About this episode
The team dives into their experience with the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, a three-row electric SUV that competes with models like the Kia EV9 and Rivian R1S. They discuss its impressive interior space, driving dynamics, and the advantages of the new North American charging standard. The conversation covers the vehicle's pricing, features, and the pros and cons of its tech, including the touchscreen interface and regenerative braking. They also compare it to competitors and reflect on the evolving EV market, making it a comprehensive overview for potential buyers.
This week, we discuss the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9. This sleek, futuristic-looking three-row electric vehicle shares its basic technology and design with the Kia EV9. We cover the similarities and differences between the two vehicles, share our driving experiences, and lament (once again) the use case of electronic door handles. We also answer questions about fuel savings on hybrid vehicles and the longevity of plug-in hybrid vehicle batteries.
Test results here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers: https://www.cr.org/jointalkingcars?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
SHOW NOTES:
0:00: Intro
0:17: Hyundai Ioniq 9 overview
5:26: EV Charging
7:50: Interior, controls, and cabin storage
16:50: Access
21:57: Regenerative braking
26:22: Driving impressions
29:27: Safety systems
33:50: Hyundai Ionia 9 vs. Kia EV9
37:35: Question #1: Is buying a hybrid still a better choice than a non-hybrid?
42:50: Question #2: Does daily charging degrade a PHEV battery quicker?
Hyundai Ioniq
"...hree of us today are going to talk about the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, because that is an EV that we recently bought."
Hyundai Ioniq 9
"...us today are going to talk about the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, because that is an EV that we recently bought."
Rivian R1S
"We do have a few. We have the R1S, the EV9 as you mentioned, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV,..."
Mercedes-Benz Mercedesbenz Eqs
"We do have a few. We have the R1S, the EV9 as you mentioned, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, daddy buzz and a Vistik. I think this is a pretty solid EV, a three-row EV that you can get."
Hyundai Palisade
"..., compared to something like, I mean, the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Italia Ryder 2 SUVs that dominate that th..."
Cadillac Optiq
"...work. Yeah. Yeah, I mean, I took our the Cadillac OPTIQ OPTIQ. We have like every Cadillac EV almost, I t..."
Dodge Charger
"... you're not going into going in blind, hoping the charger works or whatever the situation may be."
Hyundai Genesis
"... us about the. Sure. Yeah. So Hyundai and Kia and Genesis, they have regen braking that's very customizable..."
Lucid Gravity
".... You feel the way that being said, low center of gravity. It is a decent, decent balance."
Toyota Prius
"...eports.org as well. But we looked at how the 2001 Prius Toyota Prius tested back in 2001. And then in 201..."
Subaru Solterra
"...tt from Chicago land. Brett says, I have a Subaru Solterra EV and OK car, but a great deal. And was looking ..."
Toyota RAV4
"...car, but a great deal. And was looking at the new RAV4 plug in hybrid electric vehicle, the new RAV4 P h..."
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