Kia EV9 vs Hyundai IONIQ 9: Family electric SUV duel for the range crown

Large family electric SUVs have gone from being a rarity to a category with clear leaders. In the Spanish market, the most interesting duel of 2024 is between two close cousins: the Kia EV9 and the Hyundai IONIQ 9. They share the 800-volt E-GMP platform and the goal of transporting seven people with zero emissions, but each interprets the concept in its own way. One focuses on performance, the other on maximizing every kilowatt. Let's take a look at them head-to-head.

Why this duel matters: two Koreans on the same platform

Kia and Hyundai belong to the same group and share the E-GMP architecture, the same one we already know from the EV6 and IONIQ 5. This means ultra-fast 800V charging, permanent magnet synchronous motors, and efficiency that sets a benchmark in the segment. The big difference is how each brand refines that shared DNA: the Kia EV9 vs. Hyundai IONIQ 9 isn't a carbon copy, but rather two philosophies built on the same foundation.

Kia EV9 GT-Line: the highest-performing electric SUV in the family (from ≈€85.200)

The Kia EV9 in its GT-Line AWD trim prioritizes performance with a dual-motor system that delivers around 384 hp and all-wheel drive. It accelerates with the force of a sports car despite weighing over 2,5 tons, and its sleek, knife-edged design is one of the most recognizable on the market.

With a battery capacity of around 100 kWh, it offers a homologated range of approximately 500 km in other versions, although the more powerful GT-Line, with its larger diameter wheels, reduces that figure. Inside, there are premium materials, panoramic screens, and seven seats with optional rear captain's chairs. The Kia EV9's range is slightly sacrificed in favor of performance.

Hyundai IONIQ 9 Star: the commitment to range and efficiency (from ≈€69.900)

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 Star is all about efficiency. It features a 110,3 kWh battery—the largest in the Hyundai-Kia group to date—and a single rear motor producing around 218 hp. The result: a Hyundai IONIQ 9 with a homologated range of approximately 620 km, a benchmark figure among large electric SUVs in Spain.

Aesthetically, it abandons the sharp edges of the EV9 and embraces a more aerodynamic design, with the Parametric Pixel front end and a very low drag coefficient for its size. Inside, the cabin is slightly more spacious in the third row, and the focus is clearly on lounge-like comfort: a living room on wheels rather than a sporty SUV.

7-seater electric SUV comparison: range, consumption and charging

In terms of range, the IONIQ 9 is the clear winner: achieving around 620 km on a single charge is a figure very difficult to match in this segment today. The EV9 GT-Line, with all-wheel drive and almost 400 hp, achieves significantly lower figures because it prioritizes performance.

In fast charging, both take advantage of the 800V E-GMP platform and can go from 10 to 80% in just over 20 minutes on ultra-fast chargers. In everyday driving, the IONIQ 9 will make you stop less often; the EV9 GT-Line will make your driving more enjoyable when you do stop.

Space, squares and family use

Both are genuine, usable seven-seaters, not just imitations. The IONIQ 9 has a slightly longer wheelbase, which is noticeable in the third row, where an average adult can travel short distances comfortably. The EV9 maintains a slightly larger trunk with the third row folded down. For the best family electric SUV of 2024 , the IONIQ 9 has a slight edge in pure interior space.

Kia EV9 and IONIQ 9 price: which one is better value?

The price of the Kia EV9 and IONIQ 9 makes a significant difference: the Hyundai starts at approximately €69.900 for the Star version, while the Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD starts at around €85.200. These are different price segments, it's worth noting: the IONIQ 9 Star competes more with mid-range versions of the EV9. Even so, in terms of entry cost into the world of large electric SUVs in Spain , the IONIQ 9 is a more cost-effective option.

Important: all prices mentioned are the manufacturer's recommended retail price, without taking into account dealer discounts, current campaigns or MOVES plan aid.

Summary table and scoring

Verdict: Which one to choose?

If you're looking for the most well-rounded family electric SUV with the best range and a more affordable price, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 is the logical choice. If performance, all-wheel drive, and a more assertive design appeal to you, the Kia EV9 GT-Line will offer an emotional boost that the IONIQ 9 doesn't.

FAQ

Which has more range, the Kia EV9 or the Hyundai IONIQ 9?
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 Star, with its 110,3 kWh battery and single rear motor, offers around 620 km of homologated range, clearly surpassing the Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD, which is closer to 500 km due to its greater power and all-wheel drive.

Which one is more family-friendly and spacious?
Both are true seven-seaters. The IONIQ 9 offers slightly more space in the third row thanks to its longer wheelbase, while the EV9 excels in trunk space with the third row folded down.

Do they share the same charging technology?
Yes, both use the 800V E-GMP platform and allow you to go from 10 to 80% in just over 20 minutes on a compatible ultra-fast charger.

Which one offers better value for money?
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 Star starts at around €69.900, compared to €85.200 for the Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD. For most families, the IONIQ 9 offers better range-to-price ratio, although these are indicative MSRPs without discounts.