Hyundai is expanding its electric SUV lineup with the introduction of the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, a three-row flagship EV that blends style, comfort, and versatility in a way that will appeal to families looking to make the jump to electric. Positioned above the Ioniq 5 and 7, the Ioniq 9 is aimed squarely at buyers who want an EV with serious passenger space, long range, and rapid charging — and it mostly delivers.
From the outside, the Ioniq 9 stands out in the growing crowd of electric SUVs. Its sleek, modern lines and bold lighting signature give it an upscale presence that easily turns heads, whether you’re pulling into a school parking lot or cruising down the highway.
Step inside, and you’re greeted with a roomy, airy cabin that can be configured for six or seven passengers. The second-row seats offer plenty of stretch-out space, and thanks to a clever sliding center console, those passengers can even share the storage with the folks up front. The third row is best reserved for kids or shorter trips, but there’s still 22 cubic feet of cargo space behind it — enough for several carry-on suitcases.
Technology takes center stage with a wide, curved display that merges a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with a matching 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and Hyundai’s “Relaxation Comfort Seats” up front and in the second row provide extra recline and leg support. In fact, one passenger we had on our test drive called the zero-gravity position “the most comfortable SUV seat” they’ve ever experienced.
On the road, the Ioniq 9 emphasizes refinement over raw performance. It’s not the sportiest EV in its class — the steering doesn’t provide much feedback, and it’s clearly tuned for comfort rather than corner-carving — but its adaptive dampers and torque-vectoring system give it a composed, confident feel. The ride quality is exceptional for a three-row SUV, especially compared to gas-powered rivals. The cabin is whisper-quiet even at highway speeds, making road trips more relaxing.
Hyundai offers three powertrain options. The base rear-wheel drive version produces 215 horsepower, while S and SE trims add a second motor for 303 hp and all-wheel drive. The range-topping Performance AWD model bumps output to 422 hp, delivering swift acceleration when you want it. Range is impressive, with up to 335 miles available on certain versions.
Charging is equally impressive — plugged into a 350-kW DC fast charger, the Ioniq 9 can go from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes. In our testing, that was basically the time it took to grab a coffee at Starbucks. The standard NACS charging port also means you’ll have access to Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network.
Not everything is perfect, though. While the cabin is spacious and loaded with features, the materials don’t feel as premium as the Ioniq 9’s price tag suggests. Speaking of price, the starting point of $58,995 climbs quickly, with the fully loaded Calligraphy Design version topping out at around $77,000 — higher than some might expect from Hyundai.
The frunk is also tiny, barely big enough for the portable charger and charging adapters. And while the second row is a treat, the third-row legroom is tight for adults.
Still, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 offers a compelling mix of style, comfort, tech, and charging capability that makes it one of the most appealing all-electric three-row SUVs on the market. It may not be a thrill ride, but for families looking to go electric without sacrificing space or convenience, it’s a standout choice.