Test Drive: 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 - Ticks All the Boxes!
The IONIQ 9 boasts a drag coefficient of only 0.269. (Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
The overall shape is designed to minimize drag and maximize range.(Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
The upscale interior is quiet and inviting. (Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
Top trims come with heated and ventilated second-row seats. (Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
Multiple driving modes are available. (Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
All models come with at least 500 km of range. (Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
A heated steering wheel is available, and all models get seven USB-C ports. (Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
Wireless charging is standard equipment. (Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
There’s room for six or seven, depending on whether you opt for second-row captain’s chairs. (Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
Could this be the ideal three-row electric SUV?
After spending a week with the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9, I’m convinced that Hyundai engineers and executives must have had a meeting where they discussed all the reasons people might not want an EV, and then figured out a way to deal with each issue, one by one.
Is range an issue? We’ll give them over 500 km on a full charge. Does it take too long to charge? Let’s give them an ultra-fast 800-volt/350 kW charging system that will charge the battery from 10 to 80% in just 24 minutes. Is the current charging network not robust enough? Let’s give them access to Tesla Supercharger stations, and let’s include a NACS charging port so that they won’t need an adapter.
In that same meeting, I’m sure they must have decided to design an SUV with room for as many as seven, plenty of legroom (even in the third row), and with a delightful powertrain that makes this electric SUV a blast to drive. The result is the 2026 IONIQ 9.
Trim options
The 2026 IONIQ 9 comes in three well-equipped trims: Essential RWD, Preferred AWD and Preferred AWD+. Hyundai also offers two trim/packages: Luxury Package (available with Preferred AWD trim), and Ultimate Calligraphy Package (available with Preferred AWD+ trim).
All trims come with at least 500 km of range (539 km for Essential RWD models), with the same ultra-fast 800-volt/350 kW charging system, and with access to Tesla Supercharger stations, although Tesla limits which stations non-Tesla vehicles can use.
Hyundai offers the IONIQ 9 with an output of either 215, 303 or 422 hp. Our tester delivered a delightful 422 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Hyundai-estimated zero-100 km/hr time of 5.2 seconds. That’s more than adequate for all city and highway driving needs, and evasive maneuvers. Frankly, it’s more fun-to-drive than such a large SUV should be.
Inside, all trims have almost identical passenger and cargo space, which can be summed up in a single word: generous. Even third-row passengers have ample head and legroom. There’s room for six or seven, depending on whether you opt for second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. Heated front seats are standard across all trims, while models equipped with one of the above-mentioned packages get ventilated front seats, as well as heated and ventilated second-row seats.
Tech and gadgets
The IONIQ 9 comes very well equipped with the latest tech, including standard must-haves like wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, no less than seven USB-C ports (available to passengers in all three rows), wireless device charging, an impressive 12.3-inch display that controls all audio and navigations features, and much more.
An eight-speaker audio system is standard, but the top trim (as well models with the package options) get a premium 14-speaker Bose Audi system with active noise control, which makes for a very quiet and tranquil passenger cabin, void of any unwanted road noise. Adding to the noise-reduction equation is the standard acoustically-laminated glass (windshield, front, rear), which keeps wind noise to a minimum. A head-up display is available, but only with the Ultimate Calligraphy Package.
A lengthy list of safety systems are all standard equipmen, including notable features like smart cruise control with stop and go, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and forward collision avoidance. Whether parking the IONIQ 9, driving it around town, or embarking on longer highway adventures, there are plenty of driver assistance technologies at the ready to keep all occupants safe and secure.
Charging and range
One of the IONIQ 9’s outstanding features is the speed at which it will charge when connected to a DC Fast Charge with a high enough kW output. We parked our tester beside another EV at a DC Fast Charger with an output of 300 kW. The IONIQ 9 quickly ramped up to accept over 240 kW, while the other EV was stuck at around 60. Needless to say, we were ready to go long before the other EV, even though they arrived before us.
Moreover, the fact that the IONIQ 9 comes with a NACS charging port that makes it easy to access select Tesla Supercharger stations (adapters are available for access to other charging networks) means that IONIQ 9 drivers have a lot more charging options, which should help to reduce range anxiety on longer road trips.
In addition, Hyundai’s engineers and designers went to great lengths to optimize aerodynamics in order to maximize range. The IONIQ 9 boasts a drag coefficient of only 0.269, thanks in part to a narrow and smooth front end equipped with an active air flap system, an aerodynamically-optimized underbody covering, and an overall shape that’s designed to minimize drag.
While no vehicle is perfect, the IONIQ 9 definitely ticks all the boxes for those considering a three-row electric SUV. If that’s what your fleet needs, then definitely take a closer look at what this 2026 EV has to offer.
Price and Specifications
Year Make Model Trim
2026 IONIQ 9 Preferred AWD+ with Ultimate Calligraphy Package
Base Price
$81,749
Notable Options
None
Price as Tested
$81,749
Powertrain
Dual Electric Motors - Fr 160kW / Rr 160kW with 110.3kWh Battery
Transmission
One-speed automatic
Horsepower
422 hp
Torque
516 lb-ft
Range
500 km
Charging
Level 2: 9hr 40min
Level 3: 24min (10-80%)
Good
Fast charging capability
Very roomy
Great range
Bad
Love it or leave it futuristic styling
