The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, the South Korean automaker’s largest and most innovative EV to date, is a proper luxo-barge without an eye-watering price tag. Although more expensive than your average Hyundai SUV, the 2026 Ioniq 9 lets you experience futuristic technologies and supreme comfort at far lower prices than models like the Tesla Model X and the Volvo EX90.
Recently we got to check out the Ioniq 9, and here’s what we found:
Design
Inspired by the Hyundai Seven Concept, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is an interesting amalgamation of traditional SUV styling with modern SUV characteristics. It sits close to the ground and features a sloping roofline, but has a mostly upright tail section like a proper American SUV.
At the front, the 2026 Ioniq 9 features Hyundai’s newest interpretation of two-tier headlights. It has an end-to-end daytime running light stripe at the tip of the hood, emphasizing its width. The low- and high-beam lights are stacked vertically at the extreme ends of the bumper.
On the sides, large alloy wheels, available in 19-, 20-, and 21-inch sizes, lend the 2026 Ioniq 9 a confident stance. The wheel arches are painted in body color and are devoid of black cladding, resulting in a clean styling. The low and fast-sloping roofline plays an important role in aerodynamic efficiency, leading to a low drag coefficient of 0.27 Cd.
At the rear, towering taillights and a full-width third brake light together form an arch-like structure, highlighting the proportions of the vehicle. A sweeping boat tail lower section finishes off the rear, which is a classy touch. The functions of the conventional roof antenna have been divided between the windshield cover, the dashboard, and the tailgate glass instead, and that contributes to the minimalistic look at the back.
Interior
The interior of the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is just as futuristic and minimalist as the exterior. A low-profile design, elliptical elements, and calming tones create a lounge-like vibe here. A floating dashboard, a panoramic curved panel integrating two 12.3-inch cockpit displays, slim air vents, and subdued mood lighting are key to this luxurious appearance.
Hyundai designed the interior of the 2026 Ioniq 9 to look classy and upmarket without compromising ergonomics. While many automakers have switched to touch-operated capacitive buttons, the company uses simple push-back buttons and toggle switches on the steering wheel. The same goes for the speaker volume and temperature adjustment, for which it uses traditional knobs.
While on the subject of practicality, the 2026 Ioniq 9 boasts a walk-through front-row seating arrangement and bidirectional armrests openable from both front and rear. The front center console, dubbed ‘Universal Island 2.0,’ can be slid forward or backward up to 190 mm (7.5 in.). Depending on the configuration, the Ioniq 9 accommodates six or seven seats. Both versions have a completely flat floor for maximum comfort and space.
In the six-seat version, fully reclining Relaxation Seats with a leg rest will be available in the first and second rows. These seats include the Hyundai-first Dynamic Body Care system with Dynamic Touch Massage function to make long journeys relaxing. Also available will be second-row swiveling seats, allowing the rear passengers to sit facing each other when the EV is stationary. Unfortunately, Hyundai is unlikely to offer some of these seat options in the U.S.
The Ioniq 9 features 100-watt USB-C ports in all three rows, and unlike in many other EVs, they source power from the traction battery pack. Similarly, a vehicle-to-load (V2L) outlet in the cargo area lets users power and charge electrical devices and appliances.
Observations from the Ioniq 9
For someone who is 5’8″, and the Hyundai Ioniq 9’s cabin feels spacious and premium the moment you step in. The flat floor makes it easy to move around, and the view outside is brilliant. The twin screens ahead are well-sized, not oversized, and easy to read.
The steering wheel feels solid, with controls for media, ADAS, and drive modes. Materials are soft-touch, and the ambient lighting on the door panels and dash adds a nice touch. The roof liner is a very high quality suede-like material.
The front seats are well-cushioned, with good bolstering, supportive armrest, and offer both heating and ventilation. They feel more comfortable than the Palisade’s. In the second row, the captain’s chairs are wide and supportive, with more than enough knee room and headroom for someone who is 5’8,” without much of a knee-up position.
The third row is a tighter fit, but even if you’re of the same height, you can be seated without your knees hitting the seatback. The backrest reclines electrically, which helps. There are vents, USB ports, and cupholders back here too. Overall, the cabin feels roomy, practical, and clearly designed around a true EV platform.
Specifications
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 measures 199.2 in. in length, 77.6 in. in width, and 70.5 in. in height and has a 123.2 in. wheelbase. It offers 21.9 cu. ft. of cargo space behind the third-row seats, folding which increases the capacity to 46.7 cu. ft. There’s a frunk as well, offering 88 liters (3.1 cu. ft.) of additional space in the RWD variants and 52 liters (1.8 cu. ft.) in the AWD variant.
Hyundai has introduced the 2026 Ioniq 9 in three variants: Long-Range RWD, Long-Range AWD, and Performance AWD, all with a 110.3 kWh NCM battery pack. The base variant uses one motor, which produces 160 kW (214 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb.-ft.) of torque, allowing the EV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. The middle variant adds a front motor producing 70 kW (94 hp) and 255 Nm (188 lb.-ft.) of torque, reducing the 0-60 mph sprint time to 6.2 seconds.
The top-end variant uses two motors developing 160 kW (214 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb.-ft.) of torque. The 2026 Ioniq 9 equipped with this twin-motor powertrain hits 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds and achieves a top speed of 124 mph. Electric Active Sound Design (e-ASD) makes the driving experience exciting. e-ASD emits a spacecraft-like driving sound through the speakers based on the vehicle’s speed, the torque state of its motor, and the intensity with which the driver pushes the accelerator pedal. The Kia EV9 rival possesses towing capability as well – up to 5,000 lbs.
Hyundai equips the North American Ioniq 9 with an NACS charging port and says charging the EV’s 110.3 kWh NCM battery pack from 10 to 80% with a 350 kW DC charger takes just 24 minutes. All configurations deliver an EPA-estimated range of over 300 miles. For the Long-Range RWD variant with the 19-inch wheels specifically, the EPA-estimated range is 335 miles. For the Performance AWD variant, it is 311 miles, and the AWD version comes in at 320 miles.
Production
The North American Hyundai Ioniq 9 is manufactured right here in the U.S., at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) factory in Ellabell, Georgia. In addition to getting the Ioniq 9 assembled in the U.S., Hyundai plans to source the battery pack locally. For other regions, Hyundai manufactures the Ioniq 9 alongside the Ioniq 6 at the Asan plant in South Korea.
Price & Release Date
The Ioniq 9 is priced (MSRP, does not include destination and taxes) starting at $58,995 for the RWD S, and tops out at $76,490 for the AWD Performance Calligraphy. The first units will reach dealers in the coming days.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
