This week, we discuss the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9. This sleek, futuristic-looking three-row electric vehicle shares its basic technology and design with the Kia EV9. We cover the similarities and differences between the two vehicles, share our driving experiences, and lament (once again) t...
This week, we discuss the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9. This sleek, futuristic-looking three-row electric vehicle shares its basic technology and design with the Kia EV9. We cover the similarities and differences between the two vehicles, share our driving experiences, and lament (once again) the use case of electronic door handles. We also answer questions about fuel savings on hybrid vehicles and the longevity of plug-in hybrid vehicle batteries.
Test results here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers: https://www.cr.org/jointalkingcars?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
SHOW NOTES:
0:00: Intro
0:17: Hyundai Ioniq 9 overview
5:26: EV Charging
7:50: Interior, controls, and cabin storage
16:50: Access
21:57: Regenerative braking
26:22: Driving impressions
29:27: Safety systems
33:50: Hyundai Ionia 9 vs. Kia EV9
37:35: Question #1: Is buying a hybrid still a better choice than a non-hybrid?
42:50: Question #2: Does daily charging degrade a PHEV battery quicker?