A week with the Hyundai Ioniq 9 SUV: What we liked, what we didn’t

Hyundai’s E-GMP platform for electric vehicles has firmly established the company as a key player in the automotive industry. With limited competition from Chinese electric vehicles, the Ioniq lineup of cars, crossovers, and SUVs stands out as one of the most advanced options available, particularly among mainstream brands. The Ioniq 5 was the first vehicle to utilize this groundbreaking platform, resembling a scaled-up 1980s hatchback, and has proven to be a significant success since its production began in the U.S. Recently, it even benefited from a substantial price reduction. Following the Ioniq 5, the midsize sedan was introduced, though it has not garnered the same popularity in the U.S. market, where consumer preferences lean towards SUVs. The Ioniq 9 has been designed with American tastes in mind. While the technology originates from Hyundai’s R&D hub in Namyang, South Korea, the vehicle reflects the preferences of suburban drivers in the U.S. Its exterior design departs from typical domestic SUVs; with a lower hood and rounded corners, it presents a less aggressive stance. The design retains a family resemblance to the smaller Ioniq models, highlighted by the distinctive "parametric pixels" that adorn both the front and rear lights. Interestingly, the design team drew inspiration from sailing yachts, giving the Ioniq 9 a boat-like tail that, for some, may evoke a sense of Range Rover styling. However, as with any vehicle, aesthetic appeal can be quite subjective.