Hyundai Ioniq 9: The Three-Row Electric SUV That Changes the Family EV Game | Taha Abbasi

The Family EV Market Just Got a Serious Contender

Taha Abbasi has been waiting for credible three-row electric SUVs to arrive, and the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is finally here. This full-size electric SUV seats up to seven passengers, offers competitive range, and comes from a manufacturer with a proven track record of delivering quality EVs. For families who’ve been waiting to go electric without compromising on space, the Ioniq 9 could be the answer.

The Ioniq 9 joins a small but growing field that includes the Kia EV9, Rivian R1S, and Tesla Model X. What makes the Hyundai entry significant, as Taha Abbasi sees it, is the combination of practicality, technology, and value that Hyundai consistently delivers in the EV space.

Key Specifications

• Seating: Up to 7 passengers in three rows
• Range: Estimated 300+ miles (EPA)
• Platform: Hyundai E-GMP (800V architecture)
• Charging: 10-80% in approximately 24 minutes via 350kW DC fast charging
• Interior: Premium lounge-like cabin with rotating front seats when parked

The 800V architecture is a game-changer for family road trips. As Taha Abbasi notes from his own EV road trip experience, fast charging capability transforms long-distance EV travel from a compromise to a convenience. A 24-minute charging stop is perfect for a family bathroom-and-snack break.

The Interior Revolution

Perhaps the Ioniq 9’s most innovative feature is its cabin. The rotating front seats, which swivel 180 degrees when parked, transform the vehicle into a mobile living room. Hyundai calls it a “Living Space” concept. Taha Abbasi sees this as more than a gimmick — it’s a preview of how autonomous vehicles will reimagine interior design. When the car drives itself, the cabin becomes a flexible space rather than a driving cockpit.

Price Positioning

Hyundai has consistently positioned its EVs below Tesla and European luxury competitors while delivering comparable or superior technology. The Ioniq 5 undercut the Model Y. The Ioniq 6 challenged the Model 3. If the Ioniq 9 follows this pattern — pricing in the $55-65K range — it would significantly undercut the Tesla Model X ($80K+) and Rivian R1S ($76K+) while offering similar or better interior space.

Why Competition Is Good for Everyone

Taha Abbasi consistently argues that more credible EV options accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. The Ioniq 9 gives mainstream families — who might not want a Tesla for brand or preference reasons — a compelling electric option. Every family that switches from a gas-powered Tahoe or Highlander to an Ioniq 9 is a win for the broader EV ecosystem.

The Three-Row Electric Future

The Ioniq 9, along with the Kia EV9 and upcoming Toyota Highlander EV, signals that the three-row electric SUV segment is finally arriving. Taha Abbasi believes this is the segment that will drive mainstream EV adoption — because families are the largest vehicle-buying demographic, and they’ve been underserved by the EV market until now.

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About the Author: Taha Abbasi is a technology executive, CTO, and applied frontier tech builder. Read more on Grokpedia | YouTube: The Brown Cowboy | tahaabbasi.com