Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Speed Vs Style: The Choice Is YoursTesla finally has a proper three-row SUV again after the Model X was discontinued. The new Model Y L is longer and roomier than the standard Model Y and enters a small but growing category. There aren't many three-row electric SUVs available in the U.S., but one of the best options is the Hyundai Ioniq 9. It starts at a similar price point to the new Model Y L, but which vehicle is the better buy? We'll compare these two vehicles here based on design, practicality, features, and performance.Design and DimensionsTesla Model Y LTeslaView the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThese are both long, spacious electric SUVs that comfortably accommodate three seating rows, but they look completely different. The Model Y L looks almost identical to the standard Model Y from the front and back; its stretched dimensions don't fundamentally alter the profile of the SUV. Tesla's ultra-minimalist design language and the usual sloping roofline are familiar.The Hyundai takes more risks. It's got a boxier overall shape than the Tesla, a blunt front fascia, and bulging fenders. They're perhaps most different from the back, where the Hyundai's vertical lighting contrasts with the Tesla's horizontal lighting bar. The Ioniq 9 is more controversial but also more interesting to look at. While the two vehicles are equally wide, the Hyundai is easily longer and taller. Perhaps the most shocking difference relates to curb weight—the Tesla is almost 900 lbs lighter than the lightest Ioniq 9, which could have implications in how they feel to drive.Performance, Range, and ChargingTesla Model Y LTeslaFor now, the Model Y L is only available in a single variant with dual motors and all-wheel drive. Tesla hasn't stated the outputs of those motors, but it's as speedy as expected with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. AdvertisementAdvertisementThere are three Hyundai Ioniq 9 variants: RWD with 215 hp, AWD with 303 hp, and AWD with 422 hp. The quickest variant has been tested reaching 60 in 4.4 seconds, but the other two will be well behind the Model Y L off the mark, with the 303-hp model needing around 6.2 seconds.In terms of range, the Tesla can cover 325 miles on a single charge. It supports charging speeds of up to 250 kW and can add 164 miles of range in 15 minutes. The Model Y L Launch Series enjoys a year of free Supercharging.2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9HyundaiThe Hyundai has a maximum range of 335 miles in RWD form, dropping to 320 miles with AWD and 311 miles for the AWD Performance. Its charging speed maxes out at 350 kW and its battery can go from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes.Overall, then, the top Hyundai can match the Tesla in a straight line and gets close on range. If performance isn't a top priority, you can get an extra 10 miles of range with the base Ioniq 9. The Hyundai's key advantage is its maximum charging speed.AdvertisementAdvertisementWe haven't driven the Tesla yet, but the Hyundai Ioniq 9 with the 303-hp powertrain felt quick and comfortable to us. The Ioniq 9's ride quality is excellent, but don't expect sporty handling from either vehicle.Related: I Drove the Hyundai Ioniq 9. Here's My Brutally Honest ReviewInterior Features and SpaceTesla Model Y LAutoblog / LeRoy MarionHyundai Ioniq 9Kristen BrownFor now, the Tesla is only available in a single well-equipped variant at $61,990. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has six trims priced between $58,955 and $76,490. To keep things fair, we'll compare the standard and optional features of the Model Y L Premium Launch Series to the Ioniq 9 SE, which costs $62,765. That's only $775 more than the Tesla.Tesla Model Y L Premium Launch SeriesHyundai Ioniq 9 SETouchscreen16 inches (front) and 8 inches (second row)12.3 inches (front only)Speakers18UnknownUpholsteryImitation leatherClothHeated front- and second-row seatsSFront row onlyHeated third-row seatsSN/AVentilated front- and second-row seatsSN/ASeating capacity67Power-folding second and third rowSN/AWireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlayN/ASThe Tesla may seat one less person, but those seats are more upscale. You get powered thigh extenders in front and powered armrests in the second row. The rear seats can also be folded automatically. Things are more basic in the Ioniq 9 SE; you need to upgrade to one of the much pricier trims to get closer to the Model Y L's seating amenities. However, the Hyundai is also more traditional in how one interacts with it, which some may prefer. It has a dedicated driver's display, some physical controls, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.Tesla Model Y LTeslaHyundai Ioniq 9HyundaiAdvertisementAdvertisementWhat the Hyundai has no answer for is Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) suite, which makes point-to-point driving possible without manual intervention. The Launch Series gets this for a year, after which it will cost $99 per month. The Ioniq 9 gets Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist 2, essentially an advanced adaptive cruise control that also takes care of lane positioning and lane changing. It can't operate in urban areas like FSD, though.Here's how they compare in terms of interior space.Tesla Model Y L Premium Launch SeriesHyundai Ioniq 9 SEHeadroom (1st/2nd/3rd row)41.6/41.9/38.1 inches41.5/41/39.7 inchesLegroom (1st/2nd/3rd row)41.8/39.7/31 inches41.4/42.8/32 inchesShoulder room (1st/2nd/3rd row)56.4/54.5/42.9 inches61.4/61/55 inchesCargo space (behind 1st/2nd/3rd row)85.6/38/14.8 cubic feet86.9/46.7/21.9 cubic feetCargo space (frunk)4.1 cubic feet2 cubic feetHeadroom and legroom are similar in both vehicles, but the interior of the Hyundai offers much better shoulder room. It also has more legroom and headroom for third-row passengers, which isn't a surprise given the Tesla's sloping roofline. Cargo space behind the second and third rows is also more spacious in the Ioniq 9.Related: The Top New Three-Row SUVs I'd Recommend to Families, As a ParentFinal ThoughtsTesla Model Y LTeslaView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementWe have not driven the Tesla Model Y L yet, but it comes out ahead of the Hyundai in a few key areas. At around the $62k mark, the Tesla is quicker and has a slightly better range. It has a more high-tech cabin and better seating amenities, and it's unique in offering the advanced FSD system.The Hyundai counters with faster charging speeds, greater overall interior space, seating for an extra occupant, a more interesting design, and a user interface that some may find easier to warm up to. Unfortunately, you need to spend way more on the Ioniq 9 to match the Tesla's performance and standard specification.On paper, the Model Y L looks like the new three-row electric SUV to beat.Related: The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Has One Trim That Quietly Makes the Most SenseAdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jul 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.