Hyundai is taking its commitment to electrification to a whole new level with the 2026 Ioniq 9. As the first electric three-row SUV in the automaker’s portfolio, the Ioniq 9 serves as a bold flagship, combining futuristic design, advanced technology, and practical family-focused features. Slated to launch in early 2025, this SUV is positioned to challenge competitors like the Kia EV9 with a compelling blend of range, performance, and style.
The Ioniq 9 builds on Hyundai’s growing EV lineup, which already includes the Ioniq 5 compact SUV and the sleek Ioniq 6 sedan. This new addition brings three-row versatility and a larger battery, targeting over 300 miles of range across all trims. Buyers can choose between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, offering configurations to suit a variety of preferences.
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The exterior design stays true to Hyundai’s Parametric Pixel styling, a hallmark of the Ioniq series. At the front, a sleek light bar stretches across the fascia, accompanied by vertical LEDs that give the SUV a distinct presence. The rear carries over this pixel motif with vertical brake lights flanking a large glass panel, ensuring the production model retains much of the concept’s visual drama. The silhouette features a flowing roofline and sharper body lines, giving the Ioniq 9 an aerodynamic yet muscular look.
Inside, the Ioniq 9 emphasizes space and comfort. With a wheelbase nine inches longer than the Palisade and a higher roofline, the cabin feels open and inviting. A completely flat floor and a choice of six- or seven-seat configurations provide flexibility for families. Unique features like swiveling second-row captain’s chairs (available in select markets) and fully reclining “Relaxation Seats” make the interior feel more like a lounge than a traditional SUV.
The dashboard integrates dual 12-inch screens housed in a single curved display, complemented by physical controls for volume and climate settings. Thoughtful touches, like USB-C ports in all three rows powered by the high-voltage battery, ensure small devices can stay charged without draining auxiliary power. A sliding center console further enhances convenience, offering easy access to storage for both front and rear passengers.
Under the hood, the Ioniq 9 shares much of its technology with the Kia EV9. Buyers can choose from three motor setups. The rear-wheel-drive Long Range model features a 215-horsepower motor, while the all-wheel-drive version adds a 94-horsepower front motor. For those craving more power, the Performance AWD model delivers quicker acceleration with more robust motors at both axles. The fastest version hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds when equipped with 21-inch wheels, while the rear-drive model takes a more leisurely 8.4 seconds.
Powering the Ioniq 9 is a substantial 110.3-kWh battery, which supports an impressive EPA-targeted range of over 300 miles. Thanks to an 800-volt architecture, charging is equally impressive. The SUV can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes using a 350-kW DC fast charger. Hyundai is also integrating the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, granting access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network.
Pricing details remain under wraps, but expectations align closely with the Kia EV9, which ranges from $56,395 to over $80,000. With a spring 2025 release on the horizon, Hyundai is likely to reveal more about trim levels and pricing as the launch date approaches. The Ioniq 9 will initially hit showrooms in Korea and the United States, with a broader rollout to Europe and other markets shortly after.
Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 is shaping up to be a game-changer in the electric SUV market, combining practicality, cutting-edge tech, and distinctive styling. For families seeking an electrified alternative without sacrificing space or performance, the Ioniq 9 might just be worth the wait.
