2025 Hyundai IONIQ 9 vs 2025 Kia EV9

Hyundai is Kia’s parent company, which means they produce a lot of similar models. As a result, they are often compared to one another. Most recently, in the EV space where these two Korean powerhouses have created two of the first-ever 3-row electric SUVs. Delray Hyundai presents a comparison between the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 9 and the 2025 Kia EV9. Keep reading for a comparison of these two frenemies, then for available models near Delray Beach, FL.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 9 vs 2025 Kia EV9

We mentioned that underneath the surface, these two models share many similarities in their platforms and battery technology, so why is the 2025 Kia EV9 priced nearly $8k higher? Is it a superior vehicle, or are you better off with the 2025 IONIQ 9?

Performance

Although these two EVs share a basic platform, the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 9 enjoys a significantly more aerodynamic design than the Kia EV6. This explains its advantage when it comes to range. The IONIQ 9 S two-wheel drive version is capable of an impressive 335 miles per charge, significantly more than even the extended-range version of the EV9, which is only rated at 304 miles per charge. The news doesn’t get better for Kia when the top-spec all wheel drive models are compared. While the IONIQ 9 performance trim can snap off a 0 to 60 time of just 4.7 seconds and continue driving for another 311 miles, the EV9 can’t go the distance and will be out of juice after an underwhelming 230 miles.

Safety Features

Both these vehicles boast 5-star NHSTA crash test safety ratings, and both carry an impressive suite of standard and available safety tech. We were surprised to find that even with the 2025 Kia EV9’s hefty pricetag, you don’t really get more “bang for your buck.” Keep reading to see what we mean.

Interior

The cabin of the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is tech-forward, spacious, comfortable, and, more importantly, incredibly serene and quiet. As we know, the mark of a great three-row SUV is comfort and space for all passengers. The IONIQ 9 coddles its passengers with available footrests that extend out of the reclinable captain’s chairs. Thoroughly modern touches are all through the cabin, including a seamless curved panel containing two 12-inch touchscreens that extends from the driver door almost to the passenger seat. Ditch your traditional key fob by adding it to your digital wallet, particularly beneficial for some fun in the sun at Delray Beach, because when you’re ready to head home, you can cool the cabin down to an optimal temperature using Hyundai’s BlueLink app.

In all fairness, the 2025 Kia EV9 shares a lot of the same underpinnings as the IONIQ 9, meaning it also has the same advantages; however, you’ll have to pay significantly more for them. This means buyers will need to be taken with the Kia’s design, which is a bit boxy for an EV, and as we established earlier, this means it suffers a large deficit in efficiency and range, two things EV buyers really care about.

Bottom Line

The 2025 Kia EV9 has flash and style in spades but is short on substance when compared to the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 9. Buyers who care about style over substance and are willing to spend a lot more to get it will enjoy the 2025 Kia EV9. The majority of EV buyers looking for comfort, technology, driving range, and, most importantly, value will absolutely love the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 9.