Written byWell, we have the future of family transportation, which is all electric. The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 full-size three-row electric SUV that reimagines how families can move in the electric vehicle age has been officially revealed by Hyundai.
The Ioniq 9—Hyundai’s latest and most significant addition to its growing Ioniq ever-evolving hatchback family that combines futuristic beauty along with high-tech gadgetry-oriented design and a massive all-electric driving range seamlessly combines avant-garde design with practicality.
This new flagship is based on the automaker’s E-GMP platform, and it boasts a bold, pixel-inspired look, a long wheelbase, and seating for seven (although it’s unclear how many of those seats will have room enough for full-sized adults).
The reason to choose the Hyundai Ioniq 9 over the competition isn’t just its high-end looks and spacious interior, clever engineering, and a few other factors. The Ioniq 9 promises to feature up to 335 miles of range, dual-motor all-wheel-drive, ultra-fast charging, and state-of-the-art safety tech and, when it comes in at a shockingly low starting price compared to the premium competition (think the Tesla Model X, Rivian R1S, and Kia EV9), it is set to be a worthy contender.
So, it should find a second life whether you are a growing family making the switch to electric or a racy driver needing a little more space. It helps deliver an EV experience without compromising style, comfort, or performance. Here’s a closer look at the bits this new SUV offers.
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Bold Design, Bigger Footprint
With dramatic styling and proportions, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 makes quite the entrance as it joins Hyundai’s growing family of electric cars. Underpinned by the same modular architecture as the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the Ioniq 9 extends beyond 200 inches in overall length and spacious accommodates up to seven passengers.
The front end also sports a futuristic pixel LED light fixture—a trait that’s become a hallmark of the Ioniq sub-brand—while its square, upright stance provides a commanding road presence. The tech vibe is rounded out with aerodynamic lines, pop-out door handles, and a panoramic glass roof.
A full-width tail light bar and bulging haunches continue the premium EV appearance at the rear. Hyundai is clearly targeting not only mid-priced, high-volume electric SUVs such as the Kia EV9 but also the high-end segment of the market occupied by vehicles such as the Rivian R1S and Tesla Model X.
Spacious Interior With a Premium Touch
Inside the Ioniq 9, there is an ultra-quiet, tech-rich cabin that balances futuristic with family-friendly. The interior is centered around minimalism and sustainability, with Hyundai adding elements like recycled plastics, plant-based trims, and bio-paint throughout.
The cabin boasts a completely level floor plus a generous wheelbase that equals plenty of legroom in the three rows of seats. Whether you’re up front in the captain’s chairs or the third row, the Ioniq 9 will coddle every passenger. The captain’s chairs in the second row are slide-and-recliner and available with heat and ventilation, which is a niche in this category.
A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster merges with a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen to create a massive panoramic display that spans the dash. Hyundai’s newest infotainment interface features over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and built-in streaming video apps for charging gaps.
Power and Range That Compete
Hyundai has also confirmed the Ioniq 9 will have several configurations, including RWD and dual-motor AWD setups.
- Standard Range RWD Model: Approx. 280 miles
- Long Range AWD Model: Up to 335 miles (EPA-estimated)
- Max Power Output: 379 horsepower (AWD variant)
The E-GMP architecture also develops the Ioniq 9’s ultra-fast charging, which can charge the car from 10% to 80% in less than 20 minutes using a 350 kW DC fast charger. This seems to make road trips much more viable, particularly for families who need to keep on the go.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has also been fitted with paddle shifters for regenerative braking, adjustable drive modes, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) features that allow you to power up devices, or even other EVs, from the Ioniq 9’s battery.
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Tech and Safety Galore
Unsurprisingly, the 2026 Ioniq 9 has advanced safety and driver-assistance features. Featuring Hyundai’s standard SmartSense suite, which brings:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Intelligent Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Highway Driving Assist 2 (semi-autonomous lane change assist)
- Surround View Monitor
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
Top trims will also feature Hyundai’s Highway Pilot, a hands-free driving system for limited-access highways that aims to take on highway systems from GM’s Super Cruise and Ford’s BlueCruise.
The Ioniq 9 debuts Hyundai’s next-generation infotainment interface and connected car experience. Hyundai’s new Connected Mobility platform allows users to create profiles, stream content, remotely pre-condition the cabin, and easily schedule charging times.
Price That’ll Make You Look Twice
Given that three-row EV segments can push well over $70,000, Hyundai’s aggressive pricing strategy is refreshing. Pricing of the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 starts at only $56,900 for the entry-level RWD variant, maxing out at about $72,000 for the top-shelf AWD model with all the bells and whistles.
That undercuts competitors such as the Rivian R1S and Tesla Model X by thousands of dollars while matching them on range and tech. As similarly equipped, the Kia EV9, Hyundai’s corporate cousin, costs a bit more as well.
The Ioniq 9 is excellent, given its premium appearance, high-tech interior, and decent driving range. It is perfect for families looking to go EV but in a reasonably spacious and upscale package.
When Can You Get One?
Hyundai says that production of the Ioniq 9 would start in early 2026, and follow-on sales in North America would arrive by summer 2026. Hyundai will also offer a range of trims and packages to meet specific budgets and needs, which will be available for pre-order in late 2025.
It’s also worth noting that the Ioniq 9 will be manufactured in the U.S., which means it may be eligible for the federal EV tax credit under current rules, potentially reducing the price for eligible buyers by up to $7,500.
A Game-Changer for Electric Families?
Hyundai has upped the ante in the electric SUV game with unveiling the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9. The Ioniq 9 packs in three rows, has 335 miles of range, and a price that beats the competition, so families looking to switch to electric have a mainstream option.
That balance of circumstance, design, technology, and value makes it one of the most thrilling EV debuts to hit the road this year. If your next electric vehicle is your first or it needs to fit a growing family; the Ioniq 9 will be hard to ignore.
