“Ioniq 9 Just Beat Tesla? The Shocking Award News Everyone’s Talking About!”
Ioniq 9 Just Beat Tesla? The Shocking Award That Changed Everything
Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 has made global headlines by being selected as one of WardsAuto’s “2025 Top 10 Engines & Propulsion Systems.” For Hyundai, this is not only another trophy for its EV cabinet but also a bold statement that the brand is now competing head-to-head with global leaders like Tesla, Mercedes, and BMW.
This recognition highlights the Ioniq 9’s impressive 110.3kWh battery pack, its ability to deliver over 500 km (310 miles) of driving range, and a suite of advanced driving technologies that redefine what a family-friendly luxury EV should be. More importantly, this win also marks the fourth consecutive year that Hyundai-Kia’s E-GMP platform models have received this prestigious award — a milestone proving their long-term leadership in the EV industry.
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| Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 |
Contents
The Powerhouse Inside: 110.3kWh Battery and Performance
Advanced Driving Technology: Beyond Just Range
Hyundai’s Legacy with WardsAuto Awards
Head-to-Head: Ioniq 9 vs Competitors
Global Market Impact
Why Consumers Should Care
Conclusion: Ioniq 9, A True Game Changer
1. The Powerhouse Inside: 110.3kWh Battery and Performance
At the core of the Ioniq 9’s success lies its massive 110.3kWh battery. Unlike many competitors that struggle to balance efficiency with size, Hyundai engineered a system that:
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Provides 500+ km (310+ miles) per charge, covering most real-world family travel needs.
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Integrates advanced thermal management systems to prevent overheating during rapid charging or high-performance driving.
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Supports ultra-fast charging, reducing downtime for long-distance travelers.
This positions the Ioniq 9 as a serious rival to Tesla’s Model X Long Range (estimated 560 km WLTP), while offering more competitive pricing and a fresh brand identity.
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Supports ultra-fast charging, reducing downtime for long-distance travelers.
2. Advanced Driving Technology: Beyond Just Range
The Ioniq 9 goes beyond numbers on paper — it feels like driving into the future.
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e-AWD (Electric All-Wheel Drive): Ensures stability on highways, snowy roads, and even light off-road conditions.
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OTA (Over-the-Air Updates): Keeps the car up-to-date, adding new features or improving performance without visiting a service center.
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ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems): Level 2.5+ semi-autonomous driving, adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, and automated parking.
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Smart Cockpit Experience: A panoramic dual-screen interface, voice assistant, and seamless smartphone integration.
Where Tesla dominates with its Autopilot and Full Self Driving (FSD) beta, Hyundai takes a more balanced, safety-first approach by ensuring wider regulatory compliance and fewer controversies.
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ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems): Level 2.5+ semi-autonomous driving, adaptive cruise, lane-keeping, and automated parking.
3. Hyundai’s Legacy with WardsAuto Awards
The Ioniq 9’s win is not an isolated achievement — it’s part of a larger legacy.
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1995: Hyundai’s first WardsAuto win with the Alpha engine.
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2000s: Recognition for the Theta and Lambda gasoline engines.
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2020s: Hyundai transitions to electrification, with E-GMP EVs like the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, and now the Ioniq 9, earning top spots consistently.
This latest recognition makes it Hyundai’s 19th WardsAuto award. Unlike brands that shine for a moment and fade, Hyundai has shown decades of innovation continuity.
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| This latest recognition makes it Hyundai’s 19th WardsAuto award. |
4. Head-to-Head: Ioniq 9 vs Competitors
Tesla Model X
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Range: Tesla leads slightly with ~560 km WLTP.
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Charging Network: Tesla’s Supercharger network is unmatched.
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Price: Higher price tag compared to Hyundai.
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Verdict: Tesla still wins in range and infrastructure, but the Ioniq 9 undercuts it in value and practicality.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
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Luxury Factor: Mercedes dominates with premium materials and status.
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Range: Around 600 km depending on trim.
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Technology: MBUX Hyperscreen adds a wow factor.
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Verdict: EQS SUV is for the ultra-luxury crowd. Ioniq 9 delivers 90% of that luxury at a far lower cost.
BMW iX
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Performance: BMW emphasizes sporty driving dynamics.
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Range: ~550 km WLTP.
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Brand Image: Strong luxury positioning.
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Verdict: The iX appeals to performance-focused buyers. The Ioniq 9, however, is a stronger all-rounder for families and long-distance use.
* In summary, the Ioniq 9 is positioned as the “value-luxury EV” — delivering range, space, and tech at a price that undercuts Mercedes and BMW, while challenging Tesla with reliability and practicality.
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Tesla Model X
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BMW iX
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Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
5. Global Market Impact
The Ioniq 9’s recognition has ripple effects in key regions:
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North America: A direct strike at Tesla’s home turf. Hyundai has already gained strong EV market share in the U.S. with the Ioniq 5.
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Europe: The Ioniq 9 appeals to family buyers who demand both efficiency and luxury.
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Korea: A matter of national pride, boosting consumer confidence and long-term resale values.
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China: While competition is fierce with BYD and NIO, global recognition helps Hyundai’s positioning.
6. Why Consumers Should Care
For everyday drivers, the award signals:
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Proven reliability and innovation from Hyundai.
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Resale value stability thanks to global recognition.
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Technology trickle-down to smaller, more affordable Hyundai and Kia EVs in the future.
It’s not just an award — it’s proof that Hyundai EVs are here to stay.
Conclusion: Ioniq 9, A True Game Changer
The Ioniq 9’s place in WardsAuto’s 2025 Top 10 Engines & Propulsion Systems is more than a badge of honor. It’s a statement to Tesla, Mercedes, and BMW that Hyundai is not chasing the future — it’s already there.
With its massive range, advanced technology, and competitive positioning, the Ioniq 9 cements Hyundai’s status as a global EV leader. For consumers, this means more choices, better technology, and higher value in the EV marketplace.