The landscape of American-made electric three-row SUVs has expanded with the arrival of the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq and the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9. The Vistiq is positioned between the Cadillac Lyriq and the forthcoming Escalade IQ, enhancing Cadillac’s electric SUV offerings. Meanwhile, the Ioniq 9 marks Hyundai’s largest electric SUV to date. This comparison examines how these new entrants stack up against established players like the Rivian R1S and Kia EV9, considering dimensions, powertrains, battery specifications, key features, and pricing.
Dimensions and Weight Comparison
Hyundai Ioniq 9
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 boasts the longest wheelbase in this comparison at 123.22 inches, suggesting ample interior space for its seven passengers. Initial impressions indicate comfortable third-row seating, even for taller individuals. With a length of 199.21 inches, it fits between the Rivian R1S and the Kia EV9. Hyundai has not yet released the Ioniq 9’s weight but has specified a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
Cadillac Vistiq
The 2026 Cadillac Vistiq features a 121.81-inch wheelbase and measures 205.59 inches in length. Its width is 86.73 inches (including mirrors) and height is 71.02 inches. The Vistiq has a minimum weight of 6,326 pounds. Cargo volume behind the third row is 15.2 cubic feet, expanding to 43 cubic feet when the third row is folded. Information regarding a front trunk or maximum payload is not yet available, though its maximum trailering capacity is 5,000 pounds.
Rivian R1S
The updated Rivian R1S has a wheelbase of 121.1 inches and a length of 200.8 inches. It is 82 inches wide (mirrors folded) and reaches a maximum height of 77.3 inches. The R1S weighs an estimated 6,700 to 7,200 pounds and can tow up to 7,700 pounds. Its maximum payload capacity is 2,161 pounds, and it includes a front trunk.
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 measures 197.2 inches long, 77.9 inches wide, and 68.9 inches tall. Its wheelbase is 122 inches. The EV9 weighs approximately 5,000 pounds and has a towing capacity ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 pounds, depending on the powertrain. Luggage capacity is 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 42.5 cubic feet behind the second row, with an additional 3.2 cubic feet frunk.
| Model | Wheelbase | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Towing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 | 123.22 in | 199.21 in | 77.95 in (no mirrors) | 70.47 in | N/A | 3,500 – 5,000 lbs |
| Cadillac Vistiq | 121.81 in | 205.59 in | 86.73 (with mirrors) | 71.02 in | 6,326 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Rivian R1S | 121.1 in | 200.8 in | 82 in (mirrors folded) | 77.3 in (max. height) | 6,323 – 7,010 lbs | 7,700 lbs |
| Kia EV9 | 122 in | 197.2 in | 77.9 in (no mirrors) | 68.9 in | 5,039 – 5,866 lbs | 1,000 – 5,000 lbs |
Battery, Range, and Charging Capabilities
Hyundai Ioniq 9
The Ioniq 9 will initially offer a 110.3-kilowatt-hour battery. Hyundai targets a range of at least 300 miles for standard-range models and up to 335 miles for long-range trims. The vehicle comes equipped with Tesla’s NACS charge port, allowing access to Superchargers without an adapter. A 10% to 80% recharge is estimated to take 24 minutes with a 350 kW DC fast charger. The maximum AC charging speed has not been disclosed.
Cadillac Vistiq
Cadillac states the Vistiq will feature a single 102-kilowatt-hour usable battery pack, projected to deliver a range of 300 miles. While the maximum DC fast charging rate is not specified, it can add approximately 79 miles of range in 10 minutes. On AC power, it supports charging up to 11.7 kilowatts.
Rivian R1S
The 2025 Rivian R1S offers three battery options: 92.5 kWh (270 miles range), 108.5 kWh (329 miles range), and 141.5 kWh (410 miles range). DC fast charging capabilities range from 200 kW for the Standard pack to 220 kW for the Large and Max packs. A 10% to 80% charge takes 30-41 minutes. On AC power, it accepts up to 11.5 kW.
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 is available with a 76.1-kWh battery offering an EPA-estimated 230 miles of range, or a 99.8-kWh battery providing up to 304 miles. Utilizing the 800-volt E-GMP platform, it can charge at up to 235 kW, adding 100 miles of range in 13 minutes. Level 2 charging supports up to 11 kW.
| Model | Battery size | Driving range | DC charging | AC charging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 | 110.3 kWh | 300 – 335 miles (targets) | 10-80% in 24 min (350 kW expected); N/A kW rating | N/A |
| Cadillac Vistiq | 102 kWh | 300 miles (GM estimate) | 79 miles in 10 min; N/A kW rating | Up to 11.5 kW |
| Rivian R1S | 92.5 kWh, 108.5 kWh, or 141.5 kWh | 270 – 410 miles (estimates) | 200 kW or 220 kW | 11.5 kW |
| Kia EV9 | 76.1 kWh or 99.8 kWh | 230 – 304 miles (EPA estimates) | 210 kW or 235 kW | 11 kW |
Powertrain Options
Hyundai Ioniq 9
The Ioniq 9 will offer three powertrain configurations: a rear-wheel-drive single-motor producing 215 horsepower, an all-wheel-drive dual-motor with 303 horsepower, and a Performance AWD version with 422 horsepower. Acceleration figures range from 8.4 seconds to 60 mph for the single-motor variant, 6.2 seconds for the AWD, and 4.9 seconds for the Performance model. Torque figures are not yet available.
