Hyundai Ioniq 9 Review: The Electric SUV That Feels Like Home
After several months living with the Hyundai Ioniq 9, three conclusions have become undeniable: this all-electric SUV consistently impresses on every drive, Hyundai and its sister brands lead in automotive technology, and long-distance electric vehicle travel has shed its former anxieties. Hyundai's strategic move upmarket mirrors Volvo's trajectory a generation ago, combining distinctive style, exceptional quality, and Korean hospitality to remarkable effect.
A New Benchmark in Electric Luxury
The Ioniq 9 represents Hyundai's flagship electric SUV, prioritizing comfort and luxury over outright dynamics. This substantial seven-seater shares much with its award-winning sibling, the Kia EV9, but benefits from later technological advancements and a larger battery. During a six-month evaluation, the vehicle's luxurious character proved more than superficial, with numerous observers drawing comparisons to Range Rover models, including from current Range Rover owners.
The comfort level astonishes, extending beyond the driver to all passengers. This positions the Ioniq 9 in a luxury segment where Hyundai's premium Genesis brand might typically compete, creating an intriguing brand dynamic. The vehicle's performance as a genuine luxury SUV will be closely monitored through ongoing updates.
Specifications and Pricing
The tested Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy model features a base price of £78,595, with optional Celadon Grey Matte paint adding £1,200 for a total of £79,795. It houses a substantial 110kWh battery, delivering an efficiency of 2.8 miles/kWh during testing and a maximum claimed range of 372 miles. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes just 5.2 seconds.
The Ultimate Travel Companion
Frequent travelers once described British Airways planes as feeling like home upon boarding. Similarly, leaving the Ioniq 9 in a Heathrow Airport car park prompted anticipation of returning to its welcoming cabin. The sight of the vehicle upon return genuinely lowered stress levels, even making the prospect of navigating the M25 appealing.
On motorways, Hyundai's Highway Drive Assist system—essentially adaptive cruise control—maintains lane position and following distance, even executing lane changes when indicated. The system operates so seamlessly that passengers often remain unaware the vehicle is handling most driving duties, though some initially find the experience disconcerting before relaxing into the supremely comfortable seats.
Quiet Comfort and Premium Audio
The cabin's tranquility is enhanced by active noise-cancelling technology that uses the vehicle's speakers to further quieten an already silent electric drivetrain. While it cannot silence chatty children, the Bose audio system delivers exceptional performance with detailed separation and robust bass, representing a significant improvement over previous automotive Bose installations.
Spacious and Practical Interior
The six-seat Calligraphy trim features two "captain's chairs" in the middle row, heated as expected in a range-topping model. A clever sliding center console allows rear passengers access to cooled storage, while the additional seats in the boot prove invaluable for family transportation. Even adult passengers in the third row enjoy ample space and headroom despite the sloping roofline.
Long journeys remain manageable thanks to rapid 233kW charging capability—exceeding what most public chargers can deliver—and decent efficiency. The Ioniq 9 genuinely accommodates extended travel comfort for all occupants.
Urban Challenges and Winter Performance
While the vehicle navigates village streets competently, some older car parks present challenges due to the SUV's dimensions. Parking in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, requires careful maneuvering, and the Wycombe Swan theatre car park was avoided entirely due to evident wall scrapes. However, transporting six adults in one vehicle remains preferable to using two cars.
Winter conditions naturally affect electric vehicle range, with the Ioniq 9's maximum dropping to between 310-320 miles during cold spells. Careful planning using charging apps like Zap Map ensures successful long-distance travel, with fast-charging hubs providing convenient stops. The vehicle's maximum charging speed reached 205kW at a 300kW station, though strategic charging to approximately 150 miles proves more time- and cost-effective than full charges.
Family-Friendly Features
Christmas testing with six passengers, including elderly relatives with limited mobility, demonstrated the vehicle's accessibility and comfort. The panoramic sunroof offered spectacular views of London's Christmas lights, while the Hyundai app enabled pre-heating for toasty departures. The Relaxation Seats recline with extending footrests during stops, while Ergo Motion automatically activates massage functions after thirty minutes of driving to prevent backache—truly lounge-like comfort surpassing many armchairs.
Initial Impressions and Passenger Feedback
Family members praised the smooth ride, easy access, heated seats, and abundant storage. The driver enjoys a quiet, comfortable experience that makes time behind the wheel genuinely anticipated. The interior's luxurious appearance and construction invite favorable comparisons to premium brands, with automatic seat adjustments ensuring comfort on extended journeys.
As testing continues into warmer months, range improvements and further luxury feature exploration will complete this comprehensive evaluation of Hyundai's ambitious electric SUV.
