New Ioniq 9 is all the rage
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Hyundai's new Ioniq 9 is unlike most of the electric SUVs out there. New this year, it's large, in charge and sets high standards for opulence in a three-row cabin.
Best of all, it goes a long way toward softening range anxiety -- the fear of running out of charge with no engine, leaving you stranded or in need of a tow. You still have a mileage range of around 300 but once hooked up to a fast charger you are back on the road in under 30 minutes.
There are caveats including high speed highway travel, use of A/C or a heavy cargo load, all of which will lower the range.
Built in Georgia, the Ioniq 9 debuted late last year and has reported sales of around 4,000 through mid-year.
The Ioniq 9 is available in six trim levels from the base S starting at $58,995 to the Calligraphy Design at $76,490.
You can order up your Ioniq 9 with three powertrains -- a rear-wheel drive using a single electric 215 horsepower motor driving the rear axle; an all-wheel drive S or SE that adds a second up front motor for 303 hp and a Performance AWD with a more potent electric motor outputting 422 ponies.
Our top-of-the-line tester featured an 800-volt Electric Global Modular Platform featuring super-fast charging adding up to 60 miles of driving range in just five minutes.
The spacious cabin can be configured for six to seven passengers with power adjustable captain's chairs, reclining positions and ottomans and a massaging driver's seat -- not passenger.
The second and third rows are fully power adjustable from the rear cargo area. Other notable interior accents include microfiber suede headliner, heated and ventilated second and third row seats and a 14-speaker Bose Premium sound system that hits all the right notes for a concert hall experience.
Dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays stretch across the dashboard displaying motor vitals and an easy-to-use navigation system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless along with phone charging plates and a driver talk system that allows conversation with rear seat occupants. USB-C ports are positioned throughout all rows.
The center console lid opens upward for front seat passengers while the same lid opens upward for rear seat occupants although not at the same time. Additionally, a drawer at the bottom of the console can be used to move items from front to rear.
With all seating rows in their upright position there is 22 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 89 cubes with the second row folded.
The battery is stowed underneath leaving a flat floor throughout for adult-size space.
Some may consider the exterior to be on the ornamental side with numerous square LEDs across the front display and pixelated rear treatment surrounding the entire rear section with an LED light bar. It's a bit much.
Road manners are smooth for such a large vehicle. Self-leveling dampers absorb road imperfections and potholes were hardly noticed inside its hushed interior. Being electric, our Ioniq 9 reached 60 miles per hour in a quick 4.6 seconds. The Ioniq 9 weighs in at three-ton and will tow up to 5,000 pounds.
(Contact independent automotive columnist Len Ingrassia at editor@ptd.net.)