2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs Kia EV9: Best 3-Row Electric SUV of the Year?

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9 represent the flagship three-row electric SUVs in South Korea. Both are based on the same E-GMP platform, but they differ in catering to the needs of different buyers. The Ioniq 9 focuses on exquisite exterior design and interior comfort, while the EV9 emphasizes multi-functionality, offering a wider range of decoration options, more practical trunk space and a higher ground clearance to adapt to various driving conditions. Although the two SUVs are similar in mechanical basis and standard safety features, their differences in luxury, practicality and technical configuration are obvious. Which model to choose mainly depends on the buyer's priorities, such as design style, interior space layout, performance features and technical preferences. Understanding the range, charging speed and actual convenience of use can help determine which three-row electric SUV is more in line with one's lifestyle.

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Versions

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 offers a comprehensive lineup of six trim levels: S, SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy, and Calligraphy Design, each progressively adding features, luxury, and technology to suit a wide range of buyer preferences. Starting from the S trim, which provides essential electric vehicle capabilities and standard safety features, the trims build upward with increasing comfort, convenience, and premium appointments. SE and SEL introduce upgraded interior materials, enhanced passenger comfort, and additional technology, while Limited adds higher-end luxury touches and advanced driver assistance features. At the top of the lineup, Calligraphy and Calligraphy Design deliver maximum refinement, connectivity, and luxury, with Calligraphy Design representing the flagship version of the Ioniq 9. This structured trim strategy allows buyers to select a model that aligns with their priorities, from practical functionality to premium electric SUV luxury.

2026 Kia EV9 Versions

The 2026 Kia EV9 is available in five different versions, including the Light RWD, the Light Long Range RWD, the Wind AWD, the Land AWD and the GT-Line AWD. The entry-level Light RWD is equipped with a standard battery and a 7-seat layout, covering basic safety and technological configurations. The Light Long Range RWD is equipped with a larger battery, has a longer battery life, and can be optionally equipped with independent seats in the second row. The Wind AWD adopts dual-motor all-wheel drive to enhance traction and stability, while also being upgraded in terms of comfort and technology. Land AWD emphasizes the combination of luxury and practicality, equipped with high-end interior, audio system, adaptive rear suspension and stronger towing capacity. The top-of-the-line GT-Line AWD, on the other hand, highlights sportiness and performance, offering a more distinctive appearance and power performance while integrating almost all advanced features.Overall, the five versions of the EV9 cover different needs for efficiency, comfort, luxury and performance, allowing consumers to choose according to their budget and preferences.

Exterior and Interior Comparison

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9 are both manufactured on the same E-GMP platform, but they show completely different design styles in terms of positioning.The appearance of Ioniq 9 leans more towards refinement and elegance. Its body lines are smooth and round, and the overall temperament is low-key yet high-end, clearly targeting users who value luxury and taste. In contrast, the EV9 adopts a more dynamic styling language, featuring a digital tiger-face grille, sharp body edges and corners, and starlight-style headlights. It also has a high ground clearance, providing a degree of off-road adaptability. In terms of interior space, both models offer three rows of seats and a spacious riding environment, but the focus on details varies. Ioniq 9 pays more attention to space utilization and flexible seat layout, creating a quiet and tech-savvy refined atmosphere. The EV9, on the other hand, emphasizes practicality and personalization, offering a wide range of decoration options as well as functional configurations such as a front trunk. Among high-end models, the Ioniq 9 maintains a uniform sense of luxury, while the EV9 meets users' diverse needs in terms of comfort and practicality through more customization options.

Performance Comparison

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is equipped with a large-capacity battery of 110.3 kWh, with an EPA estimated range of up to 335 miles, making it highly suitable for long-distance family trips. It offers two forms: single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive, meeting different driving needs. The high-performance version can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in approximately 4.9 seconds, output 516 pound-feet of torque, and has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Combined with the trailer mode, it can optimize power and range during towing. In contrast, the Kia EV9 offers a wider range of vehicle configurations, with flexible power options. The high-end models stand out in terms of acceleration performance and fast charging capabilities, enabling rapid recharging within a short period of time. Meanwhile, the EV9 has a higher ground clearance and possesses a certain level of light off-road capability, making it more suitable for diverse road conditions. Both models feature strong acceleration performance, smooth power output and immediate torque response, performing exceptionally well whether for urban commuting or high-speed driving.

