Hyundai Ioniq 9 review
What does the Hyundai Ioniq 9 do to stand out in a field of impressive seven-seat EVs?
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is proof, if more were needed, that Hyundai really does have an EV for just about anybody.
The polar opposite to the tiny cute Inster, the Ioniq 9 sits atop the Hyundai range above the Ioniq 5 SUV, the Ioniq 6 saloon, the Kona crossover and the soon-to-be-revealed Ioniq 3 hatchback.
Designed as the brand’s flagship, it’s a huge seven-seat SUV positioned to compete with the Kia EV9, the Volvo EX90, Peugeot E-5008, and the Volkswagen ID Buzz.
It’s also closely related to the excellent EV9, so what has Hyundai done to make the Ioniq 9 stand out?
Design, interior and technology
Under the skin, the Ioniq 9 and EV9 use the same elongated version of the E-GMP platform. But on top Hyundai has gone for a gentler, smoother look than the angular approach of the Kia or the petrol-powered Hyundai Santa Fe.
Personally, I think the angular design is bolder and cleaner, but the almost seamless finish to the Ioniq 9’s front end is arguably more subtle. The way the lower grille, lights and bonnet flow into each other can’t hide the car’s massive bulk but it does soften it slightly.
That softer look is helped by the decision to use just a few simple design lines on the exterior, enhanced by a swept-back A-pillar, low-level roof rails and touches such as the pop-out door handles. In common with all Ioniq models, the Ioniq 9’s lighting uses a pixel-style design, with scores of tiny squares to give it a distinct character. This is most apparent at the rear, where a huge horseshoe of lights wraps around the upright tailgate.
The pixel motif is carried inside in touches such as the light-up steering wheel badge, the dashboard texture on lower-spec cars and even the wireless charging pad.
The dashboard and centre console are, like the rest of the car, paragons of practicality. Two big, clear digital screens deliver all the information you need and control most secondary functions via a responsive and logical menu system. But important things, such as climate control, wipers, lights and drive modes are managed by well positioned and tactile dials and switches for ease of use.
I test drove the entry-level Ultimate trim which came with drab upholstery finished in dark fabric and leather that created a slightly gloomy feel. Higher-spec cars definitely get a nicer, lighter interior that elevates the cabin and makes it feel even more spacious. However, top-spec Calligraphy gets a weird faux-marble dash panel, which is best avoided. As are the digital wing mirrors available on that top-spec car as a £1,000 option. Several manufacturers have tried this gimmick in the name of efficiency and the horribly compromised view from the screens isn’t worth an extra mile or two of range.
As a family car, places to hide all your stuff are vital and the Ioniq 9 has this covered. As well as big door pockets and scores of cupholders, there’s a flat tray and pull-out cubby in the dashboard, plus a gargantuan centre bin which is cleverly hinged to allow access for front and rear passengers.
Given its 5m length and 2m width, it’s no surprise that the Ioniq 9 feels absolutely cavernous inside.
The front and middle rows have enough space in every direction for even the tallest occupants and even the rear-most two seats are big enough for smaller adults. You can create more room for the third row by sliding the middle bench forward, too. That still leaves decent space in the middle row and the Ioniq 9 will easily carry seven average-sized adults in comfort.
With all seven seats up you get 338 litres of boot space – around the same as a supermini. In five-seat mode that expands to a massive 908 litres. With all five rear seats folded, there’s a ridiculous 2,419 litres.
If you can’t fit comfortably in the Hyundai Ioniq 9 then you need a minibus.
Battery, motor and performance
Along with the slightly dull interior, the entry-level model only comes with the basic powertrain.
That means a rear-mounted 215bhp motor and a 110kWh battery. Higher spec cars come with all-wheel-drive as standard and either 307PS or 427PS.
The good thing about the lower power output is that it maximises efficiency and Hyundai claims up to 385 miles per charge and 3.1m/kWh energy consumption.
That’s pretty impressive for such a big car. Obviously, those are WLTP test figures, but I saw around 2.8m/kWh during my test run, which means an easily achievable 300 miles in real world use.
The bad thing about the lower power output is that it feels a little sluggish. Hitting 62mph from standstill takes a relaxed 9.4 seconds. Throttle response is decent but there’s only so much 215bhp and 258lb ft can do when shifting something that weighs nearly 2.5 tonnes and has the profile of a house brick. Towing is also limited in the RWD car. It is limited to 1.6 tonnes while every AWD can pull 2.5 tonnes.
As you’d expect, dynamic handling also isn’t the Ioniq 9’s bag, but that’s absolutely fine. This is designed for leisurely hauling family and stuff around, not for driving on its door handles. That said, there’s still a welcome connected feel and balance to all the controls that makes this massive machine easy to drive.
The ride, even on my test car’s 17-inch alloys is a little stiff but not unbearable and, apart from that occasionally lumpy ride, the Ioniq 9 is a brilliantly composed and comfortable family mover with excellent refinement.
Price and specification
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 line-up is pretty simple.
It starts with the tested Premium grade car, which comes only with the rear-wheel-drive powertrain and is priced from £64,995.
Above that we’ve got the Ultimate trim, priced at £74,495, which comes with the 30&Ps AWD setup as standard. And at the top of the range is the Cailligraphy, starting at £75,795 for the 307PS setup or £76,095 for the 427PS model. There’s also the option of a six-seat configuration that adds nearly £3,000 to the Calligraphy’s cost.
All versions currently qualify for Hyundai’s £1,500 EV grant, although there’s no guarantee how long that will run for.
Regardless of trim, the Ioniq 9’s spec sheet is extensive, with 17-inch alloys, heated front and rear seats, front and rear air conditioning, a heat pump, vehicle-to-load capability, powered tailgate and enough USB sockets to power even the most connected family all standard. A full pack of driver assistance, including highway assist 2.0 is also standard.
Ultimate includes full LED headlights, bigger wheels, a head-up display, heated steering wheel and Bose stereo among its extra goodies. Calligraphy is about fancier seats and trim and exclusive options such as the digital wing mirrors and six-seat layout.
Frankly, unless you really need a heated steering wheel or want the extra oomph of the AWD, the Ultimate has everything most families will ever need.
Verdict
The number of Kia EV9s you see on the road shows there is definitely demand for proper seven-seat EVs, and the Ioniq 9 feels primed to exploit that demand.
It can match the Kia in the practicality and quality stakes while delivering more range and faster charging.
It’s also slightly cheaper that its Korean cousin and significantly more affordable than the EX90, which is nowhere near as user-friendly. The Peugeot E-5008 may be cheaper still, but it doesn’t have the same passenger space or practicality.
To get the best range you’ll have to accept a slightly sluggish performance, but that trade-off, along with the still-comprehensive basic equipment list makes the Ioniq 9 perhaps the best electric seven-seater out there.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Premium
- Price: £64,995 (£65,745 as tested)
- Powertrain: Single-motor, rear-wheel-drive
- Battery: 110kWh
- Power: 215bhp
- Torque: 258lb ft
- Top speed: 118mph
- 0-62mph: 9.4 seconds
- Range: 385miles
- Consumption: m/kWh
- Charging: up to 233kW
Also consider
- Kia EV9 – Just as spacious, well-built and user friendly. Just not quite as powerful or long-legged
- Peugeot E-5008 – Not quite as spacious, but cheaper and comes with even more range in top spec
- VW ID Buzz – More limited real-world range, but an even more practical and spacious option
