FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA – Hyundai Motor America today announced the momentous first delivery of its highly anticipated large electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, to U.S. customers. This significant milestone marks a new chapter for Hyundai in the competitive American EV market, signaling its commitment to offering a diverse range of electric vehicles tailored to American families.
The inaugural IONIQ 9 was delivered to Jennifer and Dwayne Maynard, residents of Dalton, Georgia. The couple, previously owners of a Hyundai IONIQ 5, upgraded to the IONIQ 9, citing its "best-in-class spaciousness, advanced technology, and modern design" as key factors in their decision. Jennifer Maynard expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We loved our IONIQ 5, but the IONIQ 9 offers everything our family, our adventures, need and more. It’s like Hyundai designed this car especially for us."
This initial delivery serves as the vanguard for Hyundai's aggressive marketing campaign in the U.S. The company plans to intensify its local outreach, leveraging the IONIQ 9's unique selling points. Central to this campaign is the "Space to Connect" advertising video, which metaphorically portrays the vehicle as offering a cosmic journey experience. Hyundai is emphasizing the IONIQ 9's suitability for various family purposes as a large electric SUV, highlighting its "stylish" design as a major draw.
The IONIQ 9, a critical vehicle for Hyundai's North American strategy, is produced at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) facility in Georgia. This domestic production not only underscores Hyundai's investment in the U.S. economy but also positions the IONIQ 9 to potentially benefit from federal EV tax credits, making it an even more attractive option for American consumers.
Pricing for the IONIQ 9 in the U.S., announced earlier this month by Hyundai Motor America, starts at $60,555, including destination fees, for the base rear-wheel-drive (RWD) S trim. While specific details on other trims like the SEL, Limited, and Calligraphy, as well as all-wheel-drive (AWD) options, are expected to follow, this starting price positions the IONIQ 9 competitively within the burgeoning large electric SUV segment. Its U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated driving range on a single charge is an impressive 335 miles (539 km), a crucial factor for consumers concerned about range anxiety.
The IONIQ 9 is expected to directly compete with other prominent electric SUVs in the U.S. market, including the Kia EV9, its platform sibling, as well as models like the Rivian R1S and the Tesla Model X. Its three-row seating configuration, aimed at accommodating larger families and their active lifestyles, is a significant differentiator. Features such as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), a sophisticated infotainment system, and rapid charging capabilities are also anticipated to be standard or widely available, further enhancing its appeal. The IONIQ 9’s introduction underscores Hyundai’s broader vision to become a leading EV manufacturer globally, with a strong focus on the North American market.
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