The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is here to challenge EV skeptics, and we put it to the test on a 429km drive from Seoul to Busan. Our journey began at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seoul with a 98% battery charge, offering a promising combined range of 571km. Hyundai claims the IONIQ 9 can achieve a maximum of 749km and a minimum of 353km, depending on driving conditions. While the car was initially in Eco Mode, we quickly switched to Normal and even tested Sport Mode a few times to see how it handled more aggressive driving.
Real-World Test: From Skepticism to Confidence
The test drive covered 429km, including a few strategic stops for coffee, lunch, and even a quick look at a charging station—though we confidently chose not to recharge. Despite initial skepticism, by the end of the trip, the IONIQ 9 had impressed us with its exceptional range and energy efficiency. Given the chilly 2-degree Celsius weather, we also used the HVAC system to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature without significant impact on consumption. Hyundai claimed this is their most advanced and efficient HVAC system yet, and having tested other E-GMP-based EVs, we can confirm they’ve made significant strides in efficiency.
From left to right, range at the beginning vs. range at the lunch stop
Performance & Consumption Analysis
At our second stop, a lunch break at the picturesque Sangchoon House after 92.1km, we had 452km of range left. The IONIQ 9 had consumed 112km of estimated range for 92km of real-world highway driving—an impressive result.
After another 157km, we took a coffee break and aimed to reach Busan without stopping to recharge. Upon arriving at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Busan, the odometer read 431.4km, with 19% battery remaining. That equated to an additional 97km of potential range (maximum 120km, minimum 54km), proving that Hyundai’s claimed 620km WLTP range is realistic under real-world conditions.
From left to right, total distance vs. battery level and remaining range
Driving Dynamics: Comfort Meets Practicality
The IONIQ 9 delivers a smooth and luxurious driving experience, making long journeys exceptionally comfortable. The ride quality is well-tuned, with a quiet cabin and premium materials enhancing the overall feel. However, in urban environments or on twisty roads, the car’s size and weight become more noticeable, making it feel slightly heavier in tight maneuvers. This is expected for a large seven-seater SUV and aligns with its purpose as a spacious and comfortable cruiser rather than a nimble city car.
Hyundai has previously offered a three-mode steering wheel assist system, and for the IONIQ 9, I would personally choose Comfort mode (with more steering assistance) for city driving and parking. This would make maneuvering easier in tight spaces while retaining a stable and secure feel on the highway.
Efficiency & Final Thoughts
Over the course of our trip, the IONIQ 9 achieved an average energy consumption of 21.28 kWh/100km. This is an excellent efficiency figure, especially considering it’s a 2.6-ton, all-wheel-drive, seven-seater SUV. Hyundai has done a remarkable job optimizing energy management for longer journeys, making range anxiety a thing of the past.
Driving alongside Hans Greimel, an award-winning business journalist at Automotive News, was an amazing experience and we were proud to be recognized as the most efficient drivers out of nearly 60 participants. The IONIQ 9’s range, performance, and efficiency exceeded expectations, making it a compelling choice for anyone considering a large electric SUV.
For those hesitant about EVs on long road trips, the IONIQ 9 proves that technology has advanced to the point where concerns about running out of battery are becoming obsolete. Hyundai’s flagship electric SUV is not just about numbers—it delivers real-world performance that speaks for itself.
