2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 vs 2026 Rivian R1S

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2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 vs 2026 Rivian R1S

Three-row EVs are becoming more and more common, with legacy brands starting to produce them as well as newcomers to the space that are moving the industry into the future. Two of the most compelling options right now come from two very different brands: Hyundai, which has been around for decades, and Rivian, which is a plucky upstart hoping to lure buyers away from the establishment. How do these tech titans stack up? Read on to find out, then call the excellent sales team at Hyundai of Bedford. Browse our inventory online for available models near Bedford, Ohio.

When you're making an investment this large, longer warranty coverage is important because it provides peace of mind and a worry-free driving experience. As you can see, it pays to be a legacy automaker that can "put their money where their mouth is" by offering the longest coverage in the industry.

Warranty Coverage	2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9	2026 Rivian R1S
Powertrain	10 years/100k miles	8 years/175k miles
Basic	5 years/60k miles	5 years/60k miles
Battery	10 years/100k miles	8 years/175k milese

Performance

The team at Hyundai went all out to create the incredibly versatile powertrain that's in the new 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9. Three different configurations are available depending on the individual needs of buyers. The range hero is the base engine standard on the S trim level, which has a single motor that powers the rear wheels and produces a respectable 215 horsepower. This allows this over 5,500 lb SUV to achieve a phenomenal 335 miles of range. Drivers looking for more power and control can step up to SE or SEL trim levels, which come with a 2nd motor attached to the front axle, which creates All Wheel Drive for a total system output of 303 horsepower. If this still isn't enough, a larger battery pack is standard on the ultra high-end Limited and Calligraphy models that produces an astonishing 422 horsepower. Amazingly, the range with this setup is barely less than the base S model's, at 311 miles. It's clear then that in the performance category, the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 has the goods.

In fairness to Rivan, the 2026 R1S offers insanely fast performance and all the tech features you'd expect in an $80k EV. It also has more off-road chops than the Hyundai, which is great for bragging rights, but we wonder how useful 800 horsepower and huge all-terrain tires can be when you're dropping the kids off at school, then heading to Costco.

Safety

Hyundai has been a leader in standard safety features for a while now, and the 2026 IONIQ 9 is no exception, as it all has Hyundai's Smart Sense 3.0 technology, which under certain conditions allows Level 2 semi-autonomous driving and gives drivers features like:

Lane following assist
Driver attention warning
Highway driving assist
Smart cruise control w/Stop & Go

The Rivian can also be equipped with this tech, but at a hefty price premium over the Hyundai. To its credit, it does offer unique features that cater to off-road enthusiasts, but only a few buyers who venture off the beaten path will benefit from them.

Interior

The interior 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is where form meets function with beautiful appointments that are soft to the touch and look great. Slide into the driver's seat and you're instantly cradled by Hyundai's "relaxation seats" that have dynamic massage. Ever the family-friendly choice, the center console in the IONIQ 9 can be moved between the first and second rows to be enjoyed by either set of passengers, as well as create a space between the seats for easy access to the third row. Dial in your perfect ambiance using the curved instrument panel that houses both the driver information and radio/navigation controls. Trying to maneuver your IONIQ 9 into a tight parking space? Hyundai's Remote Smart Parking Assist allows the vehicle to be remotely driven forward or backward so you can hop out and let the car do the work - no more wiggling out of a tiny door opening.

The 2026 Rivian R1S also has a nice interior, but it's more utilitarian in nature. Like the IONIQ, the 9 its battery architecture allows for a completely flat load floor, which means passengers have plenty of space. A 15.6-inch center screen is standard equipment; however, unlike the IONIQ 9, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is not available, bound to be a turnoff to smartphone loyalists.

Bottom Line

Buyers looking for an off-roader with quick acceleration and a hefty price tag will love the 2026 Rivian R1S. However, those looking for a "jack of all trades" EV that's efficient, well-priced, practical, family-friendly, and phenomenal to drive should take a serious look at the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9.

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2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 vs Rivian R1S Hybrid