Unveiled at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show and publicly available earlier this year, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 will debut as a 2026 model. It is the third vehicle in the South Korean automaker’s electric vehicle sub-brand lineup.
The three-row SUV, which is being marketed in all caps, is Hyundai’s largest electric car. It joins the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 in the manufacturer’s fast-tracking trio of unique-looking, efficient machines.
All Ioniqs have a range of more than 500 kilometers and combine fast charging, futuristic exterior designs and modern, minimalist interiors.
The Ioniq 9 is available in sizes S, SE, SEL, Limited and two calligraphy versions.
The single-motor S trim has rear-wheel drive and offers 215 hp. The SE adds a motor to the front axle for all-wheel drive and has 303 horsepower. All other trims, including the revised Calligraphy I, offer dual engines, all-wheel drive and 422 hp. Each Ioniq comes with a 110 kWh battery and a manufacturer. Hyundai touts that the Ioniq 9 can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 24 minutes using a 350 kW DC fast charger. The marketed range is 311 miles.
Three-row electric EVs are still in their infancy. The Kia EV9, a South Korean relative, is the Ioniq’s 9th closest competitor in terms of mechanicals, styling and cost. More luxurious and substantially more expensive are the Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X and the recently introduced Lucid Gravity Grand Touring.
Just like the Ioniq 5 and 6, the Ioniq 9 is spacious and fast. Acceleration in the dual-motor, all-wheel drive vehicle is achieved from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 4.8 seconds. It is stable, powerful and quiet. Arriving at highway speeds is surprisingly quick considering the vehicle’s size and gross weight of nearly 6,000 pounds. Starting the vehicle is also unique; the start button is “hidden” behind the steering wheel as part of the driver selector. The gear is selected via the stubby indicator, with the start button being part of the mechanism.
Two driving characteristics represent the best of the innovative technology and the worst of it. Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist 2 system keeps the SUV in the center of the lane and moves with the flow of traffic. The system can also automatically change lanes in traffic using a soft-touch turn signal application. The driver monitor system is too sensitive. It responds to the “Consider taking a break” warning seemingly on a whim.
Hyundai has a lot of standard equipment in its range. The Ioniq 9’s premium calligraphy trim features exterior and interior extras, a head-up display, smart remote parking assist and premium seating options.
Like its smaller siblings, the Ioniq 9 has a minimalist interior design packed with efficient and intuitive features. Black and gray are the only two interior colors offered. The gray interior of the tested vehicle gives the already spacious interior a more open feeling. It contrasted well with the exterior color ‘Cosmic Blue’.
The interior has been further expanded with a sloping panoramic sunroof. It extends over the second row of seats. The front half of the sliding roof has a tilting sliding function. When opened, the entire interior has an extra open-air character.
Passenger comfort in the calligraphy version is superior. The front seats are ventilated and the driver’s seat has a massage position. The second row has two captain’s chairs, also ventilated and heated. The third-row seats offer no heating or ventilation, but have a power-adjustable backrest and enough space for two adults. It’s not an afterthought, a feature of other SUVs. The third row also has two 100-watt USB-C ports.
Technology is as simple and unintimidating as any electric car. The dashboard features two 12.3-inch displays, an instrument cluster and an infotainment system, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. An easy-to-use wireless charging pad and 100-watt USB-C port are intuitively positioned (why don’t other manufacturers do the same?)
Hyundai’s trio of Ioniqs has set a new EV standard. Modern, chiseled exterior. Minimalist interiors. Technology simplified. Drive skillfully. The Ioniq 9, as reviewed, costs $77,040. It is new and market worthy.
James Raia, an automotive columnist in Sacramento, also contributes business, lifestyle and sports content to various print and online publications. Email: james@jamesraia.com.
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