Los Angeles and SoCal drivers love roomy, tech-filled SUVs. These vehicles can handle daily commutes, beach trips, and desert getaways. Looking for a three-row electric SUV in Los Angeles? Two good choices are available in SoCal, the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 and the 2026 Kia EV9. Both models come from the same parent company and share some features. However, the IONIQ 9 offers more value, comfort, and charging options. This makes it the better choice for drivers in L.A. and beyond. IONIQ 9 vs EV9: Pricing and Trims 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 starts at $58,955 and offers six well-equipped trims: Hyundai IONIQ 9 S – 215 hp, 335-mile range (RWD) Hyundai IONIQ 9 SE – 303 hp, 320-mile range (AWD) Hyundai IONIQ 9 SEL – Adds Blind-Spot View Monitor, ventilated seats Hyundai IONIQ 9 Limited – 422 hp, 311-mile range (AWD), panoramic sunroof, captain’s chairs Hyundai IONIQ 9 Calligraphy & Calligraphy Design – Top trims with luxury styling, HUD, and premium tech 2026 Kia EV9 begins at $54,900 and comes in five trims: Kia EV9 Light RWD – 230-mile range, 76.1 kWh battery Kia EV9 Light Long Range RWD – 305-mile range, 99.8 kWh Kia EV9 Wind AWD – 379 hp, 283-mile range Kia EV9 Land AWD – Added premium interior and digital mirror Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD – Sporty trim with 0–60 in 4.5 seconds, 280-mile range Electric SUV Range: Go the Extra Mile Range is a serious EV spec in Southern California, where day trips and long drives are common. The IONIQ 9 S trim leads with an EPA-estimated 335 miles. Beating the Kia EV9’s max of 305 miles (Light Long Range RWD). Even AWD models in the IONIQ 9 lineup offer 311 to 320 miles of range. Compared to the Kia EV9’s 283 miles (Wind and Land AWD) or 280 miles (GT-Line AWD). IONIQ 9 Advantage: More miles per charge across every trim. Making it the superior electric SUV for Los Angeles drivers! EV Charging: Fast and Flexible Both the IONIQ 9 and EV9 can charge quickly. They can go from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes. This is possible with a 350kW DC charger. But the 2026 IONIQ 9 gives you more charging options: Built-in NACS port lets you access Tesla Superchargers (no adapter needed) CCS adapter included for wider public fast-charger access Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging: power laptops, grills, or camping gear from inside or outside the SUV Kia EV9 also supports NACS and fast charging but doesn’t highlight V2L as a standard or accessible feature. Hyundai IONIQ 9 Advantage: More flexible charging options + V2L power built-in. Electric SUV Power and Performance in LA The IONIQ 9 Limited, Calligraphy, and Calligraphy Design trims pack a powerful 422 hp (314.6 kW) AWD system. Those trims offer up to 5,000 lbs towing capacity. Rear suspension with self-leveling dampers adds control and ride comfort. The Kia EV9 GT-Line has 379 hp and can produce up to 516 lb-ft of torque. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It also has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. EV9 Advantage: Slightly quicker acceleration in GT-Line IONIQ 9 Advantage: More horsepower in top trims, smoother and more stable ride tuning. EV SUV: Interior Space and Tech IONIQ 9 shines with class-leading interior space and smart comfort features: Available Universal Island movable center console 7-passenger or 6-passenger (captain’s chairs) configurations Power-reclining 3rd-row seats and one-touch easy entry Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto on 12.3-inch screen Hyundai Digital Key 2 and Bluelink+ standard for remote access and smart controls Kia EV9 also offers a premium cabin: Digital cockpit with 30 inches of displays 2nd-row Lounge Seats with comfort headrest and leg rest 14-speaker Meridian audio system Available ambient lighting and panoramic sunroof IONIQ 9 Advantage: Smarter layout, better use of space, and more standard tech. Safety Comes Standard Both models come packed with advanced safety systems. Here’s what they share: Blind-Spot View Monitor Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 Highway Driving Assist 10 airbags and extensive collision-avoidance tech Whether you're cruising on the 405 or parallel parking in DTLA, both SUVs have you covered. Final Thoughts: Why the IONIQ 9 Wins for SoCal When comparing the Hyundai IONIQ 9 vs Kia EV9, it's clear that both are excellent electric SUVs. But the IONIQ 9 pulls ahead with: Longer all-electric range (up to 335 miles) More powerful top trims V2L charging for outdoor gear or emergency backup Built-in Tesla Supercharger access without adapters Premium interior design with more usable space and storage For L.A. drivers looking for the best electric SUV that blends style, performance, and smart technology, the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is the one to beat. Shop the Hyundai IONIQ 9 in Los Angeles Hyundai of Downtown Los Angeles is proud to offer the new 2026 IONIQ 9. Visit our showroom to: Test drive your favorite trim Explore lease and finance offers Learn about EV tax credits and charger rebates in California Ready to upgrade to a smarter, more capable EV? Contact us today and experience why the IONIQ 9 is the best electric SUV for Los Angeles drivers. 🔍 Browse New Hyundai IONIQ 9 Inventory 🎉 Shop New Hyundai IONIQ 9 Offers 💬 Contact Our Team 🚗 See All New Hyundai Offers 📅 New Hyundai EV Offers 📄 Hyundai Certified Used Offers Hyundai of Downtown Los Angeles – LA’s Favorite Hyundai Dealer