Hyundai IONIQ 9 Is Going To Be A Hit Among Rich Families (Not Notable Volumes, But Good Emissions Cuts)

Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News!

Hyundai continues to serve aces. The IONIQ 9 is about to hit roads in the US, then Europe and elsewhere, and Hyundai put out a big press release on why the IONIQ 9 is so great. Of course, it’s rare that an electric vehicle is launched in the US before Europe or China. However, the IONIQ 9 is right up America’s alley — well, rich America’s gated, wide streets alongside a golf course.

Naturally, the IONIQ 9 is much bigger than the IONIQ 5 or IONIQ 6. It’s a big SUV, and it’s speckled with jewels* and fancy features. (*Not literally, just to be clear.) It is definitely a superb new EV and congratulations to anyone who is fortunate enough to buy one. It’s a 3-row beauty with a glamours yet not too gaudy frontend that “soccer moms” will love. Cadillac’s LYRIQ has been a big hit, and I would say this is Hyundai’s “more down to earth” competition in that area. The headlights, to me, give off a “this is jewelry” vibe, and I imagine they will catch many eyes and wallets.

Of course, a premium-edge SUV that seats 7 people is not a mass-market vehicle. There aren’t enough buyers in that vehicle class to make this a high-volume model. But high-volume automakers have to compete in every class, and the good story about the IONIQ 9 is that it should be taking gas-guzzling Escalades, Tahoes, and Suburbans off the road. And we can all be happy about that.

Aside from the cool frontend, which may actually help it compete with (and eventually win some buyers over) the similarly cool-frontend Tesla Model Y, Hyundai is eager to point out that there’s a lot of space inside the IONIQ 9. That said, the interior, while aiming to impress on the tech front with ample charging ports and storage space, is where you can see the IONIQ 9 is a more basic, cheaper SUV than the Cadillac LYRIQ or Rivian R1S. (Presumably, the price will back that up.) The back seats have some tech options, but they’re more old-school, not top-quality infotainment screens. So, in this area, even the Model Y will have a leg up. (Of course, kids have their own tablets and phones, so who actually needs an infotainment screen in the middle of the back seats to stretch to see? With more than one kid, that’s also too often a key ingredient for a fight.) That said, there are a couple of features that are unique and quite special. There’s a “smart massage” function, and the IONIQ 9 also offers “swiveling seats.”  Both will be explained further in the section on the IONIQ 9’s interior below.

The funniest thing to me is that the rear of the IONIQ 9 looks very much like the rear of an old station wagon. So, the model sort of morphs from the front-end vision of a high-tech, luxurious, 2025 SUV, through the practicality and basics of the interior, to a throwback to the affordable, utility-focused station wagon from generations ago. It’s an interesting model. And I do think it will be a hit in its segment.

However, Hyundai and Kia have also shown that they are not doing revolutionary numbers anywhere. They are doing moderately well in EV sales, and they design superb EVs, but they reach moderate sales volumes and then just hover there. It seems like they could have much more success selling EVs if they ramped up production and marketed them more aggressively, but maybe I’m wrong and this more steady approach is the most efficient, effective strategy for these mass-market brands.

IONIQ 9 Interior — Highlights

Hyundai does have a bit to brag about with the interior. I think the company can explain it all better than I can, and deserves to have a little moment in the sun, so here’s an extended quote from Hyundai:

“IONIQ 9’s innovative interior creates a home away from home. Its lounge-like atmosphere is created through elliptical elements and calming tones, while natural light streams through the Panoramic Sunroof^. Passengers can experience exceptional roominess with ample second- and third-row space.

“The flat floor accommodates flexible seating arrangements for six or seven occupants, while Relaxation Seats⁴⁾ in the first and second rows offer full recline capability with leg rests — perfect for relaxing while recharging.

“Passengers can stay refreshed on extended journeys with Hyundai Motor’s first Dynamic Body Care system⁵⁾ as part of IONIQ 9’s Relaxation Seats⁶⁾ . The Dynamic Touch Massage function uses sophisticated pressure and vibration technology to stimulate blood flow and circulation, helping reduce fatigue.

“In select markets, customers can further enhance IONIQ 9’s lounge-like atmosphere with innovative Swiveling Seats^ in the second row. When parked, second- and third-row passengers can face each other for greater interaction.

“IONIQ 9’s slidable Universal Island 2.0 console^ revolutionizes interior accessibility with its walk-through front-row arrangement. Bidirectional armrests open from both the front and rear, allowing easy access from the second row, while the entire console can slide up to 190 mm, delivering storage flexibility. IONIQ 9 offers convenient storage solutions, with 5.6 liters in the upper tray and 12.6 liters in the lower sliding tray.

“IONIQ 9’s generous luggage capacity further enhances usability. The rear cargo area accommodates up to 1,323 liters with the third-row seats folded — enough room for four golf bags and four Boston bags — or 620 liters⁷⁾ with all rows in place. The front trunk offers additional storage of up to 88 liters in RWD models and 52 liters in AWD models, suitable for storing charging cables, for example.”