2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9: A New Frontier in Electric SUVs

The all-new 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, a three-row SUV, took lessons from the popular Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 7 and poured them into its largest and most state-of-the-art EV yet. After a week-long test drive in the top-of-the-line Calligraphy model, it's clearly a game-changer in the large SUV segment.

The 2026 Ioniq 9 is not just a new addition to Hyundai's EV lineup. Built at Hyundai's Metaplant in Savannah, Georgia, it is a genius move that qualifies it for federal EV tax incentives.

The new Ioniq 9, which sits above the Hyundai's two-row Ioniq 7, is the electric counterpart to the gas-powered Palisade. It comes in four well-equipped trims with different starting prices: SE Standard Range RWD (($54,995), SEL Long Range RWD ($59,495), Limited Dual-Motor AWD ($67,295), and the Luxurious Calligraphy Dual-Motor AWD ($72,995).

Power/Performance: The SE base model generates 235 horsepower from a single rear-mounted motor, while the SEL Long Range RWD produces 285 horsepower. The real power and quickness come in Limited and Calligraphy models, which have dual motors that deliver 400 horsepower and race from 0-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.

The Ioniq 9 has superior suspension managed by Hyundai's AWD HTRAC, an intelligent electronic system that provides more than just traction. It distributes torque between the front and rear axles and can also direct more power to the rear in normal cruising and detect slippage in rain, snow, or during cornering. The system includes various drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Sand.

The Ioniq 9 is very agile for its size and is quiet and buttery smooth on city and highway roads. Although Hyundai builds it, the Calligraphy model feels more like driving an upscale luxury SUV. It is spacious, confident, and composed, making it ideal for long trips with the family.

Battery/Range/Charging: The battery range and charging times are impressive. The Ioniq 9 has a 99.8 kWh battery built on Hyundai's advanced E-GMP platform. Hyundai estimates a 330-mile range for the RWD Long Range model and 315 for the AWD. The battery can be recharged up to 80 percent in just 18 minutes on a DC fast charger, while a full charge on a Level 2 home charger takes about seven to eight hours.

The new exterior design is sleek with a futuristic-like light bar on the front and pixel-graphic taillights that stand out on the road. The Calligraphy's interior has a tech-savvy layout with Nappa leather, soft-touch surfaces, and ambient lighting. The second row offers first-class, power-reclining executive lounge seats with extended leg rest and calf support. A 12.3-inch digital cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment display expand the length of the dashboard. It operates Hyundai's latest intuitive software.

Safety: Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist 2 adds a new level of confidence on the highway. The suite of safety features worked flawlessly during my test drive. The system provided smooth, confident steering inputs and natural acceleration and braking, reducing driver fatigue on long highway trips. The Blind Spot Monitor provided videos of the blind spots on the display, providing another level of security.

Visit Decisive Media Network for a complimentary subscription to my auto blog, where you can find updated car-buying tips and reviews on new cars, SUVs, and trucks. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network.