The 3-Row Electric SUV Throwdown
Tale of the Tape
The Breakdown
Range
Rivian's Gen 2 R1S crushes the competition with up to 410 miles per charge — that's 100+ miles more than either Korean rival. The Ioniq 9 and EV9 both hover around 300-305 miles, which is perfectly adequate for daily use but the R1S eliminates range anxiety entirely for road trips.
Interior Space
The Ioniq 9 has the highest Edmunds rating (8.4/10) for good reason — its interior is the most spacious and luxurious of the three. The lounge-like second row, expansive cargo area, and premium materials make it feel like a first-class cabin. The EV9 is slightly tighter but still excellent. The R1S has a usable third row and a frunk, but the overall interior feel is more utilitarian.
Charging Speed
Both Korean EVs use 800V architecture and charge from 10-80% in under 25 minutes on a 350kW charger — they're the fastest-charging SUVs in this segment. The Ioniq 9 and EV9 now support NACS ports for Tesla Supercharger access. Rivian charges 150 miles in 20 minutes, which is solid but not as fast on a percentage basis.
Off-Road Capability
This isn't even a contest. The Rivian R1S with quad motors and adjustable air suspension is a legitimate off-road vehicle that can wade through 3+ feet of water. It's an electric Range Rover. The Ioniq 9 and EV9 are pavement-bound family haulers — they'll handle a gravel driveway, but that's about it.
Technology
All three are tech-heavy. The Ioniq 9 gets Hyundai's latest dual curved displays and advanced ADAS. The Rivian's software experience is one of the best in the industry — Tesla-level OTA updates with a more premium feel. The EV9's interface is good but less polished than the other two.
Value
The Ioniq 9 at $56,175 and the EV9 at $56,395 are remarkably close in price and both offer 10-year battery warranties. The Rivian R1S at $75,900 is $20,000 more — a massive premium. Unless you need off-road capability or 410 miles of range, the Korean twins offer far more car for the money.
The Verdict
Hyundai Ioniq 9
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 Is the Family EV King
The Ioniq 9 earned the highest Edmunds rating in this segment for a reason: it's the most spacious, the most comfortable, and the most refined three-row electric SUV at any price. The 800V architecture charges faster than the Rivian, the interior makes the EV9 feel cramped, and the 10-year battery warranty provides peace of mind that no competitor matches. At $56,175, it's nearly $20,000 less than the R1S while delivering 95% of the luxury experience. It exceeded EPA range estimates in real-world testing. This is the electric SUV that makes the minivan obsolete.
Quick Specs
| Spec | Hyundai Ioniq 9 | Kia EV9 | Rivian R1S (Gen 2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range | 300+ miles (all trims) | 305 miles (Light LR) | Up to 410 miles |
| Seats | 3 rows, 6-7 passengers | 3 rows, 6-7 passengers | 3 rows, 7 passengers |
| Charging | 800V, 10-80% in ~24 min | 800V, 10-80% in <25 min | 150 miles in 20 min |
| Motor | AWD available | AWD, GT performance trim | Dual/Quad AWD |
| Cargo | Behind 3rd row: ample | Behind 3rd row: 20.2 cu ft | Frunk + 104.7 cu ft total |
| Rating | Edmunds 8.4/10 (highest rated) | Cars.com Top Pick (3-row) | Best off-road EV SUV |