Is the Hyundai IONIQ 9 worth nearly $80,000 in its highest trim, or does the smart money lie in a more modest configuration? At Munro & Associates, we break down vehicles from the inside out — and this time, our team of engineers deliver a detailed Hyundai IONIQ 9 review. Our teardown and evaluation put the spotlight on the vehicle’s design, powertrain, user experience, and advanced features. Let’s examine whether this electric SUV justifies its premium price tag.
Exterior Styling: A Polarizing Approach
The IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Design trim arrives in a bold matte gold paint, paired with distinctively pixelated lighting cues. It’s the kind of styling that instantly sparks conversation — and not always for the right reasons. Munro compares it to something an outdated AI might generate: futuristic, yes, but oddly derivative.
The front and rear lights emphasize an eight-bit, blocky aesthetic that continues across the vehicle’s face and tail. While Hyundai deserves credit for innovation, feedback from drivers and engineers alike has been mixed. Those seeking a sleek, timeless EV may be turned off by the pixel-heavy styling, though others might appreciate the retro-futuristic direction.
Trim Options and Powertrain Breakdown
Hyundai offers a range of trims for the IONIQ 9, spanning from the base “S” to the fully-loaded Calligraphy Design. Each jump in trim level increases power and all-wheel drive capability but comes with a noticeable price hike.
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S Trim ($59,000):
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215 hp, RWD
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335-mile range
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SE Trim ($63,000):
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303 hp, AWD
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320-mile range
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Limited to Calligraphy Design (up to $77,000):
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422 hp, AWD
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311-mile range
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At 422 horsepower, the top trim delivers a sub-five-second 0–60 time — impressive for an SUV. However, the range drops compared to the base models, a potential trade-off for those valuing performance over practicality. For many EV buyers, the SE trim offers a sweet spot in power, efficiency, and price.
Charging and Infrastructure Readiness
A standout feature of the IONIQ 9 is its 350kW DC fast charging capability. Paired with a 110kWh battery pack, Hyundai claims a 10 to 80 percent charge in just 24 minutes. This positions the vehicle well for road trips and busy urban life.
Munro’s team also noted Hyundai’s early adoption of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) — the same connector popularized by Tesla. This is the first non-Tesla vehicle in the Munro shop with the NACS plug. However, the unusually large charge port door hints that Hyundai may have initially designed the vehicle around the larger CCS plug, switching late in development.
Driving Experience and Ride Quality
The IONIQ 9 isn’t just fast — it’s also remarkably quiet. One engineer ranked it among the top five quietest vehicles he’d ever driven, comparing it favorably to high-end luxury cars. Handling is generally composed, and the suspension absorbs most imperfections smoothly.
However, there were two moments during test drives where the rear end “shimmyed” unexpectedly over familiar bumps. It’s a minor but noteworthy flaw, especially since other vehicles didn’t exhibit the same behavior over those routes.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Hyundai equips the IONIQ 9 with a Level 1 ADAS suite, including:
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Adaptive cruise control
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Lane centering
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Lane keeping
Performance on highways was solid — the vehicle remained centered with minimal driver correction. However, on local roads, the lane centering became less precise, with noticeable side-to-side steering adjustments. For a vehicle in this price bracket, the inconsistency raises questions about future software improvements or calibration.
Interior Features and Ergonomics
The cabin offers comfort, thoughtful design, and a few quirks. The team appreciated the adjustable seat bolsters, which can be widened or narrowed — a welcome touch for drivers of all sizes. The massage seat system also stands out, not for its presence, but for where it works: under the seat. Instead of massaging your back, the seat subtly shifts side to side to relieve pressure on longer drives.
Controls are split between two locations — a screen-based HMI and a row of physical buttons far below. While physical buttons are appreciated, the separation makes in-drive navigation cumbersome. For example, switching from Apple CarPlay back to the vehicle’s native screen requires reaching down to a small button rather than using the touchscreen — an awkward design choice.
Clever Storage and Smart Tech
Hyundai has implemented several smart features in the IONIQ 9:
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Sliding armrest console — makes room for larger bags
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Drive mode and terrain toggles — easy access for eco, sport, snow, and sand settings
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Fingerprint scanner — locks personal profiles and starts the car
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Dual-access center console — opens from both front and rear
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Spacious, well-designed cupholders — accommodates a variety of drink sizes
These details may seem small, but they collectively improve daily usability.
Remote Smart Parking: Useful but Incomplete
Perhaps the most futuristic feature is Hyundai’s remote smart parking, which lets you move the vehicle into or out of tight spaces using the key fob. It’s ideal for narrow garages or crowded lots. But there’s a catch: the system can only be activated from inside the vehicle. So while you can park the car remotely, you can’t retrieve it without first climbing inside — a frustrating oversight that limits real-world use.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Price?
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is a quiet, capable, and feature-rich EV — but at nearly $80,000 in its Calligraphy Design spec, it enters a competitive field of luxury EVs, including offerings from Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes.
Munro’s recommendation? Go for the SE trim at $63,000. You still get all-wheel drive, a healthy 320-mile range, and strong performance without stretching your budget to luxury-level pricing. While the top-tier model dazzles on paper, the incremental gains in horsepower and features may not justify the extra $14,000.
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