Technology and Systems Comparison

Both Ioniq 9 and EV9 are based on Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP platform, providing similar technical foundations, including fast charging capabilities and efficient power systems. The two models have slight differences in their infotainment systems: the EV9 is equipped with Kia's latest touchscreen interface and wireless smartphone integration, while the Ioniq 9 uses Hyundai's updated system with similar functions. Safety technologies are consistent between the two, including forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, intelligent cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. In terms of charging, both vehicles support 800V architecture DC fast charging, which can achieve a charge of 10% to 80% within approximately 24 minutes under the best conditions. The digital display and touchscreen Settings vary depending on the level of decoration. High-end models offer a dual-screen layout and a digital instrument cluster. Both vehicles support wireless updates, enabling manufacturers to remotely add new features and optimize existing systems. Driver assistance functions cover road driving assistance and intelligent parking assistance. The EV9 offers a wider range of decoration and technology package options. Voice control support natural language command, allowing operation climate, navigation and entertainment functions. The mobile application integration enables remote monitoring of the vehicle, checking of charging status and pre-adjusting the climate, providing a convenient and intelligent driving experience.

Range and Charging Comparison

The Ioniq 9 is equipped with a 226.1 kW battery pack, with an EPA estimated range of 320 miles, slightly higher than the maximum range of the EV9. Both models support fast charging and standard home charging options. Whether it's level 1 or level 2 charging, both models can meet different needs. Level 1 charging through a 120V household socket can provide a range increase of approximately 3 to 5 miles per hour, while level 2 charging at 240V significantly speeds up the charging process. The Ioniq 9 can accept up to 11 KW of AC power, and the EV9 also supports a similar rate. Most car owners install level 2 home chargers for night charging, which usually takes 9 to 11 hours to fully charge. Both vehicles' on-board chargers can efficiently handle the conversion from AC to DC. Meanwhile, the public level 2 charging stations in shopping centers and workplaces provide convenience and flexibility for daily use.

Ioniq 9 supports up to 350 kW of DC fast charging under optimal conditions, and EV9 also offers similar high-speed DC charging capabilities. At compatible ultra-fast charging stations, these two models can be charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 24 to 31 minutes, with peak charging speeds typically occurring when the battery power is low. The optimized charging curve and battery management system help maintain efficient charging while ensuring that the battery temperature remains at the optimal level. The 800V architecture of these two models supports these fast charging functions, allowing drivers to make brief stops at highway charging stations and significantly extend the driving range.

Conclusion

Although both the Kia EV9 and the Hyundai Ioniq 9 are built on the same E-GMP platform, they differ significantly in market positioning and configuration orientation. The EV9 places more emphasis on affordability and practicality, with a lower starting price, making it suitable for budget-sensitive consumers. It also offers a wide range of configuration options, as well as practical designs such as a front trunk and a higher ground clearance, meeting the needs of various usage scenarios. The Ioniq 9 takes a high-end route, placing more emphasis on luxury and comfort. Its higher price is mainly reflected in the improvement of materials used inside the vehicle and the optimization of the overall driving and riding experience. When making a choice, consumers should not only consider their budget for purchasing a car, but also take into account their daily travel mileage and the overall cost of using the vehicle. The two vehicles perform similarly in terms of charging efficiency and basic maintenance plans, and both may be eligible for federal and local electric vehicle subsidies. Overall, people who pursue multi-functionality and high cost performance will be more inclined towards the EV9, while family users who value comfort, tranquility and a more refined driving experience may prefer the Ioniq 9.Regardless of the choice, both are equipped with advanced safety technology and fast charging capabilities, while the EV9 is more terrain adaptive and more friendly to users who like to travel outdoors.