Main differences between the EV9 and Ioniq 9?

The Ioniq 9 was recently announced, and there are videos detailing its features. Since Kia and Hyundai share drivetrains, there seem to be a lot of similarities between the EV9 and Ioniq 9. I’m curious about what sets them apart for consumers.

Based on what I’ve seen, the obvious differences are price and range (based on early estimates), and the Ioniq 9 has a built-in NACS port. They both appear to share:

  • The same drivetrain
  • Similar infotainment systems
  • Bi-directional charging
  • Reclining seats and headrests
  • Heated/Cooled seats
  • Similar safety features

Are there other major reasons to pick one over the other aside from price and range? The EV9 comes with a free NACS adapter, so that might level the playing field a bit. Any insights?

Like the Ioniq 5 and EV6, they’re going to be very similar with differences in interior layout and styling. EV9 will eventually transition to NACS too, so that won’t be a long-term differentiator.

The Ioniq 9 has a slightly larger battery (110 kWh vs 99 kWh) and charges a bit faster.

emma said:
The Ioniq 9 has a slightly larger battery (110 kWh vs 99 kWh) and charges a bit faster.

It also seems to have swivel seats, a bigger frunk, and possibly a larger trunk.

olivia said:

emma said:
The Ioniq 9 has a slightly larger battery (110 kWh vs 99 kWh) and charges a bit faster.

It also seems to have swivel seats, a bigger frunk, and possibly a larger trunk.

The EV9 had swivel seats in its launch but didn’t include them in US-spec models. I wouldn’t be surprised if the same happens with the Ioniq 9.

@jeff
That’s disappointing. I have four car seats, and swivel seats would’ve been really helpful.

olivia said:

emma said:
The Ioniq 9 has a slightly larger battery (110 kWh vs 99 kWh) and charges a bit faster.

It also seems to have swivel seats, a bigger frunk, and possibly a larger trunk.

Swivel seats are an interesting concept. I wonder if turning the seats toward each other might improve third-row legroom.

olivia said:

emma said:
The Ioniq 9 has a slightly larger battery (110 kWh vs 99 kWh) and charges a bit faster.

It also seems to have swivel seats, a bigger frunk, and possibly a larger trunk.

Swivel seats won’t happen in the US. Crash safety standards prohibit them.

olivia said:

emma said:
The Ioniq 9 has a slightly larger battery (110 kWh vs 99 kWh) and charges a bit faster.

It also seems to have swivel seats, a bigger frunk, and possibly a larger trunk.

From the pictures I’ve seen, the Ioniq 9’s frunk looks identical to the one in my EV9.

Why do you think they have the same drivetrain? The Ioniq 9 has a 110 kWh battery, while the EV9 has a 99 kWh. The Ioniq 9 is also slightly longer—199 inches vs. 197 inches for the EV9.

The Ioniq 9 will charge faster than the EV9.

abidemi said:
The Ioniq 9 will charge faster than the EV9.

How much faster? I’m curious about the actual difference.

jessicah said:

abidemi said:
The Ioniq 9 will charge faster than the EV9.

How much faster? I’m curious about the actual difference.

If it charges a 10% larger battery in the same time, it’s definitely faster, but we’ll have to wait for the specs.

  • Larger battery (110 kWh vs. 99 kWh)
  • Longer range (335 miles vs. ~300 miles)
  • Slightly longer wheelbase
  • Likely more interior space, especially in the third row and trunk
  • Sliding center console in six-seat configurations
  • Single large moonroof with motorized shade (vs. two smaller ones in the EV9)
  • Curved infotainment screen

It’s like comparing a BMW 3 Series to a 7 Series. They may share some tech, but the Ioniq 9 is larger and has a bigger battery. Personal preference will likely drive the decision—similar to how people choose between the Kia Telluride (sleek) and Hyundai Palisade (family-focused).

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MAKENA said:
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Kia being sportier is debatable. The Niro doesn’t feel sportier than the Kona, and the Ioniq 9 looks sleeker than the boxy EV9.

Amelia said:

MAKENA said:
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Kia being sportier is debatable. The Niro doesn’t feel sportier than the Kona, and the Ioniq 9 looks sleeker than the boxy EV9.

From the side or back, the Ioniq 9 looks just as boxy.

MAKENA said:
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Hyundai doesn’t own Kia outright. They acquired a 51% stake in 1998 but now only hold about 1/3. Kia also owns shares in Hyundai’s subsidiaries. This relationship allows them to share platforms like the E-GMP.

The EV9 has a boxier design, while the Ioniq 9 is curvier. I personally prefer the boxy look, but it’s all about preference.