Hyundai’s New Heavyweight, the Ioniq 9, is Charged for Success

A new heavy hitter, the Ioniq 9, has joined Hyundai’s immensely successful IONIQ Lineup. After the Ioniq 5 debuted in 2021, it quickly made a name for itself as one of the best EVS, ending 2022 with the World Car of the Year crown. The all-new Ioniq 9 looks almost sure to follow through. Although it starts below $60,000, it boasts a striking design, impressive specs, and next-level tech that could give some $90K-plus SUVs a run for their money.

Our money is on the 3-row SUV  to quickly charge its way to the top of the electric mid-size SUVs segment. While we wait to see our luck, here are a few things to know about the Hyundai Ioniq 9.

Potent Powerplants

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 off-road
via: hyundaiusa.com

There are three powertrain options available for the Ioniq 9, spread across six trims. The calmest of them is the single-motor, RWD configuration that churns out 215 hp and 258 lb.-ft of torque. Some trims have an AWD configuration (66kW front + 160kW rear motor), delivering 303 hp and 446 lb.-ft of torque. The performance configuration is an AWD setup with a 157.3 KW motor at the front and rear. It gives the Ioniq 9 a combined 422 hp on tap, and 516 lb.ft.

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 on the move
via: hyundaiusa.com

Although the Ioniq 9 offers an impressive driving experience, it has a curb weight of well over 5,000 lbs. And you’re likely to feel the weight when turning. Other than that, everything is great, thanks to the self-leveling dampers, torque-vectoring system, and other features. It is a tranquil ride with decent handling.

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Battery and Range

2026 Ioniq 9 charging
via: hyundaiusa.com

All 2026 Ioniq 9 trims come with a 110.3 kWh lithium-ion battery, but the range changes depending on motor configuration. The RWD configuration promises up to 335 miles of range, standard AWD offers 320 miles, while the performance AWD offers 311 miles. Thanks to the ultra-fast charging system, the Ioniq 9 can charge from 10% to 80% in about 24 minutes on a 350-kW, 800V DC charger.

Comfy Lounge

Seats in the 2026 Ioniq 9
via: hyundaiusa.com

Hyundai prioritized comfort and storage in the Ioniq 9 cabin, especially across the first two rows. For example, the first row reclines perfectly, and a leg rest extends for extra comfort during charging or when needed. Depending on the trim, the second row comes with either a bench seat or two captain’s chairs. With the captain’s chairs (in some locations), passengers on the second row can toggle a setting to swivel around and face occupants of the third row. The center console has ample space and is accessible from both the first and second rows. The cabin has loads of storage, positioned on all rows. There’s one below the touchscreen, just in front of the center console. What’s more? There are cupholders on every row.

Power folding seats in the 2026 Ioniq 9
via: hyundaiusa.com

There are 42.8 inches of legroom and 41 inches of headroom, respectively, on the second row. But there are only 32 inches of legroom and 39.7 inches of headroom on the third row (Note that the numbers might decrease slightly on higher trims). As in most 3-row SUVs, the third row is not the most comfortable for tall adults. However, by adjusting the second row or swiveling it, anyone can get comfortable in the third row on long trips. The cargo area behind the third row is 21.9 cu-ft., but by collapsing the third and second rows, you get 46.7 and 86.9 cubic feet of space, respectively. The build quality is impressive, and an openable panoramic sunroof oversees the entire cabin.

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Wide Array of Tech Features

2026 Ioniq 9 interior
via: hyundaiusa.com

In addition to its performance and build quality, the Ioniq 9 packs an impressive suite of high-tech features. Most of the features are accessible via its nicely positioned, curved screen. The screen combines a 12.3-inch digital cluster with a responsive  12.3-inch centre infotainment touchscreen. Hyundai Bluelink connectivity grants access to important remote controls that include locking and unlocking, tracking, battery preconditioning, climate, etc.  The Ioniq 9 is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for music streaming. High-end trims offer a better experience, with available features like a Bose premium sound system, head-up display, digital side and rearview mirrors, etc.

2026 Ioniq 9 Dashboard
via: hyundaiusa.com

The Ioniq 9 comes standard with lots of safety and driver-assist features, in addition to its 5-star NCAP rating. They include blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning, among others.

Pricing, Trims, and Competition

The 2026 Ioniq 9 is stunning
via: hyundaiusa.com

The Ioniq 9 has six trims with MSRP from $58,955 to $76,490 (S – $58,955; SE- $62,765; SEL – $66,320; Limited – $71,250; Calligraphy – $74,990; Calligraphy Design- $ 76,490). We recommend the SE because it offers AWD, a decent range, 5,000 lbs towing capacity, 303 hp, and more, for less than $63,000.

Blue Hyundai Ioniq 9
via: hyundaiusa.com

Although it enters a fiercely competitive arena, the Ioniq 9 arrives well prepared to impress. It shares its E-GMP platform with the Kia EV9, and the two even echo each other in interior layout. However, the Hyundai pulls ahead in its superior range and higher horsepower on upper trims. Hyundai sees the Tesla Model X and Rivian R1S as competition to the Ioniq 9. Admittedly, the EV confidently holds its ground, making it a true bang for the buck.

Gabriel likes to (blindly) argue that SUVs are part of nature, and he might just have a point when you're walking in the snow, crossing bone-dry deserts, gliding down splendid park-like boulevards, or navigating rocky roads. He has over seven years of experience writing across a broad spectrum of topics, many within the automotive industry. If he is not at the desk w̶r̶i̶t̶i̶n̶g̶ having fun, he is at the wheel d̶r̶i̶v̶i̶n̶g̶ having fun. Either way, the road leads to the same destination: bliss. Gabriel loves SUVs for their all-inclusiveness, but he cannot turn down an offer to drive or write about any vehicle.