Toyota Highlander Vs. Hyundai Ioniq 9 Vs. Kia EV9: Which Three-Row EV Is Best?

"Toyota definitely benchmarked the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 when creating the Highlander EV. That makes sense, as the Korean options were the first mainstream three-row EVs to come in below the Rivian R1S's and Tesla Model X's price point. The Highlander, EV9, and Ioniq 9 are all pretty similar in size, specs, and features, although the two Korean models' 800-volt platform gives them a clear edge in charging time."

"This is an important and growing segment. The Kia EV9 sold over 15,000 units last year, while the Hyundai Ioniq 9, launched in May 2025, recorded nearly 5,200 sales. Interestingly, the EV9 was outsold by the fancier, more expensive Rivian R1S, which shifted nearly 25,000 units, even though it's about $20,000 more expensive than the Kia."

"The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is the biggest of the three vehicles, measuring 199.2 inches overall and sitting on the longest wheelbase at 123.2 inches. This gives it marginally more legroom in the third row than the Kia EV9, which comes in at just over 197 inches and rides on a 122-inch wheelbase, as well as more trunk space (21.9 cu-ft versus 20.2 cu-ft)."

Toyota has launched the Highlander EV, a family-friendly three-row electric SUV designed to compete directly with the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 in the growing mainstream three-row EV segment. The three vehicles offer similar sizes, specs, and features, with the Korean models holding a charging advantage due to their 800-volt platforms. The market segment shows strong demand, with the EV9 selling over 15,000 units last year and the Ioniq 9 recording nearly 5,200 sales since its May 2025 launch. The Rivian R1S outsold the EV9 despite costing approximately $20,000 more. Toyota's entry leverages consumer trust in the brand's EV capabilities. Dimensionally, the Ioniq 9 is the largest, the Highlander falls in the middle, and the EV9 is the smallest, with varying trunk space configurations depending on seat positioning.

Read at insideevs.com