Hyundai Ioniq 9 Variants Compared: Long Range RWD vs AWD

If you’re in the market for the Hyundai Ioniq 9, you probably have more than colours and wheel options on your mind. You have a big decision to make that has the potential to shape what the car will be like: efficiency-oriented Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or the potent, all-weather Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD). It’s a tough call since both versions have the same angular, “future-retro” styling and a truly cavernous cabin that enables exceptional family practicality.

But get in the car, and the feeling is instant, right through your fingers on the wheel and your foot to the accelerator. I drove both models thoroughly on a variety of British roads, from congested urban streets to multi-lane motorways and country roads, through weather conditions that included spectacular sunshine and torrential rain, and came away with a pretty firm impression of how they differ.

My experience with these two cars made it clear that there’s one single, most important aspect in helping figure out which Ioniq 9 is truly the right one for you, and that’s your lifestyle. That’s not a simple decision, based on the spec sheet alone, but rather on how the car fits into your everyday life and driving style. This review will explain those real-world differences. (Battery) Are you the kind of driver who likes to eke every last mile out of the battery, stretching your time between charges for maximum efficiency and the lowest running costs possible? Or is the additional grip and extra grunt of a dual-motor setup worth more confidence in all conditions, and a more exciting drive, to you?

In this article, we will explore in more detail the feel of their drive, how convenient they are and the cost of daily maintenance. By the end, you’ll know exactly which model is tailor-made for your life.

A Glimpse into the Future: What to Expect from the Hyundai Ioniq 9

But before getting into our detailed comparison of RWD vs AWD trim levels, let’s first take a look at what makes the Hyundai Ioniq 9 a groundbreaking vehicle in the electric arena. It’s not just a new car, it’s a declaration of purpose from Hyundai, aimed at changing the game for a big, family-friendly EV.

The Ioniq 9 is a flagship electric SUV from Hyundai, and at three rows deep with seven seats, it is Hyundai’s largest EV ever. It’s designed from the ground up for families who need lots of room and adaptability.

• Two Specialised Drivetrains: Select RWD for best efficiency and range, or AWD for superior power and traction in any weather.
• The new, advanced E-GMP Platform: Allows for a flat floor, which maximises cabin space, and 800V technology enables ultra-fast charging from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
• Outstanding Range for Breaking Journeys: These vehicles can both sustain long road trips, especially the RWD, which can travel the farthest on a single charge, perfect for long journeys as it minimises the number of stops.
• No Compromise with Family Friendly Practicality: Huge boot, flexible seating means packing for family trips is a dream, smart touches mean no one ever feels uncomfortable on board.

The Driving Experience: Unpacking the Ioniq 9’s Dual Personalities

Once inside the Hyundai Ioniq 9, you’re met with a space that seems tailor-made for comfort and tranquillity. The noise is barely noticeable, which makes driving even through heavy city traffic less of a headache than you might expect for a vehicle this size. Sunlight streams in from the large windows and panoramic roof, and the sense of openness is further accentuated by clean lines and a minimal amount of buttons. It’s a very considered, modern environment that makes even stop-start commuting and long-distance treks equally soothing, and you immediately get that this is an SUV crafted for everyday life and far-reaching adventures in equal measure.

Speaking of actual driving, the RWD model was a marvel of nimbleness and finesse qualities, which immediately made themselves known as I wound my way through a crowded multi-storey car park and edged along the narrow, terraced streets of my hometown. Even with the large size of the Ioniq 9, the steering is still quite direct and easy to manage, which makes it surprisingly easy to manoeuvre in tight spots.

The brake regeneration system is a game-changer in stop-go traffic, which enables true one-pedal driving and eases fatigue during long hours behind the wheel. Efficiency-minded drivers know that the RWD is built to last and offers the cheapest day-to-day running costs. From the open road, a further dimension raises its head. On a Sunday drive through the hills and B-roads outside of town, the RWD stays settled and engaging, but it’s the AWD that really shines when the weather turns English rainy or windswept.

A strafe of rain-soaked tarmac turns the spotlight on the AWD’s controlled disbursement of power: torque migrates nearly undetectably, affording the kind of tranquillity usually found on far sportier rides.

