I had an absolute blast taking the all-new Hyundai IONIQ 9 on a whirlwind two-week tour through Melbourne, popping in to see family, friends, and exploring every nook of the city. Here's my "real driver review," with a fun twist—no dry technical jargon, just genuine enthusiasm and the coolest bits that really stood out.
The first thing you notice about the IONIQ 9 is its sheer presence. At first glance, this EV is huge, but not in the usual tall SUV kind of way. Instead, it’s sleek, aerodynamic and elongated—like a futuristic spaceship. Hyundai’s 110 kWh battery is their biggest yet, delivering a claimed driving range of up to 600km. This makes it the perfect road trip buddy or everyday family hauler without having to worry about charging stops.
Adding to its standout presence, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 has been recognised on the global design stage, taking home Gold at the 2025 Australian Good Design Awards. It also claimed the Best Exterior Design Commendation.
The Good Design Awards Jury said, “The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is a game-changing, three-row electric SUV that sets the benchmark for comfort, features and capabilities…This is a refined and well thought through vehicle in all aspects - a welcome addition for the families that it targets.”
Describing the IONIQ 9 as roomy is an understatement. Honestly, I felt like a kid on a spaceship: the cabin feels futuristic, airy, and oh-so-spacious. Even our 6-foot-plus mates stretched out with glee and had zero complaints – no knee-scrunching, no awkward shuffling—just pure comfort.
With the 6th and 7th seats folded, the boot is already massive. But the clever part? Hit a button and they pop up. Need more space? Push the button again and everything folds flat. Seriously, you could sleep back there or haul that “too good to pass up” furniture snagged off Facebook Marketplace (if your partner doesn’t notice).
And yes…we went golfing again. Took the car, picked everyone up, and it swallowed four full golf bags, buggies, and still had room to spare. No Tetris-level packing required – just load and go. For anyone who loves weekend getaways with gear, this car is a dream.
High-tech goodies
There’s a UV‑C sterilisation compartment for zapping germs (perfect during flu season), a clever hidden antenna that tucks away when not in use (sly and stylish) and over‑the‑air software updates straight from Hyundai, like dynamic lighting and streaming add-ons.
Hyundai Digital Key 2
No need to dig for a key – your smartphone becomes your key! With hands-free unlocking, push-button start and the ability to share access with up to 15 people, forgetting your keys becomes a thing of the past.
Final verdict
The IONIQ 9 felt less like a daily driver and more like a personal space cruiser packed with futuristic features and genuinely thoughtful tech. It’s roomy, family-friendly and refined. Whether I was picking up tall friends or eyeing last-minute furniture runs, this car just gets it.
One thing to note: all this innovation and luxury comes at a price. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 starts at around $120,000, which is definitely on the higher end of EVs. However, when you consider the size, technology, premium features and overall polish, it’s clear Hyundai is aiming for the top tier of the EV market. If you’re ready to invest in a spacious, future-forward electric vehicle, this one is worth a serious look.
If you’re willing to take it on, novated leasing is a great way to make ownership more manageable. While the IONIQ 9 doesn’t fall under the Luxury Car Tax exemption for the no-FBT EV benefit, a novated lease still helps reduce the overall cost for everyday drivers. By using pre-tax dollars and lowering your taxable income, you can significantly cut down the financial impact and make owning this EV far more accessible.
Overall, Hyundai has nailed it. The IONIQ 9 is fun, functional and full of thoughtful, delightful surprises. Want a spaceship on wheels? The IONIQ 9 is calling your name.
