2025 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Review

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 9 CALLIGRAPHY E4 (7 SEAT).

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 represents a substantial expansion of the brand’s electric SUV ambitions. As Hyundai’s largest battery-electric model, it combines a three-row cabin with a premium presentation, all-wheel drive and the long-distance capability expected of a flagship family vehicle. Its styling is sleek rather than overtly rugged, while the long-wheelbase platform gives the interior the space to accommodate seven occupants without treating the rearmost seats as an afterthought.

Power comes from dual electric motors producing 314kW and 700Nm, giving the large SUV considerably more performance than its size might suggest. The immediate response of the electric powertrain makes it easy to merge, overtake or build speed with a full cabin, while all-wheel drive adds traction and confidence in changing conditions. Despite its substantial 2,774kg mass, the IONIQ 9 is claimed to reach 100km/h in 5.4 seconds. Around town, light steering helps make the vehicle manageable in confined spaces, although the ride can feel firm over sharper urban bumps. At higher speeds, the suspension settles into a calmer rhythm, making the IONIQ 9 better suited to longer road trips.

Long-distance use is supported by a 110.3kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery and a claimed 600-kilometre driving range. The vehicle’s 800-volt charging architecture is one of its most useful advantages. When connected to a suitably powerful 233kW DC charger, Hyundai claims a 10-to-80 per cent charge can take 24 minutes. Lower-powered charging remains practical, with a 50kW DC charger taking a claimed 110 minutes for the same charge window and a 10.5kW charger requiring about 10 hours for a full charge.

Inside, the IONIQ 9 focuses on space, comfort and a sense of occasion. The open-plan cabin provides generous room across the first two rows, while the third row offers enough accommodation for adults rather than being reserved solely for children. The seven-seat layout uses a conventional second-row bench, and the second and third rows can be folded at the press of a button. With all seats in place, the boot provides 338 litres of capacity; folding the third row increases this to 908 litres. The flat floor and additional storage beneath the bonnet add useful flexibility for luggage, sports equipment and everyday family items.

The Calligraphy specification is highly equipped, with features intended to make both daily travel and extended journeys more comfortable. Nappa leather relaxation seats include heating, ventilation and massage functions, while the rear seats are also heated and ventilated. A panoramic sunroof, suede headliner, three-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel and powered tailgate contribute to the upmarket atmosphere. The cabin also includes a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, 3D surround-view monitor and remote smart parking assistance.

Infotainment is built around a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a matching digital instrument display. Wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB+ radio, satellite navigation, wireless smartphone charging and a 14-speaker BOSE sound system give the vehicle a broad technology offering. Over-the-air updates and connected services further support the ownership experience, while the digital key system adds another way to access and operate the vehicle.

Safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking with junction and evasive-steering functions, lane-change assistance, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot assistance, rear cross-traffic alerts, safe-exit alerts and Highway Driving Assist II. The IONIQ 9 also includes tyre-pressure monitoring, front and rear parking sensors and a blind-spot view monitor. It achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2025 testing, with reported scores of 84 per cent for adult occupant protection, 86 per cent for child occupant protection, 77 per cent for vulnerable road-user protection and 85 per cent for safety assist.

With its combination of seven-seat practicality, strong electric performance, rapid charging and extensive equipment, the IONIQ 9 is positioned as a more premium alternative within the large electric SUV segment. Its firm low-speed ride and single highly specified variant may not suit every buyer, but the overall package is designed around comfortable, quiet and capable family travel over both urban and regional distances.

Other highlights include Transmission: 1 SP AUTOMATIC; Drive train: AWD.