Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Hyundai teases Ioniq 9 electric SUV’s interior ahead of expected launch

hyundai ioniq 9 teaser launch interior 1 content banner desktop
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Ioniq 9, the much anticipated three-row, electric SUV from Hyundai, will be officially unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show next week.

Selected by Newsweek as one of America’s most anticipated new vehicles of 2025, the Ioniq 9 recently had its name changed from the Ioniq 7, which would have numerically followed the popular Ioniq 6, to signal the SUV as Hyundai’s new flagship EV model.

Recommended Videos

Ahead of next week’s launch, the South Korean automaker released a teaser picture and descriptions of its interior.

“Ioniq 9 offers the ultimate lounge-like environment. Its nature-inspired, lounge-like interior reflects our progressive approach of how we envision the technology, customer-centric design and tranquility coming together seamlessly in the future of mobility,” says Simon Loasby, head of Hyundai design center, in a statement.

The large, three-row SUV can seat up to seven people: Its interior design accommodates different needs and situations to allow each passenger to use the space comfortably, Hyunday says.

As for the Ioniq 9’s outside, Hyundai’s Loasby says its aerodynamic silhouette and curves are engineered to create “a cohesive form that feels sculptural.” It will also feature an LED lightbar similar to the one seen atop Tesla Cybertrucks.

Wuld-be buyers are eagerly awaiting the electric SUV’s price and other specifications. Since the Ioniq 9 will be built on the same platform as the Kia EV9, it’s expected to be roughly the same size and price ($55,000).

The Ioniq 9 will be assembled alongside the 2025 Ioniq 5 at Hyundai’s new Metaplant America in Georgia. That means it will also be eligible for a federal tax credit of $3,750 upon purchase. The full $7,500 credit is expected to be available once the battery part of the Georgia plant opens.

And just like the new Ioniq 5, the Ioniq 9 is expected to feature Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) port.

Nick Godt
Former Freelance reporter
Nick Godt has covered global business news on three continents for over 25 years.
Move aside, Tesla. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the best electric sedan for the masses
The front view of a red Hyundai Ioniq 6.

EVs of all shapes and sizes are finally coming, but not in equal measure. While we now have a solid array of midsize crossovers (like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6), sedans and SUVs aren't quite there yet. Sure, we have expensive sedans and SUVs, like the Rivian R1S and the Lucid Air, but if you're looking for a car for your small family and don't want, or can't afford, to spend a ton of cash, your options are limited.

But that's changing -- and there's a new car that, at least right now, makes a serious case for itself. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the best electric sedan for the masses, and it goes right up against the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. With a base price of $41,600, the Ioniq 6 is right in the same league as the $40,240  Model 3 and $48,400 Polestar 2.
What else is even out there?
When it comes to lower-priced electric sedans, before now, there were really only two options: the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2. Other sedans exist, but they're not accessible by the majority of drivers. I recently reviewed the Lucid Air Grand Touring and loved it -- but I'm not spending $138,000 on a car unless I win the lottery.

Read more
Plug-in hybrids are becoming more popular. Why? And will it continue?
Kia Niro EV Charging Port

There's a lot of talk about the idea that the growth in electric car sales has kind of slowed a little. It's not all that surprising -- EVs are still expensive, early adopters all have one by now, and they're still new enough to where there aren't too many ultra-affordable used EVs available. But plenty of people still want a greener vehicle, and that has given rise to an explosion in hybrid vehicle sales.

That's especially true of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be charged like an EV and driven in all-electric mode for short distances, and have a gas engine as a backup for longer distances or to be used in combination with electric mode for more efficient driving.

Read more
EV drivers are not going back to gas cars, global survey says
ev drivers are not going back to gas cars global survey says screenshot

Nearly all current owners of electric vehicles (EVs) are either satisfied or very satisfied with the experience, and 92% of them plan to buy another EV, according to a survey by the Global EV Drivers Alliance.

The survey of 23,000 EV drivers worldwide found that only 1% would return to a petrol or diesel car, while 4% would opt for a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) if they had to replace their car.

Read more