2025 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Review

Sitting as the company's largest, most practical and luxurious SUV, the IONIQ 9 eyes off rivals newfound in a completely different price bracket as it moves away from its previous competitors.

Showcasing a sleek styling package, a long-wheelbase platform fit for families of seven and a very handy 600 kilometres of range with super fast DC charging, the IONIQ 9 ticks all the important boxes for seven-seat, electric SUV buyers on paper, at least.

Just how well does the IONIQ 9 justify its new price bracket, then, and how confidently does it take the fight to its rivals? Let's take a closer look to find out.

Hyundai IONIQ 9 Competition

How Much Does It Cost?

Hyundai is introducing the IONIQ 9 range to Australian buyers in a single, highly-appointed flagship trim.

Prices stand at $119,750 for the IONIQ 9 Calligraphy AWD before on-road costs.

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Hyundai IONIQ 9 Calligraphy E4 (7 SEAT) Specifications

What Features Does the Hyundai IONIQ 9 Have?

There's certainly no shortage of equipment packaged into the IONIQ 9 Calligraphy.

It comes riding on a set of 21-inch alloys and picks up LED headlights, a heat pump, premium relaxation seats upholsted in Nappa leather with seat heating and ventilating, a suede headliner, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 3D surround-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display and digital rear-view mirror, wireless smartphone charging, heated and ventilated rear seats, push-button folding second and third row.

You’ll also receive keyless entry & start, adaptive cruise control, three-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, Hyundai's digital key II system, a powered boot lift, heated side mirrors, ergomotion massaging front seats, remote smart parking assist and a tyre repair kit.

Hyundai IONIQ 9 Connectivity & Infotainment Features

The IONIQ 9 hits the ground running with the company's latest infotainment tech that give it a solid footing, even amongst its more premium and contemporary rivals.

Hyundai packages the IONIQ 9 range with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display paired seamlessly with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, combining into what looks to be one large display atop the dash.

It’s a similar arrangement that we’ve seen in Hyundai's other range-topping versions, offering over-the-air software updates, a pixel-dense display, high brightness levels and fast responses from some decent processing power underneath.

There's AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio thrown in, alongside factory satellite navigation and a seriously powerful 14-speaker sound system courtesy of BOSE.

IONIQ 9 buyers also pick up a five-year subscription to Hyundai's Bluelink connected services suite which offers remote vehicle diagnostics and location tracking, weather and traffic updates, emergency calls and collision notifications.

Does the IONIQ 9 Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

The IONIQ 9’s infotainment system picks up Hyundai's latest software and hardware that are more than capable of projecting your smartphone wirelessly.

This means that IONIQ 9 buyers pick up both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto projected via the 12.3-inch display.

Pairing your smartphone with the IONIQ 9’s infotainment system is a quick and simple process, so too is handing over the primary connection to your co-pilot when you're on the move.

Is the Hyundai IONIQ 9 Comfortable to Drive?

It's immesnely comfortable - a true family spaceship.

For those wondering whether the IONIQ 9's on-road manners hit a high mark set by its lofty price tag- the answer is a confident yes.

The IONIQ 9 comes powered by a pair of electric motors that, combined, push out more than enough power for a fully-loaded cabin.

Peak power figures total a very impressive 314kW while there's a monstrous 700Nm of torque to whoosh you up to speed without any hesitation.

In spite of the IONIQ 9's heavyweight 2,774kg footprint, it can sprint its way to 100km/h in just 5.4 seconds, showing just how much torque there is on tap when you stomp your right foot down.

Better yet, the dual electric motor powertrain gives the IONIQ 9 the confidence and traction of an all-wheel drive system.

While the acceleration is immense when pushed, the IONIQ 9 is incredibly easy to drive smoothly around town.

The steering is lightweight and easy to throw around and, in spite of its size, the IONIQ 9 is reasonably well-mannered in the tight quarters of a car park thanks to its feather-weighted steering rack.

