The full-sized electric SUV market is heating up, with Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 rapidly expanding consumer options by capitalizing on two key strengths: space and price.

According to Hyundai Motor Company on August 13, the Ioniq 9 posted domestic sales of 4,745 units from January to July this year. This figure dwarfs the 1,386 units sold by Kia’s EV9 during the same period, marking a clear market lead for Hyundai’s flagship electric SUV. Since its launch in March following a reveal last November, the Ioniq 9 has also seen exports accelerate. By June, cumulative overseas shipments had reached 3,802 units.

In the United States, sales of the Ioniq 9 began in earnest in July, driving a year-over-year increase of 72.7% in Hyundai’s electric vehicle sales to 1,073 units.

A key catalyst for rising consumer interest is the tangible comfort offered by the Ioniq 9's generous interior.

Former professional basketball player Ha Seung-jin spotlighted this advantage in a recent video on his YouTube channel ‘Ha Seung-jin HASEUNGJIN’, sharing his experience titled, “I've Finally Found a Car Where Someone Can Actually Sit Behind Me.” Standing at 221 cm tall, Ha explained that even large minivans failed to provide enough space for him until the Ioniq 9. He credited the model’s practical second and third row as pivotal in his decision, emphasizing their versatility and the SUV's family-friendly utility.

For Ha, the selection criteria included: spacious second and third row seating suitable even for tall passengers; a flexible configuration comfortably accommodating six to seven adults; and an electric powertrain to help ease fuel costs.

The fact that someone of Ha's height can still comfortably adjust the driver’s seat while leaving ample space in the second and third rows powerfully demonstrates the Ioniq 9’s standout appeal—its tangible spaciousness. After test-driving the vehicle, he praised its space, efficiency, and performance, stating that “it was worth the wait.”

The numbers back this up. With a wheelbase of 3,130mm, the Ioniq 9 surpasses both the EV9 (3,100mm) and the Palisade (2,970mm). Its flat floor, made possible by the dedicated E-GMP electric vehicle platform, creates an open interior in both six-seater (with captain’s seats in the second row) and seven-seater formats, allowing adults to ride comfortably even in the third row. The trunk offers generous cargo space—ideal for camping, golf, and strollers—making it practical for families with large items.

Hyundai’s pricing strategy further sharpened its competitive edge. While the EV9’s fully loaded version approached 100 million KRW at launch and was considered costly, Hyundai introduced the Ioniq 9 at a price approximately 6 million KRW lower.

Initially, much of the attention centered on the Ioniq 9’s value-for-money. As more owners experience the car firsthand, word of mouth has helped shift the focus toward its spacious interior and high degree of refinement, driving consumer demand.

Jose Muñoz, President and Global COO of Hyundai Motor Company, underlined this confidence at launch, declaring, “You’ll know once you drive it”—a sentiment that is reflected in reviews touting the Ioniq 9’s design and interior comfort.

Performance and efficiency also live up to the flagship’s promise.

The Ioniq 9 is equipped with a 110.3kWh battery, enabling a maximum range of 532km per charge (with 19-inch wheels and 2WD), which outpaces the EV9’s 501km by 31km for enhanced long-distance capability. Using a 350kW fast charger, the battery can charge from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes.

The SUV comes with both 2WD and 4WD options. The standard 2WD delivers 214 horsepower and a maximum torque of 35.7kg·m, while the 4WD version boasts up to 428 horsepower and maximum torque of 71.4kg·m, resulting in brisk acceleration.

Latest driver assistance and safety technologies are generously included, such as Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist—reducing driver fatigue on long journeys and combining the stability of a large vehicle with the characteristics of an EV.

Inside, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch center display provide intuitive and user-friendly controls.

Exterior design, built on aerodynamic principles, projects a futuristic image. Features such as LED matrix headlamps, sleek DRLs, flush door handles, and a spoiler-style rear line enhance both efficiency and quiet operation while maintaining the presence of a full-sized SUV.

International sales are also ramping up. While Korean production comes from Hyundai's Asan plant, U.S. models are built at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA). With discussions ongoing about potential changes to EV subsidies amid large-scale tax cut initiatives, market watchers note that real-time monitoring of local incentives and fine-tuned pricing will be critical.

Industry experts point to the Ioniq 9 as evidence that, when bundled with solid value and quality, even large electric SUVs—traditionally less favored in Korea—can become leading choices. Ha Seung-jin’s widely shared testimonial brought attention to the SUV’s strengths, while market response demonstrates the winning combination of space, efficiency, and attractive pricing.

The Ioniq 9’s challenges are clear: continue enhancing practical utility, electric efficiency, and charging convenience, while navigating external variables such as subsidies and exchange rates. As expectations for electric family SUVs grow, all eyes are on how far the Ioniq 9 can extend the standard for the segment.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=YouTube ‘Ha Seung-jin’, Hyundai