I drove the Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 9 for a week — here’s the all-electric, 3-row SUV I’d recommend

So, you have a big family to haul around and you want to go electric? Well, you can have your cake and eat it too. Three-row electric SUVs are a thing, and have been for a while now. Today, you have several options, including the Cadillac Vistiq and Escalade IQ, Volvo EX90, Rivian R1S, Kia EV9, and Hyundai IONIQ 9. Even Tesla’s Model Y is available with a third row, though it’s tiny and best suited for small kids.

In this comparison, I'm taking a look at the Kia EV9 ($54,900+) and Hyundai IONIQ 9 ($58,955+), two three-row electric SUVs built on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP (Electric Global Modular Platform). This EV platform, which is also used in popular EVs like the Kia EV6 and Hyundai IONIQ 5, uses a fast-charging 800V architecture and typically offers a range of 250 to 300 miles. E-GMP vehicles also share ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) and infotainment tech.

But while the EV9 and IONIQ 9 have a lot in common, they each have their own unique interior and exterior design, driving character, and personality. I’ve spent a few days with the top-range EV9 GT-Line ($71,900), performance-oriented EV9 GT ($85,295 CAD, only available in Canada and the UK), and luxury-focused IONIQ 9 Calligraphy ($74,990). Here’s the one I’d recommend based on my experience.

Kia EV9 vs Hyundai IONIQ 9: Specifications

Kia EV9 vs Hyundai IONIQ 9: Design

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The Kia EV9 looks like a concept that somehow made it to production. I really like this design, with its sharp, angular exterior and modern, futuristic interior. The proportions are excellent, and give the EV9 a lot of presence on the road. Yet there’s no mistaking this EV for an SUV. The shape of the LED headlights and taillights is particularly unique and really stands out. Ditto the wheels, which have a square-ish design that’s quite striking.

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Meanwhile, the Hyundai IONIQ 9’s design is slightly more restrained. The exterior is rounder and sleeker, and the interior is more conventional and familiar. While both electric SUVs have physical controls for the climate system, the IONIQ 9’s use of round dials is more accessible. Overall, the IONIQ 9 looks more like a lifted minivan than an SUV, but the retro-modern pixel motif in the headlights and taillights keeps things fresh.

Winner: Kia EV9

Kia EV9 vs Hyundai IONIQ 9: Efficiency

As you can see in the table above, the Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 9 aren’t the most efficient EVs out there. On the plus side, these average efficiency numbers are conservative as both electric SUVs usually exceed their EPA range in normal day-to-day driving.

It’s worth noting that the IONIQ 9 is more efficient despite having a larger capacity battery and weighing more. As a bonus, it also supports higher peak DC charging rates.

Winner: Hyundai IONIQ 9

Kia EV9 vs Hyundai IONIQ 9: Drive performance

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When it comes to smiles per mile, the EV9 is a winner. Performance is impressive considering this is a large, heavy electric SUV. Between the confident handling and the compliant ride, it manages to be sporty without sacrificing comfort. And if you really want to have fun, the EV9 GT cranks things up to eleven. Imagine a Hyundai IONIQ 5 N — complete with simulated gear shifts and fake engine noises — but with an entire extra row of seats.

You’ll have to visit Canada or the U.K. to experience this grin-inducing performance model, however. The EV9 GT was supposed to come to the U.S. (it even comes with a NACS port) but that was put on hold, unfortunately. Since the EV9 GT is manufactured in South Korea (other EV9s are made in the U.S.) and considering the current economic landscape and negative EV sentiment in the US, I understand why Kia made this decision.

Regardless which EV it’s underpinning, E-GMP EVs have been wowing consumers and reviewers alike. As such, both electric SUVs are built on a solid foundation, and are quite similar on paper. But the IONIQ 9 is definitely softer and more chill than the EV9 in its driving temperament. The ride and handling lean more towards comfort and luxury, and while there’s just as much performance on tap, that’s not what the IONIQ 9 is about.

Winner: Kia EV9

Kia EV9 vs Hyundai IONIQ 9: Comfort

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The Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 9 are both extremely quiet and comfortable, and deliver tons of interior space. How much interior space? The second row provides a whopping 42.8-inches of legroom. For the record, that’s more legroom than the Cadillac Escalade. Both electric SUVs are available in 7-seat and 6-seat configurations. The latter features two power-adjustable, heated and ventilated captain’s chairs with legrests and full recline.

Massaging seats are also an option, but unfortunately, those are only available for the driver on EV9s and IONIQ 9s sold in North America. Other markets get massaging seats for the front passenger and second row. Regardless, you’re getting premium amenities bordering on luxury with both electric SUVs. But the IONIQ 9 has the EV9 beat on cargo capacity with up to 86.9 vs 81.7 cu.ft available with the second and third rows folded.

Winner: Hyundai IONIQ 9

Kia EV9 vs Hyundai IONIQ 9: Value

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The Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 9 are basically twins within Hyundai Motor Group, so there’s very little difference between them in terms of features and specs. No matter which trim you pick, the EV9 always costs $3,000 to $4,000 less than the IONIQ 9, making it the value champ. And if you live in Canada, at $85,295 CAD (approx. $62,400 USD) the Kia EV9 GT is an absolute steal, especially since it’s better equipped than the top-range EV9 GT-Line.

Winner: Kia EV9

Kia EV9 vs Hyundai IONIQ 9: Verdict

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In all, the Kia EV9 and Hyundai IONIQ 9 are both outstanding three-row electric SUVs. Regardless of model and trim, you’re getting decent range, fast charging, great performance, high equipment levels, quality materials, plus solid infotainment and ADAS tech. So you can’t go wrong either way. Your choice really boils down to which design you prefer inside and out, whether you lean more towards performance or luxury, and what your budget is.

Personally, I'd pick the EV9 GT-Line (or better yet, the EV9 GT in Canada or the U.K.) because I like its bold design and driving dynamics better than the IONIQ 9’s. Not to mention, the EV9 is universally praised by everyone who's driven it. It’s also the closest you can get to driving a Rivian R1S without breaking the bank. And for the record, many (myself included) consider the R1S to be the ultimate electric SUV, and one of the best electric cars available today.

Winner: Kia EV9

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