As for the ride, Hyundai has done well to keep the IONIQ 9’s weight under control while you're darting around town.

This sense of being tied-down at lower speeds does, however, mean that it feels a bit stiff over small and sharper bumps in and around town.

Pick up the pace, though, and the IONIQ 9 proves itself an almighty grand tourer.

It’s calm, comfortable and remarkably confident, even on rougher country roads, thanks to capable suspension package with an Australian-ready tune that means the IONIQ 9 isn't afraid to stretch its legs on a weekend adventure.

The same applies to high speed stints on the motorway, where it excels as a smooth and silent destroyer of road trips thanks to a tonne of sound insulation that keeps things incredibly refined.

All up, we think Hyundai has done a great job giving the IONIQ 9 a user-friendly set of manners and extremely smooth nature behind the wheel that puts it on very equal pegging with its newfound, more premium rivals.

How Far Can the Hyundai IONIQ 9 Drive on a Charge?

The IONIQ 9 comes fitted with a massive 110.3kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack underneath the floor.

Combined with claimed energy efficiency figures of 20.6kWh per 100km, Hyundai says you can expect a claimed 600 kilometres worth of range between charges.

• IONIQ 9 Energy Efficiency: 20.6kWh per 100km

• IONIQ 9 Range: 600 kilometres (claimed)

How Fast can you Charge the IONIQ 9?

IONIQ 9 buyers pick up some of the leading DC fast-charging speeds you can currently find, anywhere on the market.

With access to the right DC fast charger, you can charge the IONIQ 9's 110.3kWh battery pack at speeds up to 233kW.

This means you're able to top-up the battery from 10 - 80 per cent in a claimed 24 minutes while using a DC fast-charger capable of pushing out 233kW or more.

With the help of a 50kW DC charger, you can bring the IONIQ 9's battery from 10 - 80 per cent in a claimed 1 hour and 50 minutes, while full charge using a 10.5kW charger takes around 10 hours.

• 233kW Charge Time: 24 minutes (10 - 80%)

• 50kW Charge Time: 110 minutes (10 - 80%)

• 10.5kW Charge Time: 10 hours (0 - 100%)

Is it Practical and Spacious?

The IONIQ 9 offers space and opulence in equal measures, asserting itself as, by far, the company's most premium cabin to date.

While some might scoff at the notion of a Hyundai with a six-figure price tag, all of that is quickly dismissed when you pop your head inside the cabin.

First impressions are extremely positive when it comes to the sheer amount of real esate inside the cockpit, as well as the number of premium touches that make it feel like a standalone, premium product rather than an adaptation of a more affordable platform.

Bespoke touches like the aluminium inlays, Nappa leather upholstery and the marble-effect in front of the passenger’s seat make it clear that this isn't your average Hyundai.

Climb aboard and you’re greeted with Hyundai’s most comfortable front seats to date, with the IONIQ 9 showcasing the company's premium relaxation seats featuring seat heating, ventilation and a lovely massage setting.

Headroom is abundant for even the tallest of drivers while the IONIQ 9’s ergonomics are excellent thanks to the wide range of adjustment in the driver's seat, steering wheel and a range of plush finishes for the most common touch points.

The IONIQ 9 proves itself a force when it comes to swallowing up loose items that big families accumulate.

The open-plan layout means there's a nice gap between the driver and front passenger, with the raised centre console offering a rubber-lined charging pad, a pair of cupholers and stacks of space inside the split-fold armrest.

You’ll also find a large tray beneath the climate control dials and another cubby beneath that flanked by a large glovebox in front of the passenger's seat and the usual suspects like bottle holders in the doors.

Step into the rear of the cabin and the IONIQ 9 proves itself as an incredibly spacious package.

Measuring 5,060mm in total, the IONIQ 9's massive footprint and 3,130mm wheelbase provides more than enough legroom in the second row for adults to get comfortable, while headroom also gets strong marks.

