Unveiled at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show and publicly available earlier this year, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 debuts as a 2026 model. It’s the third vehicle in the South Korean carmaker’s electric-vehicle sub-brand lineup.
The three-row sport utility vehicle, marketed in all capital letters, is Hyundai’s largest EV. It joins the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 in the manufacturer’s quickly succeeding trio of unique-looking, efficient machines.
All Ioniqs have more than 300 miles of range and combined quick charging, futuristic exterior designs and modern minimalist interiors.
The Ioniq 9 is available S, SE, SEL, Limited and two Calligraphy trims.
The single-motor S trim is rear-wheel-drive and offers 215 horsepower. The SE adds a motor to the front axle for all-wheel drive and has 303 horsepower. All other trims, including the reviewed Calligraphy I offer dual-motor all-wheel-drive and 422 horsepower. Every Ioniq includes a 110-kWh battery and manufacturer. Hyundai touts the Ioniq 9 can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 24 minutes using a 350-kW DC fast charger. The marketed range is 311 miles.
Three-row Electric EVs are still in their automotive infancy. The Kia EV9, a South Korean family relative, is the Ioniq’s 9 closest competitor in mechanics, styling and cost. More upscale and substantially more expensive are the Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X and recently introduced Lucid Gravity Grand Touring.
Like the Ioniq 5 and 6, the Ioniq 9 is spacious and fast. Acceleration in the dual motor, all-wheel drive vehicle is rated at 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds. It’s steady, powerful and quiet. Arriving at freeway speeds is surprisingly quick considering the vehicle’s size and its nearly 6,000-pound gross weight. Starting the vehicle is also unique; the start button is “hidden” behind the steering wheel as part of the driver selector. Gearing is selected via the stubby indicator, with the starter button part of the mechanism.
Two driving features represent the best of innovative technology and the worst of it. Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist 2 system keeps the SUV lane-centered, advancing with flow of traffic. The system can also automatically change lanes in traffic by using a soft-touch turn signal application. Too sensitive is the driver monitor system. It engages the “Consider Taking A Break” warning seemingly on a whim.
Hyundai includes a lot of standard equipment throughout its lineup. The Ioniq 9’s top-end Calligraphy trim has exterior and interior extras, head-up display, remote smart parking assist, premium seating options.
Like its smaller siblings, the Ioniq 9 has a minimalistic interior design full of efficient and intuitive features. Black and gray are the only two interior colors offered. The reviewed vehicle’s gray interior gives the already spacious interior a more open feel. It contrasted well with the “Cosmic Blue” exterior color.
The interior is further expansive with a slanting panoramic sunroof. It extends over the second row of seating. The front half of the sunroof has a tilting sliding feature. When open, the entire interior has an additional open-air persona.
Passenger comfort in the Calligraphy trim is superior. Front seats are ventilated, with the driver’s chair featuring a massage setting. The second row has two captain’s chairs, also ventilated and heated. Third row seats don’t offer heating or ventilation but have power-adjustable reclines and satisfactory room for two adults. It’s not an afterthought row, a characteristic of other SUVs. The third row also has two 100-watt USB-C ports.
Technology is as straightforward and as non-intimidating as any EV. The dash features two 12.3-inch displays, a gauge cluster and an infotainment system, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. An easy-to-use wireless charging pad and 100-watt USB-C port are intuitively positioned (Why don’t other manufacturers do the same?)
Hyundai’s trio of Ioniqs has provided a new EV standard. Modern, chiseled exteriors. Minimalistic interiors. Technology simplified. Proficient driving. The Ioniq 9, as reviewed, costs $77,040. It’s new and marketplace worthy.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, also contributes business, lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications. E-mail: james@jamesraia.com.