2025 Rivian R1S vs 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

$75,900 · Crossover

$58,955 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between rugged capability and budget efficiency is tough, especially when comparing the 2025 Rivian R1S against the highly anticipated 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9. If massive power is your priority, the R1S dominates with 533 hp and 610 lb-ft of torque, crushing the IONIQ 9's 215 hp output. However, the price gap is significant: the Rivian starts at $75,900, whereas the IONIQ 9 undercuts it by $16,945 at $58,955. Range preference is also key; the IONIQ 9 boasts a superior electric range of 335 miles compared to the R1S's 258 miles. Physically, the R1S is considerably taller and wider (76.8 inches high vs. 70.5 inches), offering a more imposing stance, though the IONIQ 9 manages to be nearly 1.6 inches shorter overall (199.2 inches vs. 200.8 inches). Ultimately, your wallet and power demands will likely dictate the winner.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

The IONIQ 9 wins for commuting due to its superior 335-mile range and significantly lower starting price of $58,955.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Rivian R1S

The Rivian R1S offers greater utility with a larger 32.6 cu ft cargo capacity and a more robust, taller structure at 76.8 inches high.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Rivian R1S

Enthusiasts will prefer the R1S for its massive 533 hp output and 610 lb-ft of torque, dramatically exceeding the IONIQ 9's power figures.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9

The IONIQ 9 provides exceptional value by undercutting the R1S by $16,945 while offering a much greater electric range.

Choose the Rivian R1S if...

You absolutely require maximum acceleration, boasting 533 horsepower versus the competition.
Your lifestyle demands maximum interior and exterior space, evidenced by its 76.8-inch height and 32.6 cu ft cargo area.
You need the inherent traction benefits of a standard All-Wheel Drive system.

Choose the Hyundai IONIQ 9 if...

Sticking strictly to a budget is crucial, as it saves $16,945 off the Rivian's MSRP.
Long-distance travel without frequent charging is a priority, thanks to its 335-mile electric range.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint for easier maneuvering, measuring 78.0 inches wide versus the R1S's 82.0 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Rivian R1S	Hyundai IONIQ 9
Length	200.8"	199.2"
Width	82.0"	78.0"
Height	76.8"	70.5"
Wheelbase	121.1"	123.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Rivian	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Rivian	Hyundai
Base Engine Type	electric	electric
Horsepower	533 hp	215 hp
Torque	610 lb-ft	258 lb-ft

Drive Train

Feature	Rivian	Hyundai
Transmission Type	1-speed direct drive	1-speed direct drive
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Rivian	Hyundai
Fuel Type	electric	electric
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	85/72 MPGe	103/81 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	79 MPGe	92 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	258 mi.	335 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	43	37
Charging Time (240V)	9.5 hr.	11.7 hr.
Battery Capacity	106 kWh	110.3 kWh
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE Combo	NACS

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Rivian	Hyundai
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Four Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Rivian	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	15.6 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	600W	—
Speaker System	12	8
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Rivian	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	2
Moonroof Type	1st Row Fixed Glass Extended	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Rivian	Hyundai
Front Head Room	41.1 in.	41.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	60.6 in.	61.4 in.
Front Hip Room	54.9 in.	58.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	1	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Rivian	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	41.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.6 in.	42.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.9 in.	61.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.2 in.	57.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Heated Rear Seats (Multi-Level)	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Rivian	Hyundai
Painted Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Polished Alloy Wheels	✓	—
Wheel Diameter	20 in.	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	275/60R20	255/60R
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Rivian	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Rivian	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	8 yr./ 120000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	8 yr./ 120000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	8 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Rivian R1S and 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9.

How does the performance gap between the two SUVs translate to real-world driving?

The Rivian R1S has a massive 318 hp advantage, translating to much quicker acceleration, likely making it feel far sportier than the IONIQ 9's 215 hp configuration. While the IONIQ 9 is adequate for daily driving, the R1S is built for enthusiastic speed.

Is the Rivian R1S significantly larger than the Hyundai IONIQ 9?

Yes, the R1S is notably bigger, especially in height, standing at 76.8 inches compared to the IONIQ 9's 70.5 inches. This bulk nets the Rivian 10.7 cubic feet more cargo space (32.6 cu ft vs. 21.9 cu ft).

Which vehicle is the better choice if my main concern is maximizing electric driving distance?

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is the clear winner here, offering an impressive 335 miles of electric range, significantly more than the R1S's 258 miles.

Considering the price difference, is the R1S’s power worth the extra $16,945?

That depends entirely on your needs; the R1S demands $75,900 for its high-output powertrain, while the IONIQ 9 offers basic electric Crossover utility for only $58,955.

Do both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive?

No, the Rivian R1S comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, supporting its performance credentials. Conversely, the listed specification for the Hyundai IONIQ 9 indicates it comes with Rear Wheel Drive.

How do the dimensions affect garage fitment for these two crossovers?

While both are similar in length (just over 200 inches), the R1S is substantially wider at 82.0 inches, which could be a major factor if your garage is tight.