The extra mass translates to a sensation of stability as the assured traction glides through motorway crosswinds and rapid bypass moves with real peace of mind. The security of the AWD on slippery asphalt was impossible to dispute as I drove them both in rapid succession amid a late-autumn tempest, making it a smart pick for families, regular motorway travellers and anybody who’s not prepared to back down when the weather does a little of that. City traffic, tight parking, family trips to the beach, and brisk motorway jaunts each come with their own unique expectations that the Ioniq 9 surpasses in different ways, based on whether you go with RWD or AWD.

Both yachts are very good in specific conditions, but they are equally good in a much wider range of circumstances , making each of them a wonderful choice for any voyage.

• Spacious, light-filled cabin: Reduces driver fatigue and enhances comfort on long journeys
• Direct steering and nimble handling (RWD): Makes parking and manoeuvring in urban spaces effortless and confidence-inspiring
• Calibrated regenerative braking: Smooths out city traffic, allowing for one-pedal driving and a more relaxed commute
• Confident, planted ride (AWD): Delivers impressive grip and stability in adverse weather, boosting peace of mind for families and frequent travellers
• Intelligent power distribution (AWD): Provides seamless control on winding roads and slippery surfaces for a safer, more engaging drive
• Adaptability to city, rural and motorway scenarios: Ensures the Ioniq 9 feels at home, no matter the journey

Navigating the Urban Jungle: Ioniq 9 RWD vs. AWD

What’s clear is that for a car, its ethos really comes through when you live with it in the city on a day-to-day basis. And it is in the narrow streets, chaotic roundabouts, and endless stop-and-go traffic that the minuscule distance between the Hyundai Ioniq 6 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variants can be felt the most. They may each get the same Zen-like spacious cabin, but in town, urban, their two-car city driving is like chalk and cheese. I was that both in busy British towns really brought home how each is focused on a very slightly different set of everyday priorities, showing the fact that the best choice is entirely dependent on what your daily drive consists of.

The rear-wheel-drive model absolutely shines in the city. It moves with an ease that belies its seven-seat capacity, seeming unexpectedly nimble as it makes its way through traffic-clogged lanes. I was also taken by how, when it came to a famously tight multi-storey car park, the steering was direct; it acted with a crisp responsiveness that meant I could place the car with pinpoint accuracy without the guesswork that usually comes with driving large SUVs. Regenerative braking becomes a lifesaver in traffic. I quickly learned to one-pedal drive, where you can just take your foot off the gas and the car decels cleanly and increasingly quickly to an almost-complete stop. This not only makes the stop-start beat of a drive less grating but also regenerates energy efficiently to recharge the battery.

By contrast, the AWD version is a different animal in the urban jungle. You feel immediately that there’s more weight behind you, a more planted feeling that’s reassuring and says there’s more hardware beneath you. This sureness is most apparent when you are pulling away quickly from a junction, particularly on a wet morning. When the rear drive might start to hint at a bit of tail out fun if you get a bit too happy, the all-wheel drive simply grips and goes, sending power to all four wheels and up to no good. While that extra grip certainly is beneficial in slippery terrain, for most sunny and mundane morning drives, the difference is imperceptible. Ultimately, it is a matter of taste: the agility and efficiency of the RWD versus the solid stability of the AWD.

• RWD’s Direct Steering: Effortlessly navigate tight city car parks and narrow streets.
• One-Pedal Driving Capability: Reduces driver fatigue and improves efficiency in stop-and-go traffic.
• AWD’s Enhanced Grip: Provides confident and immediate acceleration from junctions, even in wet weather.
• Planted AWD Feel: Delivers a reassuring sense of stability and control during everyday urban driving.

Mastering the Motorway: Ioniq 9’s Long-Distance Composure

Take either the Hyundai Ioniq 9 or Ioniq 5 on the highway, and it won’t take long for you to realise this car was designed to get you comfortably across country. Both the RWD and the AWD models shine in their comfort on the road, and consistently turn bowls of mundane highway roads into placid and enjoyable adventures. The long wheelbase and sophisticated suspension system combine to offer a luxurious, compliant ride that irons out all but the hardest road knocks. In addition, the superior aerodynamic and soundproofing levels are reckoned to significantly reduce wind and tyre noise, ensuring that occupants can enjoy a ‘normal’ conversation volume even when travelling at high speed.