The company offers the IONIQ 9 in both six- and seven-seat layouts, with six-seat versions picking up a pair of relaxtion seats in the second row over the conventional bench layout.

Opting for that six-seat layout also allows for easy access into the third row of the cabin which, in the case of the IONIQ 9, isn’t a kids-only affair like you'll find in many large SUV packages.

In the more conventional seven-seat IONIQ 9 layout, it's still easy to jump into the third row with a press of a button.

If needed, you can throw adults into the third row without much of an issue, meaning kids are going to have a great time in the rearmost of the cabin.

For the parents out there, the IONIQ 9 comes packaged with two separate ISOFIX anchors in both and second and third row of the cabin, bringing its total child seat capacity to five.

How Big is the Hyundai IONIQ 9's Boot?

The IONIQ 9 offers families a very healthy cargo area in the rearmost of the cabin, with some added storage underneath the bonnet thanks to its unique, battery-electric platform.

With all the seats standing, the IONIQ 9's boot measures in at 338L, expanding to 908L with the third row seats folded.

Hyundai doesn’t quote maximum boot space for the IONIQ 9 though, it's fair to assume that it will be an extremely high number thanks to the massive footprint and well-designed seats that fold completely flat to help accommodate bulky cargo, sports gear and camping equipment.

The flat floor design means it’s easy to unload heavy cargo from the boot, while there's a small amount of real estate underneath the boot floor for the tyre repair kit, in the absence of a spare tyre.

Is it Safe?

There’s a generous stack of safety gear thrown into the IONIQ 9, ensuring buyers don't miss out on any clever tech that is bundled into its premium rivals.

The list is headlined by AEB with everything from junction, evasive steering and lane-change assist alongside adaptive cruise control, blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alerts, a blind-spot view monitor, Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist II system, safe exit alerts, tyre pressure monitoring and a 3D surround-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors.

Does the Hyundai IONIQ 9 Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The IONIQ 9 has picked up full marks from ANCAP, securing a five-star safety rating after posting the following results in its 2025 testing.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 84%

• Child Occupant Protection: 86%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 77%

• Safety Assist: 85%

What Warranty does the IONIQ 9 Come With?

Hyundai offers the IONIQ 9 with its beefed-up seven-year warranty program as well as a separate warranty for the battery.

Buyers pick up a seven-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, while the 110kWh battery is backed by a separate eight-year/160,000 kilometre warranty.

Buyers also pick up 12 month roadside assist subscription that extends out another 12 months each time you keep it serviced within the network.

Hyundai offers the IONIQ 9 with capped-price servicing packages that span out to five years.

Capped-price servicing costs within the first visits to the dealership years of ownership are priced between $660 - $685 a piece.

This means six years' worth of servicing costs for the IONIQ total $2,005, though costs balloon out to $1,300 from your fifth trip to the dealer.

Thankfully, service intervals stand at a lengthy 24 months or 30,000 kilometres, whichever elapses first.

Our Verdict: Is the Hyundai IONIQ 9 Worth it?

The IONIQ 9 is an incredibly spacious and premium family spaceship that confidently asserts itself amongst some newfound rivals in the more premium end of the market.

The sheer amount of space and practical touches inside the cabin make light work of large families, while the IONIQ 9's well-rounded nature on the road make it user-friendly around town and more than confident on a country road trip.

Combine that with decent range figures and super fast DC charging speeds that mean you won't spend too long hanging around the charging bay and the IONIQ 9 stacks up as a great option for those in the market for a fully-electric, seven-seat SUV package.

While some might dismiss the notion of a six-figure Hyundai, spend just a few minutes behind the wheel of the IONIQ 9 and put it to the test with your family and you'll be a believer.

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Five Hyundai IONIQ 9 Specs You Need to Know

1. Seven-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty

2. Eight-year/160,000 kilometre battery warranty

3. 600km range from 110kWh battery pack

4. 10 - 80 per cent charge in 24 minutes from 233kW DC fast-charging

5. Six- and seven-seat layouts available