Hyundai launched the 2026 Ioniq 9 SUV ahead of the 2024 LA Auto Show. This three-row electric vehicle is the largest in Hyundai’s range and features the company’s biggest battery yet. The Ioniq 9 will offer over 300 miles (483 kilometers) of range in all versions and in North America will come natively with a J3400 connector on the side.
This new flagship electric SUV builds on the 2021 IONIQ Concept ‘SEVEN’, with the name change allowing for future vehicles to be called the IONIQ 7 and the IONIQ 8.
This model is the third in Hyundai’s Ioniq series, following the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6.
The Ioniq 9 measures five meters (16.4 feet) in length, making it larger than the Kia EV9 and a full-size Range Rover. It’s slightly smaller than the Ford Explorer (the US version, not the European Explorer built on VW’s MEB platform).
The SUV measures 199.2 inches (506 centimeters) in length and has a wheelbase of 123.2 inches (313 centimeters), providing more interior space than competitors like the Rivian R1S.
- POWERTRAIN, BATTERY & RANGE
It is built on Hyundai Motor Group’s e-GMP platform and comes with a 110.3 kWh battery pack in all versions. This is the 800v version of their platform.
The Long-Range RWD model with 19-inch wheels has an estimated EPA range of up to 335 miles (540 kilometers). Versions with 21-inch wheels, AWD, or additional features still exceed 300 miles per charge.
All versions have a 110.3kWh battery, which is 10.5kWh larger than the Kia EV9’s battery, using new cells which are 8% more energy dense. Kia’s EV9, which has a 99.8 kWh battery and a 150 kW motor, not the 160kW motor found here on the Hyundai.
- CHARGING TECHNOLOGY
Advanced battery technology and a new current-mapping strategy improve range, especially in cold weather, where usable capacity increases by up to 10%. The battery preconditions to 21°C (70°F) for optimal charging and can charge from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes with a maximum power of 232 kW. The pre-conditioning works if you navigate to a charger or you can manually activate it.
The SUV is ready for bidirectional charging, enabling integration with home energy systems and vehicle-to-grid applications.
- PERFORMANCE
The Long-Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) model has a single 160 kW motor, delivering 215 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Long-Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) adds a 70 kW front motor, totaling 254 horsepower. The Performance AWD version includes a front 160 kW motor, achieving approximately 429 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 4.9 seconds.
The Ioniq 9 offers various drive modes, such as Eco, Normal, Sport, My Drive, and Terrain modes for snow, mud, and sand.
- OTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS
All-wheel-drive models can tow up to 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg) while the rear-wheel-drive variant can tow 3,500 pounds.
The SUV has a MacPherson multi-link suspension at the front and a multi-link system at the back, featuring self-leveling suspension and hydraulic bushings to reduce vibrations inside the cabin. It is not built for extreme off-roading but can handle rough roads. Wheel sizes range from 19 to 21 inches depending on the trim level. The Ioniq 9 includes a trailering mode that estimates the load weight and adjusts torque balance. It also has a dual-motion active air flap system to improve aerodynamic efficiency during long trips.
Improvements include a better power electronics system, a lighter aluminum body for the wings and side panels. The Ioniq 9 has an aerodynamic design with a drag coefficient of 0.26, achieved through a curved roofline, balanced airflow, reduced wheel and tire resistance, and that new dual-motion active air flap system. Other aerodynamic features include optimized wheels and embedded antennas.
Technology features include over-the-air updates, a UV sterilizer, an AI voice assistant, and an online store for downloadable upgrades.
The vehicle’s HVAC system has been upgraded with better air mixing and uses waste heat from the battery and powertrain. A new independent rear HVAC unit provides cooling through slimmer ceiling vents and is compatible with an optional panoramic roof.
- INTERIOR
In the European market, the Ioniq 9 will offer trim levels from Premium to Calligraphy, similar to the Santa Fe. It will be available in seven- and six-seat configurations, with options for captain’s chairs in the second row.
The first and second-row seats can fully recline, with extendable leg rests and a massage feature for the driver. Hyundai’s ‘Relaxation Seats’, as they brand them, are optional in both front and second rows, if you want your kids to get the really nice seats too which will heat, cool and massage the front four passengers.
Inside, the Ioniq 9 features a roomy cabin with a combination of physical and touch controls, akin to the Ioniq 5 and 6.
The interior remains quiet due to active noise cancellation from the optional Bose 14-speaker sound system with e-Active Sound Design. There’s also triple-glazed glass, although some road noise from the mirrors can be heard, as some markets don’t allow for the side cameras.
Inside, the Ioniq 9 features dual 12-inch curved displays and a sliding center console that moves up to 7.5 inches (19 cm) to enhance rear passenger access and storage. It has six 100-watt USB-C ports connected directly to the high-voltage battery, supporting the vehicle-to-load (V2L) system for external power use.
The IONIQ 9 1,899 millimeters (74.6 inches) of headroom and two meters (78.7 inches) of legroom in all seating rows.
The boot space holds up to 908 liters (32 cubic feet) with the third row folded and 338 liters (12 cubic feet) otherwise. Additionally, the vehicle includes a front trunk (frunk) with a capacity of 88 liters (3.1 cubic feet) for the rear-wheel-drive version and 52 liters (1.8 cubic feet) for the all-wheel-drive variant.
In the second row, the captains chairs can rotate 180 degrees to form a seating area where the four passengers are facing each other.
- EXTERIOR
Externally, the Ioniq 9 features Hyundai’s signature pixel design integrated into LED lights and the front lower fascia. The SUV is available in 16 exterior colors and six two-tone interior color schemes.
- MARKET POSITIONING, PRICING AND COMPETITORS
The Ioniq 9 will be available in Korea and the United States in early 2025. It will launch in Europe in late next year.
It will compete not only with the Kia EV9, but the three-row Lucid Gravity, the ageing Tesla Model X and VW ID.Buzz. LWB.
Production for the US market will start at Hyundai’s Georgia plant in the first half of 2025. Pricing has not been announced, but the Ioniq 9 is expected to begin slightly above the Kia EV9 Long Range’s approximately $60,000 price. US buyers may qualify for a $7,500 EV tax credit, depending on its availability at purchase.
The Kia EV9 prices range from $56,395 to over $80,000. Versus the EV9, the Ioniq 9 is 4.6 centimetres longer, 4.1 centimetres taller, and 0.3 centimetres wider. Inside, it offers 5.3 centimetres more headroom in the middle row and 1.8 centimetres more legroom in the third row. Cargo space has increased by 0.9 cubic meters behind the middle row and 0.5 cubic meters at the rear.
Here in the UK the price is expected to be between £65,000 and £70,000, similar to the Kia EV9. It will be more expensive than the base Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB but cheaper than the Volvo EX90, which only comes in a higher-priced dual-motor version.
The Ioniq 9 builds on the popularity of the Hyundai Palisade, known for its design, features, and affordability. The wheelbase is nine inches (23 cm) longer, and the roof is 1.6 inches (4 cm) higher than the Palisade.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
Top Gear: https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/hyundai/ioniq-9-prototype/first-drive
CAR magazine: https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/hyundai/ioniq-9-prototype/
Motor Trend: https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2026-hyundai-ioniq-9-first-drive-review/