, and Tesla Model X. For families ready to make the jump to electric without sacrificing space or comfort, the IONIQ 9 is currently the benchmark.