Hyundai has been leading the charge in electric vehicle (EV) development, largely due to the popularity of their crossover, the Hyundai Ioniq 5. However, the company is gearing up to introduce a new EV that might become even more popular than the Ioniq 5, particularly in the U.S., where larger cars are favored.
This new model, the Ioniq 9, is a rebranding of what was initially going to be called the Ioniq 7. It will be Hyundai’s electric SUV, similar to what the Kia EV9 is for Kia. The Ioniq 9 will feature three rows of seats and will share design elements with the Ioniq 5.
So, what do we know about the Ioniq 9 so far? The only version seen by the public is a concept named “Seven,” which was originally intended to be named the Ioniq 7. Hyundai decided to change the name to capitalize on the success of the Kia EV9.
Although we’ve only seen a concept of this SUV, we can speculate on some features. The concept includes pixel lights that span the front of the car, much like the Ioniq 5. Similar pixel lights are also seen at the rear. The vehicle’s shape deviates from typical SUVs, featuring a swooping roofline, curved side panels, and a flat rear end. It’s an interesting design, but it’s uncertain how much of this will be retained in the final model.
Information about the Ioniq 9’s interior is even more limited. The concept presented a “living room on wheels” with rotating chairs and a minimalist design. It’s unlikely these features will make it to the final production. Instead, expect an interior akin to the Ioniq 5, with a dual display up front and more conventional seating. What is certain is that the SUV will feature three rows of seats.
While Hyundai hasn’t provided official pricing details for the Ioniq 9, we can make an educated guess. It will likely be priced similarly to the Kia EV9, which starts at $54,900 and can go up to the mid-$70,000s. The entry-level model is expected to be a single-motor, rear-wheel drive version with a smaller battery, while upgrading to multi-motor models and larger batteries will cost more.
When will we be able to see the Ioniq 9 in person? The production will start in Korea in the first half of 2024 and in the U.S. by mid-2025. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the car won’t be available in the U.S. until then; Hyundai might import it earlier. According to the Korean Car Blog, the final version of the Ioniq 9 will be unveiled in early 2024.
We don’t have specifics on the models yet, but it’s likely the Ioniq 9 will be built on the same E-GMP platform as the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV9. Expected models could include a single-motor rear-wheel drive variant, a rear-wheel drive model with a larger battery, and several all-wheel drive models with different battery sizes.
One of the standout features of Hyundai and Kia’s EVs has been their impressive charging speeds, with existing models achieving up to 350 kilowatts. This enables a full charge in under 20 minutes at compatible stations. The Ioniq 9 is expected to maintain this capability.
The driving range remains uncertain. The concept car suggested a range of over 300 miles, but it’s likely that only higher-end models will achieve this. Lower-end models might have a shorter range. For context, the Kia EV9 has a maximum range of 304 miles, so we hope the Ioniq 9 can at least match or exceed that.
Performance details for the Ioniq 9 are also scarce, but we can look at the Kia EV9 for clues. The EV9’s base model is a single-motor rear-wheel drive, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. Meanwhile, the top model, with a dual-motor setup, can do 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, delivering 379 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. We expect similar performance from the Ioniq 9.
As for technology, while Hyundai hasn’t confirmed the features for the Ioniq 9, it’s likely to be similar to the Ioniq 5. The infotainment system, though not as advanced as those from Rivian or Tesla, is user-friendly and supports CarPlay and Android Auto. We also anticipate features like camera-based blind spot monitoring and self-parking capabilities.
The Ioniq 9 will likely offer various driver-assist features, including lane-centering and adaptive cruise control, making highway driving almost autonomous. Hopefully, Hyundai will aim for Level 3 self-driving tech, allowing drivers to take their hands off the wheel in certain conditions.
It’s unclear whether the Ioniq 9 will qualify for federal tax credits initially. Some reports suggest Hyundai plans to eventually build the car at its Georgia plant, but the first batch might come from South Korea. We’ll have to wait for more details on this.
By 2024, a 300-mile range should be the norm for EVs, and we hope even the base model of the Ioniq 9 hits this mark, though it might be optimistic. Along with a good range, we’d love to see some of the interior features from the concept make it to production.