EVs are finally becoming more of a mainstream product and less of an only-for-the-wealthy option, and with that, 3-row all-electric SUVs are steadily gaining traction. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 isn’t the only 3-row EV SUVs available in America, but it’s a more much affordable substitute for pricey models like the Cadillac Vistiq or Escalade, the Rivian R1S, the Volvo EX90, or the Tesla Model X. With a maximum price of $76,490 for the top-shelf Performance Calligraphy Design AWD model (which is the one I drove), it’s exactly what you’d want from an SUV in that segment: roomy, a reasonable range (even with AWD), over 400 horsepower, and more.
Kristen Brown
But how does it fare in a family setting? Unsurprisingly, very well. Even with toddlers, there were so many features that made the 6,008-pound SUV feel like a member of the family instead of a four-wheeled companion. It blended into life with two crazy toddlers, and I’ll tell you about how.
There’s enough room for the kids, the dog, and, shoot, the whole house
One of my favorite things about EVs is the amount of space you can get out of them because they don’t have traditional drive or powertrain parts underneath. Therefore, the floor can be lower or higher without sacrificing the passenger space that a transmission tunnel would normally occupy. With a wheelbase of 123.2 inches, the same length as the Jeep Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and the Audi A8 L, the interior space is astonishing. The very tall ceiling and long, tinted sunroof made us feel like we were in a small RV instead of a mainstream SUV. If you want numbers, the Hyundai boasts 21.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet behind the second row (with the third row folded), and 86.9 cubic feet with both rows folded.
Kristen Brown
As my husband noted, the third row is actually usable, and you don’t have to spend nearly as much as the former vehicles to get it. The space behind the third row when it’s in use is impressive, too. There’s plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or a stroller, even if it’s packed to the gills with kids. In the front, there was more room than I knew what to do with, especially if you slide the center console (which can go forward and backward by 7 inches) toward the second row. When all four of us were in the car, I had a place for my purse on the center console shelf (a relief to my husband, who usually sees it in the footwell), I had room for my camera gear, both of our phones, and so much more.
The elephant-sized SUV was surprisingly quick
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 offers various power outputs depending on its configuration. The base model with a single motor (RWD) produces 215 horsepower. Opting for the all-wheel drive version with two motors increases the output to 303 horsepower. The Performance AWD Calligraphy Design trim delivers the highest power with 422 horsepower. For an SUV that big, that felt like the perfect amount of power. Plus, it made daily chores so much more fun. How can you have an existential crisis when you can get an SUV that weighs as much as a female African Forest Elephant from zero to sixty in 4.9 seconds?
Kristen Brown
In all seriousness, though, the power is great to have when you need it, like when you have to pass trucks or quickly get up to speed on an on-ramp. I did try Sport mode, and the acceleration was immediately more responsive, but for the most part, I didn’t have to switch it out of Normal to enjoy all 422 horses champing at the bit. My oldest daughter was always asking me to make it go fast–she loved how quickly it got up and went.
The range and charging capabilities were impressive
Like the output options, the maximum range depends on how you build it. The single motor, rear-wheel drive version sees the most range with 335 miles at a full charge, and the AWD version takes a cut for obvious reasons to 311 miles of range. Perhaps I’m just a whiz with EVs, but I achieved a maximum range of 321 miles during my week with the IONIQ 9. There are also plenty of ways to save on range, such as a “Driver Only” A/C mode, seat ventilators to help keep you cool, and more. When I didn’t have my kids or husband in the car, I always used that function, and it was impressive watching the range go up.
Kristen Brown
Since it comes with an NACS adapter from the factory, road trips would also be easy, as you can plug into the vast Tesla Supercharger network. Thankfully, the IONIQ 9, on a level 3 charger, can charge from 10 to 80% in just 24 minutes. That’s just enough time to plug in, grab a few snacks and a drink for the road, use the bathroom, and chill before hitting the road again.
The interior feels posh and premium with intuitive tech
I’ve always been a fan of Hyundai interiors, since they tend to be rich with color and have varying materials and textures to shake up the normal, monotonous black-on-black look. The IONIQ 9 I drove had the white leather interior, which wasn’t entirely toddler-friendly, but it sure was beautiful to look at. Since I had the top-of-the-line model, the second row had massaging seats, too, as part of Hyundai’s Dynamic Body Care system.
My toddlers couldn’t enjoy it, but I could picture my mother-in-law adoring it, especially paired with the heating and reclining function with a built-in ottoman. If no one’s in the third row, she could slide the seat all the way back with the press of a button and enjoy a spa on wheels. The only thing missing would be a foot massage. Maybe that’ll be included in the 2030 model. Or 2050. There are swivel seats, too, so when it’s parked, the second row can turn 180 degrees to face the third row. You know, just in case your kids wanted to throw hands or if you had to tend to kids, or even change a diaper.
Kristen Brown
My favorite feature was the sliding center console, though. My husband occasionally drives the cars I review, so I can experience them as a passenger, and I love it. Getting back in the driver’s seat, I severely underestimated how nice it is to be able to slide it forward or backward, especially since my husband and I have different seating preferences. My daughters loved the Bose sound system (which was repeating Soda Pop over and over again), the ambient lighting, and the sunroof the most. I loved the dual-screen setup and media screen, since everything was where you’d assume it would be, and nearly everything is customizable. I could confidently say that it felt more like a six-figure car than a nearly $80,000 car.
Final thoughts
Compared to the full-sized, three-row EV SUVs on the market today, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 not only goes up to bat with them, but hits a home run every single time. For the price, the list of features is endless, the range is great for an AWD SUV, charging is quick and easy, the interior is absolutely stunning, and it fits so seamlessly into my life with two kids that I would scoop one up tomorrow if I owned a home with a charger. It’s hard to impress my husband, but he enjoyed every minute he spent in it.
About the author
Kristen Brown
Contributing Writer, Autoblog