The success of Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) has been driven by the right vehicles reaching consumers looking for a solid lineup of electric vehicles. Hyundai alone has established its IONIQ sub-brand by building on a crossover with performance and ruggedized variants, along with a stylish sedan.
You can add a three-row mid-size SUV to Hyundai’s electric vehicle offerings – the new 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9. After years of auto show concepts and teasers, it arrived loaded with future-forward design, longer battery range, improved performance, and a mass of space inside.
Does this new EV SUV meet the promises it made when the original concept debuted a few years ago?
Hyundai distinguishes their IONIQ design language by using LED pixel lighting. This is seen up front with the light bar that includes the turn signals on the edges of the front end. Another set of LED pixel-type headlamp units frame the edges of the front end. You do have retractable grille shutters on the bottom of the fascia.
The silhouette is contemporary and futuristic. One may mistake this as a Palisade, since they almost resemble each other from the side. The rear doors are large and open wide for better access to the second and third rows. The rear end appears to be a lower profile with an upright liftgate. It is framed with another set of LED pixel taillight units running vertically.
In our Limited tester, the 21-inch five-spoke alloy wheels finish up the look. Our tester came with a matte gray paint.
Stepping inside also offers the same design approach than the exterior. The two screens are located on a thin housing attached the dashboard. The left 12.3-inch screen houses the instrumentation, vehicle information, charging levels and range. The 12.3-inch screen of the right houses the infotainment system, which includes wireless smartphone integration. On the right of the steering column, you will find the transmission “stalk” that uses a knob to change between drive and reverse – along with the ignition button.
The large front seats offer comfort and bolstering for support. The sliding center console divides the front seats offering open space and storage options. The second-row captain’s chairs offer plenty of power adjustments to fit many bodies. Access to the third row is done through a button with the seat moving forward. Space is good for even average-sized adults.
Behind the third row, there is 21.9 cubic feet of well-sized space. The third and second row seats can be lowered and raised through a set of buttons inside the cargo hold. With the third-row seats folded, cargo space expands to 46.7 cubic feet. Wth both the second and third row seats down, there is up to 86.9 cubic feet of space. Underneath the hood, there is a small storage area for charger cables and adapters
Our Limited tester is powered by two motors – one at each axle. Total output is 422 horsepower with 516 pound-feet of torque, sending power to all four wheels. Acceleration was very smooth. At cruising speeds, the 2026 IONIQ 9 was locked in when Highway Driving Assist is engaged.
The battery pack has a capacity of 110.3 kWh. Hyundai claims that this tester has a range of 311 miles. In reality, we were able to earn 388 miles on a completely full battery. Charging is done through a native NACS Port, with adapters for CCS and Level 2 chargers available. One-pedal driving and adjustable regeneration is available for more overall efficiency.
In all, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 rode very smoothly. It does handle the bumps well without transmitting them into the cabin, Handling is good – somewhere between soft and solid. Cornering is fine, but you do feel the extra weight of the battery pack, along with the lower center of gravity.
In terms of steering, it does exhibit a tight turning radius and there is an absence of feel. On-center is soft, but also very manageable. The brakes are an interesting story. If you apply them, they do respond with good normal and panic stops. Pedal feel is good.
There are six trim levels available on the 2026 IONIQ 9. Pricing starts at $58,995. Our Limited all-wheel drive tester came with a sticker price of $74,300.
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is not exactly a unique offering in the EV SUV space. Other three-row models that compare against it include Kia EV9, Cadillac Vistiq, Lucid Gravity, Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X, Volvo EX 90, and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV.
With lots of space and a great performing driveline, the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 has become the electric three-row SUV of the moment. Perha[ps for the long run. If you are in the market for one, check it out.
