Written byHyundai’s IONIQ 9 has people talking and hoping for big things as it reaches the world stage for the first time. With this SUV, you won’t just get an enjoyable-looking vehicle — it promises 300 or higher miles of range with each trim.
High-tech features and top-end details show why the IONIQ 9 might be one of the most wanted electric SUVs in 2026. As prices near $60,000 for the most loaded models, the central issue is which model gives you the highest value.
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Big, Bold, and Battery-First: The IONIQ 9 Design Philosophy
Hyundai ranks the Hyundai IONIQ 9 above all other EVs built on the new e-GMP 2.0 platform. The sport utility vehicle features a boxy, squared-off body and lighting, scaled up bigger, inspired by the famous IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 7 ideas. Think Range Rover meets Korean technology.
Its sculpted exterior, flush door handles, and aerodynamic roofline match the unusual shape of the grille, which today includes an improved LED matrix for better visibility and a stylish look. Every Hyundai comes standard with 20-inch wheels, and the upper models go further in luxury with satin chrome-clad 22-inch wheels.
Performance and Range: 300+ Miles Across the Board
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 differs because all its trims offer the same battery range. All model lines provide enough range to satisfy families getting around town, and commuters stuck on the roads longer.
A large 100-kWh battery and a twin-motor all-wheel-drive system make the range possible. The SE’s 380hp engine, standard on the Limited trim, allows it to go from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. Inside the Limited trim, the car offers nearly 420 horsepower but still has the same effective range because of thoughtful changes that save weight and return electricity through regenerative braking.
The IONIQ 9 can add 80 percent of its battery power in just 20 minutes with 350-kW DC fast charging. A Level 2 outlet at home will fully charge your car in about 7-8 hours.
Interior Excellence: More Than Just Spacious
Open the doors of the IONIQ 9, and you’ll uncover a cabin that’s one of the most impressive ever built by Hyundai. The design inside is light, up-to-date, and very high quality. Whether you pick the base or top trim, you’ll find sustainable materials, like PET fabrics, bio-material leather, soft-touch plastic based on sugarcane, and the usual smooth and comfortable textures.
A single 27-inch OLED display handles the vehicle’s infotainment and digital instruments. Hyundai’s new EV-centric display includes everything related to EVs, including navigation, temperature settings, and battery monitoring. All updates happen wirelessly to keep them current.
Base SE cars have hot front seats, dual temperature controls, a top-quality Bose audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You’ll also get ventilated seating, a larger sunroof, massaging front seats, mood lighting, and a fully digital rearview mirror at the SEL and Limited trim levels.
Because the floor is flat, all passengers have generous room, and the luxury feeling comes from optional second-row captain’s chairs for six adults. With the third row up, there are 25 cubic feet of space, and once everything is folded down, there is a whopping 80 cubic feet.
Tech and Safety: Loaded with Innovations
Hyundai gives both technology and safety a top priority. No matter which version of the IONIQ 9 you get, you will receive the Hyundai SmartSense 3.0 suite, which covers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, plus autonomous emergency braking. Better detection of people on foot and those on bikes is part of the update, along with Intersection Turning Assist, which prevents collisions from the side.
Highway Driving Assist 3.0 is now part of the IONIQ 9. It helps drivers change lanes, merge, and adjust speed whenever possible on some highways.
Another important addition is the new Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology. The IONIQ 9 can power camping and household electronics thanks to its much bigger battery.
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Trim Breakdown: Which Model Is Worth $60,000?
The IONIQ 9 will be available as the SE, SEL, and Limited trims. At every price option, there are these features available:
IONIQ 9 SE – Starting around $52,000
There’s a lot to like about the base version. It has plenty of range, AWD, a stylish cabin with heated seats, a huge infotainment display, and all safety features included. Anyone who likes advanced options and impressive performance but doesn’t want to spend too much will love the SE.
IONIQ 9 SEL – Estimated at $56,000
The SEL includes extra luxuries such as ventilated front seats, a panoramic window roof, a power liftgate that opens without touching, and a higher-quality sound system. The SEL is just right for buyers who want high-quality features but don’t want to pay the premium prices of a true luxury SUV.
IONIQ 9 Limited – Estimated at $60,000+
The top version is as classy as a top European SUV. Along with regular features, you’ll find massaging seats up front, a 22-speaker Lexicon sound system, a suede ceiling, smooth operation of all doors, and improved use of the Highway Driving Assist 3.0 system. The Limited is the stuffed-with-features and ultra-comfortable choice, but it’s the most expensive.
Is the IONIQ 9 Limited Worth $60K?
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 Limited is Hyundai’s first EV to provide flagship luxury to customers. Just how much is the value of $60,000? Which matters to you more will make the difference. The choice is easy if you aim for the most impressive look, longest distance, and a luxurious cabin.
But if luxury matters to you, the SEL trim is priced just right. Despite being well under $60,000, you’ll have 300 miles of range, access to many techs, and an acceptable level of comfort.
A Game-Changer in the Full-Size EV Market
Hyundai has shown what it can do with the remarkable IONIQ 9. Because every trim offers up to 300 miles of travel, elegant interiors, advanced electronics, and future-minded features, the IONIQ 9 competes with Rivian, Tesla, and Mercedes-Benz EVs head-to-head.
Whether you’re used to buying new tech or want an SUV that offers comfort and style and fits your family, the IONIQ 9 is the car for you. Plus, because Hyundai has a solid warranty and more places to charge EVs, it’s not only the best buy — it’s the future we’re driving right now.
More information will be available as dealership arrivals begin in early 2026. Store pre-orders will start taking place in late fall 2025.
