Hyundai's first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, has proven to be a hit in its home market of Korea, outselling sister company Kia's EV9 by more than five times. The vehicle's popularity can be attributed to its spacious interior, long range capabilities, and competitive price tag starting at 60 million won ($41,500). This pricing strategy is likely a key factor in the IONIQ 9's success, as it makes the vehicle more accessible to a wider range of buyers.
["The EV9 even outsold Kia's more affordable electric vehicles, including the EV4 and midsize EV5 SUV. Hyundai's three-row EV is winning over buyers in Korea with its impressive features and capabilities. The IONIQ 9's vehicle-to-load function has also been a hit among fathers, enabling it to serve as a mobile power source for a campsite, workspace, or external electronics.", ["Looking ahead, Hyundai's three-row EV is expected to compete with larger internal combustion engine SUVs in Korea, with sales exceeding 10,000 in 2026. The company's aggressive pricing promotions and local production will likely play a key role in its success. However, the global electric vehicle market is becoming increasingly competitive, with new entrants and established players vying for market share.", ["In contrast, Hyundai sold only 5,189 IONIQ 9s in the US last year after launching it in May. Kia, on the other hand, sold 15,051 EV9s in the US in 2025, 32% fewer than it did in 2024. The difference in sales can be attributed to various factors, including market demand and competition from other three-row electric SUVs. Hyundai's pricing strategy in the US may also be a contributing factor.", ["The 2026 IONIQ 9 starts at $60,655 with up to 335 miles of driving range. With the second- and third-row seats folded, the electric SUV offers 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly more than the Kia EV9's 81.9 cubic feet. This increased cargo space will likely appeal to buyers who need a vehicle for family or road trips.", ['Like the updated IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 9 has a built-in NACS port to charge at Tesla Superchargers. Using a 350 kW DC fast charger, it can charge from 10% to 80% in as little as 24 minutes. This fast charging capability will likely be attractive to buyers who need a vehicle that can keep up with their busy lifestyles.', ['The IONIQ 9 and EV9 are essentially the only three-row electric SUVs available in Korea for now, but they are seeing strong demand due to their unique features and capabilities. In the US, Hyundai and Kia are competing with other three-row electric SUVs from established players like Volvo and Lucid. The competition is likely to drive innovation and improve the overall customer experience.', ["However, the US market may be more challenging for Hyundai's three-row EV due to various factors, including the absence of federal tax credits and increased competition. Hyundai is doubling down on local production with aggressive pricing promotions to maintain momentum in 2026. The company's efforts will likely be crucial in maintaining its position in the global electric vehicle market.", ["In conclusion, Hyundai's three-row EV has proven to be a hit in Korea, thanks to its spacious interior, long range capabilities, and competitive price tag. While the US market presents challenges, Hyundai is doubling down on local production with aggressive pricing promotions to maintain momentum in 2026. The global electric vehicle market is becoming increasingly competitive, and buyers are likely to benefit from the increased competition."]]]]]]]]
The global electric vehicle market is becoming increasingly competitive, with new entrants and established players vying for market share.
