The three-row electric SUV segment has become genuinely competitive in a way that was hard to imagine two years ago, and the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is arriving into a market that now includes the Kia EV9, the Lucid Gravity, the Rivian R1S, and the Cadillac Optiq. The top-spec Calligraphy Design variant reviewed here costs $79,500, which is meaningfully below the Lucid Gravity's six-figure starting price and about $10,000 more than a comparable Rivian R1S dual-motor. For that money, buyers get 422 horsepower, a claimed 335-mile range on the base SE trim (311 miles on the dual-motor Calligraphy), 350 kW DC fast charging capable of 10 to 80 percent in 24 minutes, NACS compatibility with Tesla's Supercharger network, and a drag coefficient of 0.25 that undercuts the Rivian R1S at 0.29. The Ioniq 9 can also export power through a 120-volt outlet in the trunk and supports vehicle-to-load operation through an external charger.
The interior was the biggest surprise in this review. Captain's chairs in the second row recline significantly and include heating, cooling, and massage functions, with a dedicated 100-watt USB-C port and adjustable bolsters. The third row, accessed via a single-button power-fold mechanism on the second-row seats, offered enough headroom for a tall adult and enough recline to be usable on longer trips. With all rows folded flat the cargo floor creates a genuinely flat surface, a feature the reviewer noted was absent from both the Lucid Gravity and the Rivian R1S. Total cargo space with the third row folded reaches 87 cubic feet. The frunk is modest but functional. Active noise cancellation using microphones mounted in the cabin noticeably reduced road and wind noise, making the Ioniq 9 quieter than its price point might suggest. Dual-pane glass is standard on the Calligraphy trim.
Three drive modes are available. In normal mode a slight throttle delay prioritises efficiency. Sport mode sharpens response and firms the suspension, though without air suspension the ride quality remains adequate rather than exceptional. The reviewer, who has also driven the Lucid Gravity and Rivian R1S, rated the Ioniq 9 above the R1S for handling feel on road, citing better control in corners and less body movement. The Cadillac Optiq was described as too heavy and less engaging. The standard safety suite earned the Ioniq 9 a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It also carries a 100,000-mile warranty. Rear suspension leveling activates automatically under heavy loads. Tow capacity is 5,000 pounds. The infotainment includes Google Maps with integrated charging stop planning and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Bottom line: At $79,500 the Ioniq 9 Calligraphy asks a lot of money, but the interior quality and third-row usability genuinely rival more expensive alternatives. The flat-fold floors, the business-class second row, and the quiet cabin all exceed expectations at this price. The honest catch is that 311 miles of range on the dual-motor trim is not best-in-class, and buyers who regularly travel with all seven seats occupied will feel the suspension limitations the R1S's optional air suspension avoids. For a family that wants premium three-row EV space without crossing into six-figure territory, this is currently the most convincing option available.