Cadillac Vistiq
The Vistiq is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivering 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. It achieves 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The maximum speed has not been disclosed.
Rivian R1S
The updated R1S offers dual-motor (up to 665 hp, 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds), tri-motor (850 hp, 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds), and a forthcoming quad-motor version (1,025 hp, 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds) configurations.
Kia EV9
The EV9’s powertrain options include single-motor rear-wheel drive (201 hp or 215 hp) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (379 hp). Torque figures range from 258 lb-ft for RWD models up to 516 lb-ft for the GT-Line AWD. The GT-Line accelerates to 60 mph in 5 seconds, while other AWD models take 5.7 seconds. RWD variants have 0-60 mph times between 7.7 and 8.8 seconds.
| Model | Drivetrain | Power | Torque | 0-60 mph | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 | Single-motor RWD or Dual-motor AWD | 215 hp, 303 hp, or 422 hp | N/A | 4.9 – 8.4 seconds | 124 mph |
| Cadillac Vistiq | Dual-motor AWD | 615 hp | 650 lb-ft | 3.7 s | N/A |
| Rivian R1S | Dual-, Tri-, or Quad-motor AWD | 665 hp, 850 hp, or 1,025 hp | 610 – 1,198 lb-ft | 2.6 – 4.5 seconds | 111 – 130 mph |
| Kia EV9 | Single-motor RWD or Dual-motor AWD | 201 hp, 215 hp, or 379 hp | 258 – 516 lb-ft | 5 – 8.8 seconds | 115 – 124 mph |
Key Features and Technology
Hyundai Ioniq 9
The Ioniq 9 comes standard with dual 12-inch displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. It also features 100-watt USB-C ports, vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, and a sliding center console. Buyers can choose between a three-seat bench or captain’s chairs for the second row, 19-inch wheels, an eight-speaker sound system, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems.
Cadillac Vistiq
Standard features on the Vistiq include a 33-inch diagonal LED display, 21-inch wheels, and a 23-speaker AKG Studio Audio system with Dolby Atmos. GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver-assistance system is also standard. Optional features include adaptive air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and 23-inch wheels.
Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S is equipped with standard air suspension and two displays, one measuring 15.6 inches. It comes with 20-inch wheels. Optional features include an air compressor, a panoramic glass roof, and an all-terrain package. The Rivian Autonomy Platform, integrating 11 cameras and five radars, provides advanced driver assistance. Notably, the R1S does not support V2L functionality.
Kia EV9
The EV9 features two 12.3-inch screens for instrumentation and infotainment. Standard safety equipment includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with hands-free driving capabilities. Base models include 19-inch wheels, automatic headlights, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Pricing and Availability
Hyundai Ioniq 9
Pricing for the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is not yet announced, but it is expected to be priced slightly higher than the Kia EV9. The Ioniq 9 is slated for release in early 2025 as a 2026 model and will be manufactured at Hyundai’s Georgia plant.
Cadillac Vistiq
The 2026 Cadillac Vistiq has a starting price of $78,790, including destination charges. It will be available in Luxury, Sport, and Premium Luxury trims and will be manufactured at GM’s Spring Hill facility in Tennessee starting in early 2025.
Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S starts at $75,900 (excluding destination) for the base model with the Standard battery and dual-motor powertrain. The Large battery pack increases the price to $82,900, and the Max battery pack brings it to $89,900. The tri-motor variant with the Max battery begins at $105,900. The quad-motor version is not yet available.
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 has a starting price of $56,395 (including destination) for the Light trim. The Light Long Range RWD is $60,696. The Wind AWD starts at $65,395, the Land AWD is $71,395, and the top-tier GT-Line is $75,395. While the EV9 is the most affordable option, the GT-Line approaches the Vistiq’s price point. However, the Vistiq offers more power and a longer estimated range than the EV9 GT-Line’s 270 miles, though the EV9 Light Long Range RWD achieves 304 miles and is significantly less expensive than the Vistiq. The Rivian R1S, though the most expensive, stands out for its power and off-road capabilities.
| Model | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Hyundai Ioniq 9 | TBD |
| Cadillac Vistiq | $78,790 (including destination) |
| Rivian R1S | $75,900 (excluding destination) |
| Kia EV9 | $56,395 (including destination) |