2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 AWD Review

The new 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 utilizes the power of three. We’re talking about three rows carrying up to seven passengers, depending on configuration. The latest member of the IONIQ family, this new SUV EV carries a brood and more, should you need to. We at Napleton News always like the opportunity for a roadtrip of any sort and invite you to hop in to see what the “9” is all about.

What moves the IONIQ 9?

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is all new for 2026. It’s a three-row, mid-to-large size SUV that features quick charge capabilities and a trim aero-equipped shape that can go over 300 miles per charge regardless of which trim level you choose.

Built with a nod to the Hyundai Palisades SUV and its gasoline-powered engine, the new IONIQ 9 is one of those new breed of SUVs that has and does it all. We’re talking about a roomy interior, a long range and the ability to recharge quickly. That depends on the abilities of the chargers you connect to, of course. Best of all, there’s Hyundai’s best-in-class warranty which other companies are still trying to emulate. They can if they want to, we say.

Power in our IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Performance model comes from dual electric motors with Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel drive system. That’s 422 ponies in the stable, ready to pounce as needed. The torque side of the equation brings 516 lb-ft. All IONIQ 9 models use the same 110.3 kWh battery, regardless of trim level. Lower and mid-level trims bring 215 hp, and 303 horsepower respectively.

The mileage range is equally impressive. Our test model shows a minimum of 311 miles when fully charged. If you are miserly driver without a lead foot, you may even see close to 364 miles.

Looks matter, even with the IONIQ 9.

Looking like a Minecraft character, the IONIQ 9 includes the matrix-like boxes throughout. These cubes spread across the front and reappear along the rear lighting treatment for a theme that ties all the parts of the IONIQ 9 together.

The shape of the IONIQ 9 follows the typical two-box design ethos but with a twist. Where you would expect it to be square, it becomes flowy, following smooth edges throughout. The fenders at all four corners include “shoulders” over the wheel openings. Whether they are a styling effect or they actually help improve the IONIQ’s aero features is yet to be determined but it does add a bit of visual interest to the sides.

The rest of the exterior features the typical mondo-bizarro look that is currently in vogue in the modern electric vehicle segment. But at the end of the day, we think this Hyundai is handsome.

What about inside the 9?

At about this time, it becomes hard to see where Hyundai ends and Genesis begins. The interior of the new Hyundai IONIQ 9 is honestly that good. Start with the single dashboard and display screen that is around 24 inches wide. Here the driver has a complete visual of the 9’s operational status.

The seats in our sampler were white and gray “faux leather” known in Hyundai circles as H-Tex. We found this rather surprising because, honestly, we felt we were sitting on cowhide rather than some petroleum by-product. And when the ventilated seats kicked in during our South Florida heatwave, we were in Heaven!

A Bose Premium audio system holds sway over the entertainment duties. Turn it up loud enough and you’ll drown out the voices coming from the “way back.” Not that we would ever but it’s good to know its capabilities. Our second row featured captain’s chairs with leg rests, heating and ventilation, too. Third row seating is sized for full-size folks so if you are stuck back there, you won’t “get stuck.”

The flat floor brings lots of uninterrupted floor space, which is only surpassed by the cargo area in the back. Behind the third row, there is 21.9 cubic feet. Drop the third row and you have 46.7 cubes. Finally, lay that middle row down and you’ll find 86.9 cubic feet of cargo room.

Behind the wheel of the Hyundai IONIQ 9.

Our high-powered IONIQ 9 presented as a rocket ship-like conveyance tucked into an SUV body. Sure there are the usual design cues and features known to Hyundai fans everywhere, but this one really impressed us. First is the fact that you will not see this everywhere. Second, when you are seen, it will be in a good light. That’s because it is a well-crafted machine that has a plan. And a lot of light, in what Hyundai calls “pixels.”

Riding on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), we have a feeling we’ve been here before. That’s because we have, in the Hyundai IONIQ 5, and IONIQ 6. Handling is pretty similar to that of its siblings which is a good thing. We’re not so sure we would use it for corner carving or other forms of aggressive driving. But it is the consummate highway cruiser, making it perfect for road trips and around-town excursions, alike.

And with upwards of 340 miles of range it is pretty much ready for the long haul.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 AWD