In terms of overtaking, the two ships share the instant torque of EVs that make for understated yet confident moves. The RWD has more than enough power to get you safely into quickly moving traffic or to pass slower drivers on the highway. The AWD model, on the other hand, cranks this performance up to a whole new level. While ascending the M6 during one such drive, I could find nothing more satisfying than the AWD’s capacity to deliver yet another exhilarating rush of acceleration. A strong press on the gas pedal has a rapid and aggressive effect that makes passing another car seem like no big deal, adding an extra layer of dynamic capability for enthusiasts who want it. The real difference on the motorway comes with a change in the weather. When we tested the cars in a bout of rain and high winds, the AWD version’s clear advantage was obvious. It squats really hard on the tarmac, is totally rock-solid and unbothered by wind gusts or by the spray coming from the wheels of trucks on the highway. This gives you a deep feeling of confidence and control. The RWD version also feels balanced and seamless, which is a credit to how well sorted the chassis is, but you notice the conditions a bit more. Because the AWD system actively controls traction, it offers the highest level of sure-footedness and is the logical selection for drivers who often make long trips across the capricious skies of Britain.

• Long Wheelbase and Advanced Suspension: Enjoy a supremely comfortable and plush ride, reducing fatigue on long journeys.
• Superior Aerodynamics and Insulation: Experience a quiet cabin with minimal wind and road noise, perfect for relaxed conversation.
• AWD’s Instantaneous Torque: Overtake with absolute confidence thanks to an immediate and powerful burst of acceleration.
• AWD’s All-Weather Stability: Feel secure and planted on the road, even in heavy rain and strong crosswinds.

Power and Poise: Deconstructing Ioniq 9 Performance

Let’s talk about power. While the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versions of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 feed from the same massive battery pack, the manner in which they convert that energy into power results in two polar opposite personalities. This is where the choice of models goes beyond practicality and court into the area of pure driving pleasure. The difference is more than a spec sheet number; it’s a real feeling that you get every time you press the accelerator, be it pulling away from a standstill or carving through a corner on a winding country road.

Don’t be mistaken RWD model is piston shredding fast too. Smooth, linear and surprisingly combustible. The power delivery is smooth, linear and more than brisk enough to catch you off guard at the stoplights. I thought it was up to the task perfectly for all situations of daily driving, with enough punch to give me confidence when joining a busy dual carriageway or performing a quick overtake. The power seems to be sufficient and reachable; it does not make you want more. On a particularly wild blast down a sinuous B-road, the RWD’s traditional rear-drive dynamics are a delight. The result is a feeling of being in control and the natural sensation of being pushed on by the running rear wheels as you come out of a corner, which makes it feel like a truly predictable and fun mate.

The AWD variant is, however, a class apart in terms of performance. With the addition of a second engine and the massive increase in torque, the Ioniq 9 becomes a genuinely fast-running SUV. As soon as you step on the gas, a powerful, instantaneous acceleration immediately pushes you back in your seat. This unremitting acceleration turns merging onto a motorway into an occasion, and whipping past massed traffic with an authority that constantly brought a smile to my lips. The reward in handling is equally striking. When cornering actively, AWD intelligently sends torque to the wheels with the most grip, so that the big Ioniq 9 feels nimble and tightly wrapped around you. In damp or cold weather, this equates to an incredible confidence-inspiring feeling and a level of grip that actually tells you to continue on until you can’t go any further.

• RWD’s Balanced Power: Enjoy brisk, smooth acceleration perfectly suited for everyday driving and confident overtakes.
• Classic Rear-Drive Handling: Experience a natural, composed, and engaging drive on winding roads.
• AWD’s Dual-Motor Punch: Feel the instant, thrilling shove of acceleration for a truly dynamic driving experience.
• Intelligent Torque Vectoring: Corner with incredible grip and agility as the AWD system actively enhances stability.

