Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs Kia EV9: Which 7-Seater EV?

If you want a genuine premium electric 7-seater in Belgium in 2026, two Korean cousins dominate the segment: the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and the Kia EV9. They share the same 800-volt platform, almost the same footprint and the same promise — carrying seven people without a drop of fuel. In practice, with children, you don't pick them for the same reasons.

Bottom line: take the Hyundai Ioniq 9 for maximum range and rear space. Take the Kia EV9 if the entry price matters, thanks to its small-battery version, or if its squarer styling and headroom speak to you more.

Hyundai Ioniq 9 or Kia EV9: which to choose in 2026?

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is the choice for those who want the roomiest, longest-legged electric 7-seater on the Belgian market. The Kia EV9 takes the lead on entry price and on rugged character.

On paper the gap is small: 5.06 m for the Ioniq 9 versus 5.01 m for the EV9, two 800 V architectures from the same house. The real difference is in the details. The Ioniq 9 carries a bigger battery (110.3 kWh versus 99.8 kWh at most for the EV9), a huge 3.13 m wheelbase and a sleeker design. The EV9 offers a 76.1 kWh version cheaper than the Ioniq 9 will ever be, boxy right-angle styling and generous headroom.

In practice, with children: if you often carry six or seven people on long trips, the Ioniq 9 and its adult-friendly third row are worth the premium. If the third row is mostly for the school run and weekend cousins, the EV9 — especially in 76.1 kWh — does the same job for several thousand euros less. To place these two against the rest of the market, start from our best 7-seater cars in Belgium comparison.

Which electric 7-seater has the longest real range?

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 keeps the edge on real range thanks to its 110.3 kWh battery: expect around 450 km in mixed use, versus 390 to 440 km for the big-battery Kia EV9.

The WLTP figures — up to 620 km for the Ioniq 9, 563 km for the 99.8 kWh EV9 — are lab values. On a Belgian motorway in cold weather you have to subtract 20 to 30%, plus the share taken by heating. A 2.5-tonne, near-1.80 m-tall SUV uses more than a saloon: that's the price of the format and the seven seats.

The number that matters: on a varied test route, the Ioniq 9 used about 24.8 kWh/100 km, or close to 450 km of real range against 600 km claimed. The 99.8 kWh EV9 sits just below in identical conditions. The small-battery 76.1 kWh EV9 (443 km WLTP) drops toward 320-360 real km in winter: fine for daily use, tighter for long holidays without frequent stops. If budget comes first, also read our Kia EV9 vs Peugeot e-5008 duel, which dips under €52,000.

Which third row really fits adults?

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 offers the more welcoming third row of the pair: an average-height adult fits comfortably for one to two hours. The EV9 is still excellent, but a notch behind.

It's a direct consequence of the wheelbase: 3.13 m for the Ioniq 9, one of the longest on the market, versus slightly less for the EV9. On the Ioniq 9, the flat floor and headroom turn the back into a genuinely usable bench, not a get-you-home jump seat. Both cars ease access with a second row that slides and tips.

The real test is the boot once all 7 seats are in use. Here the two are within a whisker: about 338 L behind the Ioniq 9's third row, against nearly 333 L for the EV9. Enough for a folded buggy and a few bags, not the suitcases of a 7-up departure. In 5-seat mode the Ioniq 9 frees about 908 L, and over 2,400 L with all seats down. To travel genuinely loaded with seven, a roof box stays mandatory, whichever car you pick.

Three child seats abreast: Ioniq 9 or EV9?

Both take three child seats abreast on the second row, provided you pick narrow i-Size compact shells. The Ioniq 9 offers a little more width margin.

Three child seats abreast, yes or no? On these two big SUVs the answer is "yes, with the right seats". The wide second row of both takes two bulky shells without debate; it's the third, central seat that decides. Narrow i-Size models fit in most cases, especially on the Ioniq 9, whose body is slightly wider.

In practice, with children: the only reliable method is to come to the dealer with your three child seats and fit them before signing. Two slim shells fit anywhere; three wide shells jam even in a car this size. The quoted width tells you nothing about the real shape of the seats or how bulky yours are.

Which charges faster on a long trip?

Both run on 800 volts and charge among the fastest on the market. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 peaks at 232 kW, the Kia EV9 at 210 kW, for a 10-80% close to 24 minutes on both.

This is one of the great strengths of the shared E-GMP platform: where many rivals cap out on 400 V, these two Koreans take high power and hold it across a wide charge window. The Ioniq 9 claims up to 304 km recovered in 15 minutes on an ultra-fast charger — enough to get going again in the time of a toilet break and a coffee.

In practice, on a run from Brussels to the south of France in summer, the gap between the two is invisible: a single short charging stop is enough on either, and the Ioniq 9 offsets its bigger battery with a slightly higher peak power. Day to day, with a home charger, both top up overnight without the difference ever showing.

What do they cost for a Belgian company in 2026?

To buy, the Kia EV9 starts ahead: from about €62,390 in 76.1 kWh and €68,390 in 99.8 kWh RWD, versus about €69,900 for the Hyundai Ioniq 9 (Belgian prices being finalised). But as a company car, both enjoy the same tax window.

This is the Belgian point not to miss. Because they are 0 g CO₂, the Ioniq 9 and EV9 stay 100% deductible until 31 December 2026, then 95% in 2027 and 90% in 2028. Ordering before that deadline locks in the most favourable terms. Benefit-in-kind also stays low on electric, and running costs crush those of a large diesel SUV.

The number that matters: a home charge of the EV9 (10-80% of its 99.8 kWh battery) costs about €18-20 at home, and a little more for the Ioniq 9's 110.3 kWh, versus €70 to €90 of diesel for the same distance in a large diesel SUV. Over 25,000 km a year, the fuel gap alone covers a good part of the monthly payment. Work it out with your accountant. For powertrains not 100% deductible, see our 7-seater hybrids instead.

Comparison table: Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs Kia EV9

Verdict

Range and maximum-space pick: Hyundai Ioniq 9 — 110.3 kWh battery, 3.13 m wheelbase, adult-friendly third row and around 450 km of real range. The most accomplished electric 7-seater in the segment, if the budget follows.

Entry price and rugged pick: Kia EV9 — 76.1 kWh version from ~€62,390, square styling, generous headroom and the same 800 V technology. The best compromise if you don't need the biggest battery.

Company car: both 100% deductible until 31 December 2026 — ordering before that date secures the benefit. To compare with a more affordable electric 7-seater, see Kia EV9 vs Peugeot e-5008, and to widen the field, our best 7-seater cars in Belgium comparison.

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Sources: 2026 manufacturer specifications (Hyundai Belgium, Kia Belgium), Kia EV9 Belgium price list as of 01/01/2026, WLTP range and charging data, real-world consumption tests from Automobile-Propre and L'Argus (Hyundai Ioniq 9, 2025-2026), EV Database for the electric 7-seater segment. List prices exclude options as of 28/06/2026, Ioniq 9 Belgian pricing being finalised and may change — check with the dealer. Deductibility: Belgian company-car tax regime 2026-2028, to be confirmed with your accountant.