The new Hyundai IONIQ 9 is a three-row electric SUV that hauls families without the compromises you’d expect from an EV. It’s about the same size as the gas-powered Hyundai Palisade, but runs purely on battery power with enough range to handle real road trips. The base rear-wheel-drive model starts around $60,500 and qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit since it’s assembled in Georgia.

• You get up to 335 miles of range in the base rear-wheel-drive model, with even the most powerful all-wheel-drive version still managing over 300 miles on a charge.
• The cabin stays remarkably quiet thanks to acoustic glass, active noise control, triple door seals, and sound-absorbing tires that block out road and wind noise at highway speeds.
• Fast charging comes through with the 800-volt system going from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes at a high-speed charger, which makes longer trips actually doable.

The Good Stuff First

Here’s what actually matters for families. Every trim level comes with a 110.3-kWh battery that translates to legitimate driving range. Even the loaded Performance model with all-wheel drive and 422 horsepower still manages 311 miles. That’s enough to get you from Los Angeles to Las Vegas with battery to spare.

The interior space is genuinely impressive. With a flat floor and a long wheelbase, there’s actual legroom in all three rows. The second-row captain’s chairs in higher trims slide and fold at the press of a button, making third-row access way easier than in most three-row SUVs. Storage is thoughtful too, with a center console that slides forward and backward and opens from both the first and second rows. There’s even a deep drawer that’s perfect for kids’ snacks on the ride home from school.

Hyundai went all out on noise reduction. The acoustic glass on the first two rows, combined with active noise cancellation technology borrowed from Genesis, makes the cabin eerily quiet at highway speeds. Multiple reviews mention how wind and road noise just disappear once you’re above 30 mph. Sound-absorbing foam in the tires and triple door seals add to the effect. It’s quieter than you’d expect from an SUV this size.

The suspension handles bumps better than most family haulers. Self-leveling dampers and hydraulic bushings work together to smooth out rough pavement. Even on 21-inch wheels with lower-profile tires, the ride stays comfortable once you’re up to speed. The SUV feels planted around corners too, with minimal body roll and decent grip.

Where the IONIQ 9 Falls Short

The sleek, sloping roofline looks modern but cuts into cargo space. You get 21.9 cubic feet behind the third row, which is less than boxier competitors. That’s fine for groceries and sports gear, but families used to loading up a traditional SUV might notice the difference. Folding down the third row gives you 46.7 cubic feet, which is better but still not class-leading.

The steering feels light and offers minimal feedback. It gets the job done for daily driving, but don’t expect much road feel. The 41-foot turning circle can make parking in tight spots more challenging than it needs to be. Some European reviewers noted that the 1.98-meter width (excluding mirrors) feels tight on narrow village roads too.

At lower speeds on rougher city streets, the ride can feel a bit harsh, especially on models with the larger 21-inch wheels. Once you’re cruising above 30 mph, things smooth out considerably. The comfort-first suspension tuning means this isn’t a sporty handler, even in Sport mode.

IONIQ 9: Pricing and Value

The base S model with rear-wheel drive starts at $60,555 including destination. That gets you 335 miles of range, seven-passenger seating, and the curved dual-display setup. Step up to the SE at $64,365 for all-wheel drive. The Limited at $72,850 adds 21-inch wheels, a panoramic roof, and second-row captain’s chairs. The top Calligraphy Design trim hits $79,090 with unique styling and a head-up display.

Since it’s made in Georgia, every IONIQ 9 qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, bringing the effective starting price down to around $53,000. That makes it competitive with the Kia EV9 and more affordable than the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV or Rivian R1S.

Should Your Family Go Electric With This One?

The IONIQ 9 works well for families ready to switch to electric without giving up space or comfort. The quiet cabin and fast charging speeds are benefits you’ll notice on every drive. Sure, the cargo space could be better and the steering more communicative, but those are minor complaints for an SUV that does so much well at a reasonable price.

If you’re comparing it to gas-powered alternatives, the Hyundai Palisade starts around $20,000 less. But once you factor in the tax credit, lower fuel costs, and less maintenance, the electric option starts looking better. For families who can charge at home and want a vehicle that handles both daily errands and weekend trips with ease, this one checks most of the boxes.