Ultimate Family Practicality: Inside the Ioniq 9

This is the point where the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versions of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 mesh, and they both excel. The Ioniq 9 is a clean-slate creation based on the real-life needs of a family. It has a huge boot, flexible seating arrangements that can be altered in minutes, and several family-friendly features that hint at a well-thought-out design. What’s brilliant about the Ioniq 9 is that your choice of drivetrain doesn’t affect its fantastic practicality – whether you want to maximise efficiency or all-weather ability, you get the same class-leading interior space and practicality.

So I tested it during a family weekend with three kids, our dog, and what felt like half our house crammed into various bags and boxes. The Ioniq 9 handled everything with ease. With the third row folded down, the cargo space is huge, and we crammed a myriad of luggage, sports gear, and even a dog crate in there. The spaciously flat floor, which is one of the advantages of the E-GMP electric platform, provides a great sense of openness and frees up the passengers’ space in all rows. This construction removes the beefy transmission tunnel that runs through traditional vehicle floors, enabling everyone, particularly the middle-seat passengers, to have more legroom and comfort.

These little touches of thoughtfulness are layered throughout the cabin. The optional six-seat layout, which swaps the second-row bench for two luxurious captain’s chairs, was a particular hit with my kids as it gave them a sense of personal space and made it easier for them to get into the third row. The seven-seat car has a surprisingly spacious boot for a seven-seater, so it’s perfectly possible to take adults in the rearmost seats on short trips without complaint. From the ample storage compartments to the cleverly positioned USB ports accessible by all passengers, it is clear that Hyundai has thought about the way families today use their cars. It’s this appreciation for daily life that lifts the Ioniq 9 above simply being a big SUV to a genuinely outstanding family car.

• Expansive Boot Space: Easily fits luggage, sports gear, and more for family trips without compromise.
• Completely Flat Floor: Enhances passenger comfort and creates a spacious, open-plan feel throughout the cabin.
• Flexible Seating Configurations: Choose between a seven-seat bench or six-seat captain’s chairs to perfectly suit your family’s needs.
• Abundant Family-Focused Features: Enjoy clever storage solutions and accessible charging ports that make life on the go simpler.

Smart, Swift, and Seamless: The Ioniq 9’s Tech and Charging

When it comes to tech, Hyundai has gone all out in the Ioniq 9 too, to make sure the driving and ownership experience is as futuristic as its electric powertrain. The moment you slide into the driver’s seat, you are welcomed by a sprawling digital dashboard. This broad, high-resolution display combines the driver’s instrument cluster and the central infotainment screen in one unit. It shows everything important about driving with crisp graphics and easy-to-understand layouts, while the central touchscreen is responsive to all taps and swipes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard now, which means your smartphone connects seamlessly and places your favourite navigation, music and podcast apps right onto the car’s big screen within seconds of plugging in.

Among the Ioniq 9’s biggest tech perks is its charging flexibility. Using Hyundai’s sophisticated 800V technology, this car can be charged at speeds not attainable by most rivals. This very fast charging allows you to charge the battery from 10% to 80% at a compatible quick charger in less than 30 minutes. On a long journey, I tested this by plugging in at a motorway service station, and it was really something. The time it took to grab a coffee and stretch my legs was sufficient to add more than a hundred miles of range, eliminating any range anxiety and making long-distance EV travel totally stress-free.

In addition to its rapid charging rate, the Ioniq 9 also has something I found surprisingly useful: Vehicle-to-Load (V2L). That ingenious technology enables you to tap into the car’s battery as a portable power source, providing up to 3.6kW of electricity. Using an adapter, normal household appliances can be run off the car. During a family picnic, we used it to boil water for a cup of tea, and we recharged an e-bike following a long ride. That might sound like a minor thing, but after enjoying the ability to find a powerful socket anywhere you happen to be, you will wonder how you ever got by without it. It makes a car not just a means of transportation but a handy tool you could use for work, fun and even as an emergency power source for your home.

