Making Sense of the Upcoming Electric SUV Rivalry
Let‘s cut through the hype and preview two compelling new entries set to expand the electric SUV space – the 2024 Kia EV9 and 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 7. Leveraging their shared next-gen E-GMP architecture as sister vehicles, they‘ll also deliver unique identities. We‘ll contrast the key specs, interior designs and tech upgrades that could cater to different priorities once they hit the market.
First, what connects these futuristic SUVs behind the scenes?
Kia and Hyundai‘s Formula for EV Success
The Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 7 don‘t represent accidental overlap in product planning. Rather, they embody a strategic alignment between two major automakers joining forces to accelerate leadership in electric mobility.
You see, Hyundai actually holds a controlling 33% ownership stake in Kia dating back to 2015. This formalizes extensive collaboration between the Korean brands across manufacturing, supply chain logistics and research.
In fact, they share multiple assembly plants worldwide capable of interchangeably producing Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models on the same lines. Their latest facility dedicated to EVs broke ground mid-2022.
Combining development budgets, intellectual property and production infrastructure unlocks the efficient co-creation of new platforms powering next-gen electric lineups for each company.
The innovative E-GMP architecture both the EV9 and Ioniq 7 leverage represents a prime example, packaging batteries, motors and electronics suitable for multiple vehicle segments and use cases.
So while badging and design languages may differ, these electric SUVs share far more DNA than meets the eye. Understanding their complementary nature is key to analyzing strengths against the competition.
Now, onto how they stack up…
Sizing Up the Electric SUVs‘ Specs
On paper, similarities anchor both mid-sized utility EVs given their common underpinnings. But differences in tuning and configuration introduce meaningful performance and practicality nuances.
Let‘s break down core specs across dimensions, seating, range and more:
Exterior Dimensions & Capacity
| Specification | Kia EV9 | Hyundai Ioniq 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.2 in | 195 in |
| Width | 77.9 in | 81 in |
| Height | 69.1 in | 70 in |
| Wheelbase | 122 in | 132 in |
| Seating Capacity | 6 or 7 | 7 or 8 |
| Cargo Capacity | TBD | TBD |
Analysis: Very similarly proportioned outside, but the Ioniq 7 looks to optimize passenger and cargo space thanks to its 10 inch longer wheelbase
Power and Driving Range
| Specification | Kia EV9 RWD | Kia EV9 AWD | Hyundai Ioniq 7 RWD | Hyundai Ioniq 7 AWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 215 hp | 400 hp | 320 hp | 320 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft | TBD | TBD |
| 0-60 MPH | 8.5 sec | 5.2 sec | TBD | TBD |
| Drive | RWD | AWD | RWD | AWD |
| Range (mi) | 220 mi | 336 mi | 300 mi | 300 mi |
| Battery Capacity | 76.1 kWh | 99.8 kWh | Expected 100 kWh | Expected 100 kWh |
Analysis: Kia leads for now by announcing torque peaking at a mighty 480 lb-ft in AWD trim enabling sub-5 second 0-60 acceleration. But Hyundai keeps specs locked down and offers AWD, likely waiting to showcase performance variants later
MSRP Pricing
| Version | Kia EV9 | Hyundai Ioniq 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Base RWD | $56,000 | $50,000 (Expected) |
| Upgraded AWD | $73,000 | $70,000 (Expected) |
Analysis: Hyundai may significantly undercut Kia at both equipment levels if they hit targeted base pricing
Our Takeaway: Similar roots but diverging priorities – Hyundai looks to stretch cabin space while Kia pursues performance. But Ioniq 7 remains an enigma until disclosed specs materialize down the road.
Interior Philosophies: Radical Concepts Inside
Stepping into the cabin reveals interior design taking disparate paths between the sister SUVs:
Kia EV9 Cockpit
Kia emphasizes sustainability and flexibility when approaching their EV9 interior layout:
Custom Seating – Opt for 6 passengers with swiveling middle row or standard 7 passenger fixed bench
Responsible Materials – Upholstery woven partly from recycled plastics, flooring leveraging fishing nets, reduced leather
Adaptable Ambiance – Adjustable accent lighting shifting hues, wireless phone charging stations
They sought freedom starting from the dedicated electric platform to challenge traditions about cabin functionality in an SUV form factor.
Hyundai Ioniq 7 Cockpit
If the EV9 focuses inward on occupants, the Ioniq 7 interior borders on escapism with touches like:
Lounge Seating – Ultra-relaxing front and rear bench seats encouraging kicking back as you ride
Cinematic Displays – Overhead panoramic OLED screen streams media or displays psychedelic ambient patterns
Unorthodox Controls – Rotational control stick replaces a traditional steering wheel
Thoughtful Storage – Dedicated compartment for kicking off shoes after a long day, a mini fridge, abundant small item cubbies
Hyundai wants driving to feel like an entertaining escape into a comfy living space, not just transportation from A to B.
Analysis: The interior design theories present almost philosophical contrasts – pragmatism and renewability inside the EV9, lavishness and leisure guiding the Ioniq 7
And speaking of escapes, both cockpits provide a portal to upgrade adventures…
App Store Upgrades Set to Become Routine
Perhaps nothing exemplifies the forward-looking nature of the EV9 and Ioniq 7 better than announced features allowing owners to customize vehicle capabilities on the fly through smartphone apps.
Kia shares specifics so far about their Kia Connect Store coming to the EV9:
Acceleration Upgrades – Over-the-air software unleashing an extra 100 nm torque punch
Enhanced Parking Tech – Activating automated self-parking and summoning from your phone
Customized Styling – Configuring unique exterior lighting animation themes
And while Hyundai holds apps features close to the vest, expectations based on the brand‘s Digital Key platform hint at similar Hyundai Bluelink functionality for the Ioniq 7 like:
Performance Boosts – Amped up horsepower and torque tuning taking 0-60 times into hypercar territory
Self-Driving Assist – One tap away from enhanced autonomous drive modes
Expanded Battery Capacity – Push your range past 400 miles via software upgrade rather than hardware swap
If echoes of Tesla come to mind, you wouldn‘t be far off. The era of unlocking substantial vehicle enhancements on demand over cellular signals dawns quickly.
Analysis: The EV digital transformation surfaces here – expect wireless unlocks of awe-inspiring vehicle capabilities to become routine maintenance
So where do our electric SUV contenders stand as the hype gives way to reality?
Which Next-Gen Electric SUV Should You Get Pumped For?
For buyers who can‘t wait to plug in to either extended range, rapid acceleration or radical interior concepts, I suggest patience…with a dose of perspective.
Both the Kia EV9 and Hyundai‘s Ioniq 7 SUV exist in pre-production purgatory for now – promising but pending actually manifesting for customer deliveries.
And while being first to market in 2024 means the EV9 offers known quantities today like a confirmed 5.2 second BLAST to 60 mph with AWD or six swiveling seats, I give the edge to the Ioniq 7 if Hyundai ultimately executes on interior spaciousness, sub $50K base pricing and competitive performance.
Those crossing over from gas-powered SUVs will discover the Ioniq 7 provides the blueprint to seamlessly transition familiar seven or eight passenger utility into an emissions-free future.
But performance purists desiring acceleration inducing grins between the ears over practicality get my nod toward the torque-rich Kia EV9 specs revealed already.
Of course, everything depends on timing and target buyer priorities. Both sister electric SUVs will undoubtedly tempt gearheads and families alike when they hit the road.
I‘d suggest considering your must-have features today with flexibility tomorrow as momentum keeps shifting toward EVs with sensational range, technology innovation and affordability in the coming years.
The Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 7 simply mark the starting line.
