2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Review + Video

Three-row SUVs are very popular, and with the all-new 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, the automaker now has an entry into the small but growing segment of fully electric ones.

Even though the segment is so new, Hyundai seized the opportunity to raise the bar, and it did so in meaningful ways that families are sure to appreciate. 

Styling 7.5 / 10

If you covered up the badges, there’s no telling that the Ioniq 9 is a Hyundai. Besides the pixel details that can be found throughout that tie it in with other vehicles from the brand’s lineup, the design language is a big departure for the brand. Whatever you think of how it looks, it’s certainly unique.

The Ioniq 9’s style won’t be for everyone — I personally don’t think it looks great from the front — but the purposeful design is meant to maximize aerodynamic efficiency, which is a sacrifice I’m willing to accept. The optional Celadon Grey paint on the tested vehicle is a worthy $250 upgrade, as it gives this big SUV a subtle purple/green pearlescent shine that changes based on how light hits it. It looks grey in the shade but glows beautifully in the sunshine.

Power 9.5 / 10

The Ioniq 9 tested here is the top-of-the-line dual-motor Preferred AWD+ trim, but there’s also a more affordable rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version that has less power and more range. With a 110-kWh battery and two electric motors, this one makes 422 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, which offers instant and abundant passing power. The RWD version has 215 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the Preferred AWD trim has 303 hp and 446 lb-ft. The top Ioniq 9 also offers exterior vehicle-to-load capabilities (you’ll need an adapter) so you can use it as a power source or mobile generator.

Fuel Economy 9.5 / 10

All Ioniq 9s are rated to offer at least 500 km of range on a full charge, which is a feat on its own. The single-motor Ioniq 9 offers 539 km, while the Preferred is good for 515 km, and the Preferred AWD+ is rated at 500 km, but it consistently outperformed that estimate. On a full charge, the indicated range was a whopping 652 km, which is a bit optimistic but still very impressive. Still, even its worst-case scenario range puts it ahead of its competition by a healthy margin. 

Efficiency is officially rated to be 24.7 kWh/100 km combined, but after almost 800 km of testing, the indicated efficiency was 20.2 kWh/100 km —again, easily outperforming estimates. The Ioniq 9 is the first Hyundai to ship with a Tesla-style North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, providing plug-and-charge capabilities at Tesla’s newest Supercharger stations. Able to accept charging speeds as fast as 350 kW, that’s enough to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in about 24 minutes in ideal conditions. Getting a Combined Charging System (CCS) adapter is a wise move because it dramatically increases the options for charging. The Ioniq 9 comes with an onboard charger capable of 10.9 kW Level 2 speeds — useful if you have a 240-volt outlet at home.

Driving Feel 9 / 10

Smoothness and refinement are the defining features of the Ioniq 9’s driving manners, with the suspension providing a compliant and comfortable ride in most scenarios. The only minor issue was that this tester experienced noticeable lateral movement while driving over rough roads. It wasn’t enough to be a dealbreaker, but it’s something to watch out for on a test drive. (A different unit tested at a previous test at a media-drive event didn’t have the same issue.)

Steering is surprisingly direct, braking is consistent and strong, and forward visibility is great, making the Ioniq 9 easy to park and manoeuvre despite its huge size. One-pedal driving is available but must be activated each time you drive. Otherwise, regenerative braking strength can be adjusted via paddles on the steering wheel, and is easy to modulate and get used to. 

Practicality 9.5 / 10

Hyundai made a big effort to ensure the Ioniq 9 is smartly packaged for families on the go. Making great use of all the space and flexibility a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) platform provides, it’s packed with clever storage solutions, including a centre console that slides forwards and backwards (in the top trim) and also opens from the front and back so both front and second-row occupants can use it. The front has multiple rubberized storage cubbies, there are dozens of cup and bottle holders scattered throughout the cabin, and the frunk is big enough to hold the charger and other bits and bobs. The frunk in the RWD trim is even bigger.

The cargo area measures 620 L behind the third row, 1,324 L behind the second row, and an enormous 2,462 L with both sets of rear seats folded flat. In this topline tester, both rows are motorized so they can be folded flat or restored to seating position at the touch of a button in the back. The system is smart because it will automatically move the second row up on its tracks so the headrests on the third row won’t catch when folding. Getting into the third row is also easy enough that a kid could do it on their own. 

Comfort 9 / 10

Every Ioniq 9 comes standard with a heat pump for more efficient heating when it’s cold out, and most trims come with seating for seven passengers. The top trim seats six, with lounge-ready captain’s chairs in the second row, and adds ventilated and heated seats in the first- and second rows, a rarity amongst three-row SUVs. And while the first two rows have reclining lounge seats with legrests as part of the Ultimate Calligraphy package, the third row isn’t a terrible place to be, either. Roomier than most others in the segment, the Ioniq 9’s can comfortably hold even tall adults back there. 

User-Friendliness 9 / 10

Graciously, Hyundai hasn’t centralized the controls to the touchscreen, instead opting to focus on user-friendliness with many physical switchgear and shortcuts. There’s a touch-capacitive panel for climate controls, but it’s still a separate section that’s always accessible, which means no digging through an infotainment interface to complete a simple task. 

The touchscreen itself is easy to navigate, and the system is quick to respond and load. There’s little to no learning curve required to get used to operating this infotainment system; it’s very straightforward and logical.

Features 9 / 10

The Ultimate Calligraphy package has an embarrassment of riches, so there are loads of useful features and some you might not even notice or care about. The good news is that most other trims come with all the basics like a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, fast-charging USB-C ports for every occupant, a subscription-based Wi-Fi, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, two 12-volt power outlets, proximity door locks, and more.

Safety 8 / 10

Every Ioniq 9 trim comes stacked with advanced safety features, including forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist with steering assistance, automatic high-beam control, safe exit assist, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and rear occupant alert. Higher trims add blind spot cameras that show a live feed of either side of the vehicle when the corresponding turn signal is activated, side parking sensors, automatic emergency braking, and a surround-view monitor. The Ultimate Calligraphy package adds camera-based driver attention warning and remote parking assist. 

Value 7 / 10

It’s great that the Ioniq 9 Preferred AWD+ with the Ultimate Calligraphy package comes with every feature imaginable, but this tester’s price of $83,899 (which includes the $2,050 destination fee) puts it firmly out of reach for many families. Opting out of the Ultimate Calligraphy kit means forfeiting a huge list of worthwhile features, but it will also save you a whopping $16,500. The base rear-wheel-drive Ioniq 9 starts at a very reasonable $59,999 before destination, while the Preferred AWD and Preferred AWD+ are $64,999. These lower trims represent a much better value, which I’d recommend if you don’t need all the bells and whistles of the Ultimate Calligraphy package.

The Verdict

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is masterfully executed. It shines as a family-sized SUV, and sets a new benchmark as one that’s fully electric, giving families a new EV option that makes no sacrifices. As a road trip warrior, family hauler, ferry for the soccer team, Costco haul champion, comfortable, efficient daily driver, and, of course, as an EV with tons of range and super fast charging, the Ioniq 9 checks all the boxes and is sure to be a hit with busy families on the go.