• Ultra-Fast 800V Charging: Go from 10% to 80% battery in under 30 minutes, minimising downtime on long trips.
• Panoramic Digital Cockpit: Access driving data and infotainment on a stunning, responsive, and intuitive widescreen display.
• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Functionality: Power laptops, charge e-bikes, or even run small appliances directly from your car.
• Seamless Smartphone Integration: Use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard for instant access to your essential apps.

Analysing Ownership Costs: Ioniq 9 RWD vs. AWD

Long-term running costs, not just the new car price, are also an important consideration when comparing Hyundai Ioniq 9 Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variants. We spilt the beans on the true cost of owning these cars in the UK. Their single most practical difference is their energy use. When it comes to running both models, they’re both much cheaper than their petrol or diesel equivalents, but the RWD model just so slightly comes out on top. It’s simpler, lighter drivetrain takes less energy to go the same distance, which means more miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This is especially true for “home-charging drivers,” who can expect to chuckle all the way to the bank from the off-peak electricity rate for home charging, as the savings pile up over a decade-long ownership period.

Efficiency is at the root of the cost of charging. I noticed that when I drove both cars, the RWD model consistently had the farthest range on a full charge. That means you stop charging for long trips, and more importantly, your electric bill at home is just a tiny bit less each month. Although the difference may be only a few pounds per charge, it all adds up over the course of a year. To someone who covers significant miles, the RWD’s efficiency translates into actual savings on the bottom line, which makes it the wiser option for anyone looking to keep the bills down. The AWD version naturally takes more energy with that extra motor and higher performance, but it’s astonishing how low the expenditures are for such a large and powerful vehicle.

Insurance and warranty are two more crucial elements of the ownership equation. The more powerful AWD version is usually placed in a higher insurance group than the RWD version, and this can also contribute to increased running costs. That said, it varies hugely according to individual circumstances, such as your postcode and driving history, so always get tailored quotes for both. Hyundai delivers exceptional peace of mind all around the warranty sales. Both the RWD and AWD versions carry an industry-leading five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, plus a separate eight-year warranty that covers the high-voltage battery. This all-encompassing warranty protects you from any surprise repair bills and reinforces how confident Hyundai is in its engineering.

• RWD’s Superior Efficiency: Achieve more miles per charge, leading to lower overall running costs, especially when charging at home.
• Higher AWD Insurance Group: Be aware that the AWD’s increased performance may result in a higher insurance premium.
• Five-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty: Drive with confidence knowing your vehicle is covered by an industry-leading warranty.
• Eight-Year High-Voltage Battery Warranty: Enjoy long-term peace of mind with extensive coverage for the most crucial component of your EV.

Discover Your Hyundai Ioniq 9: Book Your Test Drive Today!

Having spent a good amount of time driving both RWD and AWD versions of the Hyundai Ioniq 9, I can say one thing: this is a truly above-average electric family car. It has succeeded in making a thoroughly practical, quiet, premium interior and top-end technology into one of the best packages available. The basic choice between the two models isn’t so much which one is better, but which one is better suited to your lifestyle and driving priorities.

The Long Range RWD variant emerges as the sensible choice for the practical motorists. Its energy efficiency also leads to lower running costs and the added benefit of travelling further between charges. For those whose driving is mostly done in the heart of the city or for families determined to get every last bit of value out of their daily driver, the RWD’s nimble manner and wallet-friendly performance package make it a compelling choice. It has all the space and comfort of the Ioniq 9 platform with a stronger focus on economy.

On the other hand, the Dual Motor AWD version is tailored for the enthusiast. Its clingy grip certainly imparts a false sense of security on this surefooted surface, resulting in supreme talismanic confidence in bad weather or on icy road materials. But there’s also a genuinely thrilling driving experience to be had, thanks to strong, instant acceleration that makes the Ioniq 9 more than just a practical family haulier – it’s a surprisingly dynamic performance SUV. If you tow a lot, live in a place that experiences brutal winters or just like having a little extra power and stability at your fingertips, the AWD model is the way to go.

In the end, Hyundai has developed the same awesome car in two very different, yet very capable variants. The best way to get a sense of which personality is right for you is to see it in action.

Excited to feel the difference for yourself? Schedule a day today for your free test drive at The.Car.