Finding the right three-row electric SUV for your family comes down to what matters most on your daily commute and weekend road trips. The 2026 Kia EV9 and 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 share the same platform under the skin, but they split off in different directions for range, pricing, and cabin experience. Both will get your crew where they need to go with zero emissions, fast charging, and enough space for soccer gear, groceries, and maybe even a kayak or two.
- Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 offers up to 335 miles of range on a single charge, while Kia’s EV9 tops out around 305 miles with its long-range battery.
- Pricing favors the EV9, which starts at $54,900 compared to the Ioniq 9’s $58,955 base price.
- Both SUVs can tow up to 5,000 pounds and charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 24 minutes using a 350 kW DC fast charger.
How the Powertrains Stack Up
Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 packs a larger 110.3 kWh battery across every trim level, which explains its range advantage. That extra capacity means 335 miles in the base rear-wheel drive model, with AWD versions still delivering over 300 miles per charge. On the performance side, the top AWD trim cranks out 422 horsepower.
Kia takes a different approach with the EV9. The lineup includes two battery options: a smaller 76.1 kWh pack for the entry-level Light trim and a 99.8 kWh battery for everything else. The dual-motor AWD setup produces 379 horsepower, but a downloadable Boost function temporarily bumps torque to 516 lb-ft for quicker acceleration.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both SUVs seat six or seven passengers depending on whether you choose second-row captain’s chairs or a bench. Cargo capacity goes to the Ioniq 9 with 21.9 cubic feet behind the third row versus 20.2 cubic feet in the EV9. Fold everything flat and both give you 86.9 cubic feet to work with.
Inside the Ioniq 9, you’ll find a completely flat floor and a sliding center console that opens up the cabin in ways the EV9 can’t quite match. Walking between rows feels easier, and passengers in back get a bit more breathing room. Kia’s EV9 counters with standard ventilated seats on more trims and a usable front trunk that the Ioniq 9 lacks.
If you’re stepping up from a smaller electric crossover like the Kia Niro EV, either of these three-row options will feel like a mansion on wheels. Where the Niro works well for couples or small families, the EV9 and Ioniq 9 deliver genuine utility for growing households.
Tech and Safety Features
You’ll find dual 12.3-inch displays in both vehicles, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia’s EV9 adds a 5-inch touchscreen dedicated to climate controls, while the Ioniq 9 positions similar controls lower on the dashboard with more physical buttons. Some drivers prefer Hyundai’s approach since it reduces the time you spend hunting through menus.
Safety ratings are a wash. Kia’s EV9 earned IIHS Top Safety Pick+ status, and the Ioniq 9 should match it. Both come loaded with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims add 360-degree cameras and parking collision avoidance features.
Charging and Road Trip Readiness
Both SUVs use 800-volt architecture, which means seriously fast charging speeds. Plug into a 350 kW DC fast charger and you’ll go from 10 to 80 percent in roughly 24 minutes. NACS ports come standard on both, giving you access to Tesla Superchargers without needing an adapter.
Where you’ll really notice the Ioniq 9’s range advantage is on long highway trips. That extra 30 miles of buffer means fewer charging stops on family vacations. The EV9 still handles road trips admirably, but families who regularly drive long distances might appreciate Hyundai’s larger battery.
Which Three-Row Electric SUV Makes Sense for Your Family
Your choice between these two really depends on your priorities. Kia’s EV9 delivers better bang for your buck with a lower starting price, sportier driving dynamics, and a bit more variety in how you can configure your vehicle. It drives with more personality and offers that useful frunk storage up front.
Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 wins on range, interior spaciousness, and overall refinement. It’s the quieter, smoother ride of the two, and that larger battery provides peace of mind for families who need maximum range on every charge.
Either way, you’re getting a capable family hauler with solid technology and proven safety credentials. Test drive both and see which cabin layout and driving feel matches how you actually use your vehicle. The best choice is the one that fits your family’s routine, not the one with the flashiest spec sheet.
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