Hyundai Ioniq 9: Will Hyundai’s Flagship EV SUV Hit the Right Notes in Australia?

Hyundai’s highly anticipated Ioniq 9 has been officially priced in its home market of South Korea, but how will this upper-large electric SUV fare when it lands in Australia? With Hyundai already indicating a sub-$100,000 starting price locally, the big question remains—will it be competitively positioned against its sibling, the Kia EV9, and premium rivals?

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Pricing and Variants: What to Expect in Australia

The Ioniq 9 is available in three grades in South Korea:

Trim Level	Price in Korea (AUD Equivalent)	Drivetrain	Price Adjustment for AWD (AUD)
Exclusive	$76,733	RWD (160kW/350Nm)	+$4,000
Prestige	$83,580	RWD (160kW/350Nm)	+$4,000
Calligraphy	$89,036	RWD (160kW/350Nm)	+$4,000

However, Australian models will likely come standard with the more powerful dual-motor AWD (226kW/605Nm), pushing the Calligraphy variant over the $100,000 mark. For reference, the Kia EV9 is priced between $97,000 and $121,000 before on-road costs.

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Battery, Range, and Charging

Specification	Ioniq 9 (RWD)	Ioniq 9 (AWD)	Kia EV9 (Long-Range)
Battery Size	110kWh	110kWh	99.8kWh
Range (Korean Standard)	532km	503km	512km (WLTP)
DC Fast Charging (10-80%)	24 min (350kW)	24 min (350kW)	24 min (350kW)

Expect a slightly adjusted real-world range in Australia based on the more widely recognised WLTP cycle. With Hyundai's E-GMP platform, ultra-fast charging remains a highlight, offering rapid top-ups when connected to a 350kW DC charger.

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Interior Space and Practicality

The Ioniq 9 prioritises space, a key difference from the Kia EV9, which leans into bold styling. Hyundai claims its flagship SUV will maximise interior comfort and aerodynamics while still competing with premium rivals.

Feature	Hyundai Ioniq 9
Seating	Three-row layout
Luggage Capacity	620L (SAE standard)
Luggage Capacity (third row folded)	1323L
Towing Capacity	2500kg

Australian standards for luggage capacity may vary, but Hyundai’s design clearly focuses on practicality for families and long-distance touring.

Tech and Features: What Australian Buyers Can Expect

Hyundai is likely to bundle several optional extras from the Korean market as standard for Australian models. Some key features include:

Standard across all trims: Vehicle-to-load (V2L) tech, power tailgate, recycled plastic yarn rooflining, and heated front and second-row seats.
Higher trims (Prestige & Calligraphy): Cooled front seats, premium Bose sound system, remote parking assist.
Calligraphy Exclusive Features: Self-levelling suspension, digital rear-view mirror, two-tone interior, and suede headlining.

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How Does It Compare to the Kia EV9?

While the Ioniq 9 and EV9 share the same platform, Hyundai is positioning its SUV as a more refined, space-focused alternative. It won’t directly compete with the EV9 but will target premium SUV buyers seeking a high-tech, spacious three-row electric vehicle.

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Australian Launch and Final Thoughts

Hyundai Australia has confirmed a mid-2025 launch window for the Ioniq 9, with more details expected in the coming months. With pricing and specs yet to be locked in, the biggest question will be whether the final Australian version can maintain a competitive edge in a growing but price-sensitive EV market.

For those seeking an electric seven-seater with cutting-edge tech and Hyundai’s signature practicality, the Ioniq 9 is shaping up to be an enticing option, if Hyundai can get the price right.