LOOKS

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 features a unique, attractive and modern design that stands out when compared to other three-row SUV options. Some elements, like the lighting design, may be polarizing and have detractors, but I appreciated the overall look.

It’s notable that Hyundai took a very different approach to the design of the Ioniq 9 than it did to its traditional Palisade SUV. Despite being similarly sized, the Ioniq 9 looks much more futuristic and is not built off a design traditionally associated with the gas vehicle lineup.

My test vehicle offered 21-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, automatic LED lighting, and a hands-free Smart Power Liftgate.

Moving inside, you’ll find that the Ioniq 9 really hits a home run in terms of its design and materials used.

First of all, it’s an extremely roomy vehicle, comfortable for all 6 or 7 passengers (depending on the setup you choose). Access to the third row is quite easy, and high-quality materials are used throughout the vehicle.

Cargo space numbers are strong too, coming in at:
— 21.9 cubic feet, with all seats up
— 46 cubic feet, with third row down
— 87 cubic feet with second and third row down

Those who choose Captain’s Chairs in the middle row will have room for six passengers, and the bench option will get you up to 7 passengers. The Captain’s Chairs are incredibly plush and comfortable, and also recline and feel like a lounge chair when you use the foot rest. You’ll feel like you are traveling in style.

Speaking of comfort, drivers and passengers in the front row can experience the comfort of massaging seats, which were quite impressive in their performance based on my testing.

If you have little ones in the family, best to save the third row for them, as it’s a bit tight for adults.

Other interior features include:
— Aluminum interior trim
— Microfiber suede headliner
— Heated and ventilated power front seats
— Heated and ventilated second-row seats
— Heated steering wheel
— 3-zone automatic temperature control
— Ambient interior lighting
— Rear side window sunshades


HOW’S THE RIDE?

Three powertrain options are featured on the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9.

— The base option is a single motor, Long Range RWD option, offering 215 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. 
— Next up is the dual motor, Long Range AWD option, delivering 303 horsepower and 446 pound-feet.
— Finally, there is the version I tested: the dual-motor, Performance AWD option, featuring a solid 422 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

The Ioniq 9 features a 110.3 kWh battery. And the Performance version will complete its 0-to-60 journey in the mid 4-second range.

Helpful features to improve the drive quality on the Ioniq 9 include a suspension with self-leveling dampers, plus a torque-vectoring system that greatly improves the vehicle’s handling.

The vehicle also features regenerative braking, with adjustable settings, and the capability of one-pedal driving. 

In terms of overall drive quality, I found the 2026 Ioniq 9 to be quite speedy and nimble — especially for a vehicle of larger size and considerable heft. Drive modes include: Eco, Normal, Sport, and a My Drive custom setting. Towing capacity on the Ioniq 9 caps out at 5,000 pounds.

It’s not a boring SUV by any measure, and you’ll absolutely enjoy the ride, proving wrong the crowd that somehow still insists that EVs can’t be fun to drive. In fact, it’s quite the opposite, as the Ioniq 9’s driving experience outshines most gas-only vehicles.

It gets moving quick, brakes quickly, responds to driver input, handles curvy roads well, and is generally very smooth — and of course extremely quiet as well.

Add all that up, and the Ioniq 9 is one of the best EV drives you’ll experience today.


TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

Unsurprisingly, tech is top of mind in the 2026 Ioniq 9.

The Ioniq 9 features the usual strong tech/infotainment setup from Hyundai. The system is easy to control both by voice and via a customizable touchscreen, and features large 12.3 inch screens in the center console and in front of the driver.

The system includes a good mix of touchscreen controls, alongside physical volume and channel changing knobs. Climate controls below the main screen are also easy to use.

There’s also a wireless phone charger and plenty of ports throughout the vehicle for the family to use (7 USB charging ports between the three rows).

Sound systems offered include a base 8-speaker setup, or an optional premium 14-speaker Bose system. And you can stream music to the vehicle via Bluetooth, or access satellite radio (which comes with a 90-day trial).

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability mean you can mate your phone to the touchscreen if you prefer.

Moving on the safety tech, the Ioniq 9 delivers no shortage of helpful features.
Among the most impressive was the Highway Driving Assist system, a semi-autonomous system which controls the vehicle without driver input, though you must keep your hands on the wheel.

There’s also an excellent, multiview Surround View Monitor that is helpful for parking and maneuvering around tight spots.

Other key safety features include:
— Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
— Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
— Adaptive cruise control
— Head-Up Display
— Airbags throughout the vehicle
— Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
— Blind-Spot View Monitor
— Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
— Safe Exit Assist
— Rear Occupant Alert


RANGE, CHARGING

The 2026 Ioniq 9 that I tested with the upgraded powertrain was rated at 85 MPGe (91 city/79 highway); Other versions of the Ioniq 9 rank as high as 92 MPGe. These numbers are about as good as you’re going to find in a three-row electric SUV.

In terms of range, the number everyone cares about, the Ioniq 9 comes in with a solid number — including 335 miles of range on the base, rear-wheel drive model. Upgrading to the dual motor, AWD models will drop that number to 311 miles of range. And it’s been reported that some drivers are experiencing even better range in real-world driving.

These are strong numbers, topping the Kia EV9’s range, but lag behind some of the competition — such as the Rivian R1S that can top 400 miles of range.

In terms of charging the EV9, a full charge can be done at home overnight with a Level 2 charger. And home charging is really the route to go, as relying on public chargers is not a wise move (costwise or timewise) if you’re going to buy an EV.

If you are on the road, and find a proper 350-kW DC fast charger, Hyundai claims that the Ioniq 9’s battery can be recharged from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes.


PRICE

Here we come to the big stumbling block when it comes to getting the masses to adopt EVs — prices that simply don’t fit most budgets.

The Ioniq 9 that I tested was priced just over $77,000. Its base price starts about $60K and tops out around $80K. Trim levels include S, SE, SEL, Limited and Calligraphy.

These are not numbers for the faint of heart, even if you are saving money by charging vs. using a gas pump. There aren’t many larger EVs for a good reason — the price is prohibitive.

Most key rivals are similarly priced or more expensive, including the Rivian R1S, Volvo EX90 and Cadillac Vistiq. Only the Kia EV9 — a corporate cousin of the ioniq 9 — starts at a slightly lower price.

The numbers dictate that only buyers with ample wallets will be able to take home an Ioniq 9, but thankfully there are plenty of EV options that are smaller and more affordable, including some within the Hyundai lineup.

One sweetener from Hyundai that may sway some buyers to the Ioniq 9 are the strong warranties offered. You get an overall 5-year/60,000 mile warranty, plus the powertrain and EV system are protected for 10 years/100,000 miles. You also get 5 years of roadside assistance.

And for buyers who want to support American-made vehicles, all 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 models for the U.S. market are produced at Hyundai's Metaplant facility in Georgia.


BOTTOM LINE

The 2026 Ioniq 9 comes with an attractive design, offers a solid EV range, features strong tech, and has a roomy interior. There’s not much to dislike here, other than the price.

Point blank, it’s one of the best large, three-row EV options available today for those willing to make the leap.

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Matt Myftiu’s past reviews can all be seen online at autotechreviews.com. Follow AutoTechReviews on Instagram at @Autotechreviews or on TikTok at @AutoTechReviews.