Volvo EX90 vs Hyundai IONIQ 9
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Volvo EX90 starts from $124,990 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 9 opens at $119,750. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 9 the more affordable entry point by $5,240.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $137,489 and $131,725 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volvo EX90 and Hyundai IONIQ 9 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 packs more ADAS features with 10 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Volvo EX90.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Volvo EX90 and 8 in the Hyundai IONIQ 9.
Feature Showdown
The Volvo EX90 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai IONIQ 9 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volvo EX90 stands out with Bowers & Wilkins audio that you will not find on the Hyundai IONIQ 9. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 counters with V2L and Bose audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volvo EX90 gets nordico/microtech upholstery while the Hyundai IONIQ 9 offers nappa leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the Volvo EX90 and 3-zone in the Hyundai IONIQ 9.
Drivetrain
The Volvo EX90 uses a Electric producing 300kW and 770Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 counters with its electric setup making 314kW and 700Nm, paired to a single-speed reduction gear driving all four wheels.
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 has the clear power advantage at 314kW vs 300kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 111kWh (Volvo EX90) vs 110.3kWh (Hyundai IONIQ 9). DC fast charging peaks at 250kW (Volvo EX90) vs 350kW (Hyundai IONIQ 9).
Space & Comfort
The Volvo EX90 measures 5,037mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 23mm shorter than the Hyundai IONIQ 9 at 5,060mm (3,130mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 9 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 365L in the Volvo EX90 and 338L in the Hyundai IONIQ 9, giving the Volvo EX90 a 27L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.4m diameter
Large
Based on 12.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX90) vs 5 years (Hyundai IONIQ 9). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo EX90 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 9 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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