2026 HYUNDAI IONIQ 9

HYUNDAI FILLS OUT ITS ELECTRIC SUV PORTFOLIO WITH INTRODUCTION OF IONIQ 9

For fans of Hyundai’s all-electric Ioniq 5 but want (or need) a bigger SUV than a compact, the wait is over. The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 electric SUV is now in showrooms.

It provides seating for up to seven passengers in three of its five trims and a range of over 300 miles between charges across the board.

It has a wealth of standard features and delivers a quiet ride in comfortable conditions. There is good room for rear storage (21.9 cubic feet) even with the third-row seats in place and a bit of more space (3.1 cubic feet) for smaller items up front in the “frunk.”

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 comes with either single-motor configuration with rear-wheel drive that goes for 335 miles between charges in the base S model or two different all-wheel-drive trims with dual motors that earn a range of over 300 miles.

The single-motor RWD S model is rated at 215 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. SE and SEL trims add another motor up front and up figures to 303 hp and 446 lb.-ft.

Topping the power chart are Performance Limited and Performance Calligraphy trims with 442 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. Performance AWD drive models are capable of sub 5-second zero-to-60 mph times.

Four drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, and Individual) are available and steering wheel.paddles similar to those found on other vehicles with “shiftable” automatic transmissions are there for you to adjust the regenerative braking system on the Ioniq 9 from full coasting to one-pedal driving. 

This review is based on the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Design edition.

Standard features include a proximity key and push-button start, 21-inch wheels, Hi-tex synthetic seating, a microfiber headliner, heated and ventilated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs (thus reducing seating capacity to six), power-folding third-row seats, heated power tilt-and telescoping steering wheel, a head-up display, sliding front center console, a 16-inch touchscreen with navigation for infotainment features, Bose Premium audio, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety features include a surround view camera, Smart (adaptable) cruise control, highway driving assist, forward collision and rear-cross traffic collision prevention assist, parking collision prevention assist, blind-spot view monitor (activated by turn signals), blind-spot warning, and parking distance warning.

The good news is that such a long list of standard features eliminate the need for option on the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Design edition. The bad news is that my test vehicle had a starting price of $78.090 including the destination and delivery charge. 

The only extras were the Gravity Gold Matte finish exterior paint (which looks suspiciously like silver), carpeted floor mats, and a vehicle load adapter for hooking up a non-Tesla charging outlets.

That ran the total to $79,540. Two other trims, the Performance Limited and Performance Calligraphy, also start at over $70,000.

What I liked about the 2026 Ioniq 9: The interior is roomy, comfortable, and quiet. It is packed with a long list of infotainment features that are easy to operate. Range is excellent. You have to download the app and register but you can charge up at Tesla outlets, which there seem to be more of.  Among little touches: the driver’s seat slides back and the steering wheel rises to provide extra room to get out when you turn off the ignition. There is a handy little shelf below the center stack to handle items like sunglasses, keys, coins, etc. Second-row captain’s chairs in the higher trims make for easy access to the third row.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Ioniq 9: The cheapest S model starts at just over $60,000 with the top Performance Calligraphy Design starting at a hefty $78,090 including the destination and delivery fee. Exterior styling could use a little work. A neighbor asked me about the “hearse” in my driveway.

Would I buy the 2026 Ioniq 9? The availability of Tesla outlets erases my No. 1 argument against EVs, which is the frustration of dealing with public charging outlets that often are crowded and many times are out of operation. But I still am reluctant to go all-electric at this time. I figure the Ioniq 9 will be showing up in a lot of suburban driveways, however, as it is ideal for growing families.