Hyundai continues to expand its lineup of electric vehicles with the all-new Ioniq 9. This time, it's a full-size SUV designed for families, thanks to its three rows of seating. The model focuses on comfort with a carefully designed ergonomic layout. Technology takes center stage, both in terms of safety and entertainment.
The Ioniq 9 allows the Korean automaker to significantly broaden its target audience—not only because of its family-oriented format, but also because it treads deep into luxury territory. In fact, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 comes surprisingly close to premium models in many respects, and that's what makes it such an appealing vehicle, especially considering its pricing.
Lineup and Pricing
The Korean manufacturer's full-size electric SUV comes in three versions. First, there's the Essential model with rear-wheel drive only. It starts at $59,999, but once you add transport and preparation fees, the price rises to $62,766. Next up is the Preferred AWD, which, as the name suggests, features all-wheel drive and starts at $67,766—the same base price as the Preferred AWD+. The key difference between the two lies in the power output of their electric motors.
You can add the Luxury package to the Preferred AWD for an additional $11,500. I'd love to list everything included, but the list is extensive. Highlights include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated relaxation seats, active noise control, premium ambient lighting, and much more. Ironically, this isn't even the most luxurious trim. The Preferred AWD+ offers access to the Ultimate Calligraphy package for an extra $16,500. Fully equipped, Hyundai's large SUV has what it takes to make many premium vehicles look ordinary.
Segment and Competition
One of the things I appreciate about Hyundai is that the brand doesn't try to follow the same formula as everyone else. The Ioniq 9 is a full-size electric SUV, but it's too luxurious to be considered mainstream and too affordable to qualify as a true luxury vehicle. It falls into what I'd call the ideal middle ground.
Rivals: GMC Hummer EV, Kia EV9, Rivian R1S, Volkswagen ID.Buzz, Volvo EX90
Design and Technology
Once again, Hyundai has outdone itself in terms of design with the Ioniq 9. The SUV has an imposing silhouette, but it's the finer details that reveal a truly sophisticated vehicle. The body is defined by sharp lines and angular shapes. It also features pixelated lighting—a nod to the visual signature of other Ioniq models.
The cabin is luxurious, sumptuous, and loaded with every positive adjective imaginable. In short, it's a feast for the eyes and a dream in terms of comfort. I particularly like the steering wheel design, which vaguely echoes that of a certain iconic British luxury brand. The Korean automaker's SUV delivers just about everything you could want from a tech standpoint, including a digital instrument cluster displayed on one of the sharpest and clearest screens I've ever seen.
Performance
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 offers several mechanical configurations, all built around the same 110.3 kWh battery pack. The Essential version starts things off with a single rear-mounted motor producing 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It may be the least powerful of the three, but it offers the longest range at 539 km on a full charge.
Then there's the first AWD variant, which uses dual motors for a total output of 303 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, with a still-excellent range of 515 km. Finally, the most powerful version delivers 422 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, along with a solid range of 500 km.
Weak Points
The third row is a bit tight, which is not uncommon in vehicles of this type. Its design may also be polarizing depending on personal taste.
Strong Points
This is a luxurious, comfortable, and thoroughly enjoyable vehicle to drive. Hyundai did an excellent job with the interior finish. It delivers solid technical performance and offers a range that is right on target. It's also one of the few electric vehicles that can actually tow a respectable load.
Signature Element
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 delivers a perfect blend of luxury and practicality in an elegant package—with an aggressively competitive price.
Final Word
Hyundai clearly did its homework with the Ioniq 9. It has nothing to envy from premium rivals and lacks absolutely nothing when it comes to features. We love its format, its design, and how it drives. This is a seriously competitive vehicle. Let's just say that any manufacturer hoping to enter this segment in the coming months or years will need to bring their A-game if they want to measure up to the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
