The Kia EV9 Is A Practical People-Mover - But The Hyundai IONIQ 9? It's A McMansion On Wheels

The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is built on the same e-GMP platform as the EV9. We liked the EV9. So why does the IONIQ 9 feel so different? A year or so ago, Kate and Nikki were given the opportunity to put the Kia EV9 GT-Line three-row electric SUV through its paces in a week-long review (https://youtu.be/Qq9dkwotiXA) And while they're usually not fans of large, oversized cars, they found it pleasantly surprising. Now, it's the turn of that car's recently-launched sibling from the Hyundai stable: the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ9. They're the same vehicle underneath (albeit with a NACS adapter for both models for the 2025 model year). But is the IONIQ 9 the same comfortable family-friendly EV, or is there just something a little out of place? If you ask Nikki and Kate, it's the faux Formica... Read more on our website at :https://www.transportevolved.com/2025/07/31/the-kia-ev9-is-a-practical-people-mover-but-the-hyundai-ioniq-9-its-a-mcmansion-on-wheels/ ---- ⏱️ Chapter Breakdown: 00:00 - Introduction (Music: Aves - Sundays - https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/undefined/75407 ) 01:03 - Montage: ( Music: ER - L -https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/album/undefined/12725) 02:03 - Marketed as a luxury vehicle... 03:10 - What is the "feel" when you sit behind the wheel? 04:11 - It feels "budget" somehow 05:19 - Is it durable? Other models in the family suggest no 06:35 - Does the theming work? 07:35 - The perks of an open feel at the front 08:22 - Dedicated functions for AC 09:41 - More on the interior 11:05 - Interior and exterior design language - does it make sense? 13:36 - Six or seven seats - with foot rests 17:06 - Motor noise - exterior 17:29 - Visibility 18:14 - Regenerative on Demand 18:50 - Drive mode selection 19:22 - Range and specs 21:16 - Handling is impeccable despite the wheel size 22:04 - Blind-spot cameras 23:04 - Safety features 24:24 - The elephant in the room 25:16 - Audio sample 28:21 - Conclusion 38:31 - Thanks, and goodbye! --- 👥 Today’s Sponsors 🌱 Electric Vehicle Association - https://www.myeva.org ⚡ EnergySage - https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101290941-16952262 🎁 Win an EV with CCAN Action Fund! ➡️ https://bit.ly/transportevolvedEVraffle Choose from: • Rivian R1T / R1S • Lucid Gravity / Air • Porsche Macan EV / Taycan 🏅 2nd prize: Ioniq 5 or VW ID. Buzz 🥉 3rd prize: Chevy Equinox EV 🎟️ $200 ticket supports CCAN Action Fund nonprofit work — ✊ Get Involved 🗳️ https://indivisible.org/town-hall-resources ❤️ Support the Show 📰 https://www.transportevolved.com 🔥 https://www.patreon.com/transportevolved ☕ https://ko-fi.com/transportevolved 📺 https://www.youtube.com/transportevolved 👕 https://www.redbubble.com/people/TransportEVd/ 🛍️ https://amzn.to/40xOyjm ₿ 1QRZRGCCXUKPDZ2DZ9KX9JYJXMZDYHYGFZ0MN4WH 💬 Join the Conversation 🐘 https://mastodon.transportevolved.com/@show 💬 https://discord.gg/9WAjfQn 🌀 https://bsky.app/profile/transportevolved.bsky.social 🔁 Subscribe to our 2nd channel - https://www.youtube.com/transportevolvedtake2 🎙️ Credits: Hosts: Kate Walton-Elliott and Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield Camera, Edit & Color: Vi Horton Audio and Producer: Nikki Gordon-Bloomfield Art & Animation, Chase Truck Driver: Erin Carlie Music: via Artlist.io © Transport Evolved LLC, 2025