What is it?
The next chapter in Hyundai’s move towards electrification debuted today at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and it is the Korean brand’s largest offering yet. Boasting three rows of seats, elegant style, and a powerful, efficient electric powertrain, the all-new 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 takes its place at the top of the company’s lineup of electric vehicles.

Committed to Electrification
“IONIQ 9 embodies Hyundai Motor’s unwavering commitment and confidence in electrification,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “Based on Hyundai Motor Group’s acclaimed Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), IONIQ 9 offers outstanding interior space, providing customers with unique value while solidifying our leadership in the global EV market.”

Style
Hyundai provided a first tease of the IONIQ 9 with the debut of Concept Seven at this show a few years ago, and the final production model brings many of the styling cues of that original vehicle. Like the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, the new IONIQ 9 features Hyundai’s signature pixel lighting, which integrates into the LED light bar that spans the front of the vehicle just below the hood line, giving the new SUV a wide stance. The pixel treatment continues into the vertical headlights and running lights.

Rear View
The pixel LED light treatment continues at the rear, where lights outline the large rear hatch. The clean design is highlighted by the large font IONIQ 9 in the center below the flush window.

Sleek Silhouette
It may be a large 3-row SUV, but the new Hyundai IONIQ 9 has an impressively slippery shape, registering a drag coefficient of just 0.269 – that’s less than a Nissan Z sports car. Lines move smoothly from the steeply raked windshield to peak over the driver, then flow down to the rear hatch. The sides also angle inward towards the rear, almost creating a boat tail design. The available 21-inch wheels complete the stylish look.

Trim Levels
Hyundai hasn’t announced pricing or detailed trim levels for the 2026 IONIQ 9, but we expect trims to range from the base-level SE to the higher-level Limited and luxurious Calligraphy. Based on pricing for the IONIQ 9’s close cousin, the Kia EV9 (Hyundai and Kia are owned by the Hyundai Motor Group), expect the IONIQ 9 to start at around $60,000.

Electric Power
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 will be offered with a single or dual-motor powertrain. Rear-wheel drive variants feature a single motor putting out 215 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor IONIQ 9 adds a 94-horsepower motor to drive the front wheels for a total output of 303 horses. There will also be a Performance AWD version that uses the more powerful motor for front and rear drive, boosting to a total of 422 horsepower. Hyundai says this most powerful variant will reach 60 mph in less than five seconds – impressive for a three-row SUV. The IONIQ 9 dual motor can also tow up to 5,000 pounds.

Range and Charging
All versions of the IONIQ 9 will make use of a 110.3 kW NCM lithium-ion battery mounted in the floor. According to Hyundai, the maximum range (Long Range RWD) is estimated to be around 335 miles, and all variants will have a range of at least 300 miles on a charge. With its 800 Volt modular platform, the IONIQ 9 can charge at rates up to 350 kW and can go from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes. The IONIQ 9 will use the new NACS charge port, which allows customers to charge at the more than 17,000 Tesla superchargers – a CCS adapter will be provided, opening up additional charging solutions.

Big Screen
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 has a futuristic look, and that trait can be found inside as well. Like other new Hyundais like Tucson and Sonata, the IONIQ 9 features a large curved screen that appears to float above the dashboard. The large screen incorporates dual 12-inch displays – the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system.

Physical Controls
Unlike some other car companies, Hyundai still has actual knobs for volume and tuning as well as cabin temperature settings for drivers and passengers. All climate functions are easily accessed with soft touch controls, as are shortcuts to the infotainment home page, media, and navigation.

Sustainable Materials
The cabin of the IONIQ 9 has a premium vibe thanks to the use of high-quality materials throughout. Hyundai has chosen materials with an emphasis on sustainability, such as Eco Process Leather and Recycled PET fabric.

Useful Storage
Taking advantage of its electric powertrain, the IONIQ 9 features a flat floor throughout the cabin, which helps create more interior space. Front-seat passengers will find plentiful storage with cubbies below the dashboard, as well as a large center console that can be opened from the front or rear. The console can slide forward or aft, providing easy access for rear-seat passengers.

Front Seats
Both stylish and comfortable, the IONIQ 9’s front seats feature multiple power adjustments along with heating and ventilation. For added comfort, the front and second row can be equipped with Hyundai’s Relaxation Seats that feature extending leg rests and seat recliners – a nice place to relax while the IONIQ 9 charges.

Second Row
Hyundai will offer the second row as a bench seat for seven-passenger seating or individual captain’s chairs with space for six. With either option, there’s plenty of legroom and headroom – in fact, the 42.8 inches of legroom in the second row is among the best in the industry. Heated rear seats are available, and there are multiple USB ports.

Third Row
Access to the third row of seats is easy thanks to the large rear doors and second-row seats that can slide completely out of the way with the touch of a button. The third row is a bit cramped for adults, but the 32 inches of legroom is reasonable for short rides.

Cargo Space
As a proper three-row SUV, the IONIQ 9 comes with plenty of cargo space. Behind the third row, there’s 21.9 cu-ft of space – certainly enough room for a few suitcases or a week’s worth of groceries. If more space is needed, the third row easily folds flat to expand the space to 46.7 cu-ft. Additional secure storage can be found under the hood in the frunk, but with only 3.1 cu-ft of space (less than two cu-ft on all-wheel driver versions), it is best for smaller items.

Safety Tech
As expected, the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 comes with a full suite of advanced driver-assist systems. Among the included features are forward collision avoidance with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, highway drive assist, blind spot view monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking.

Coming Soon
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 will be produced at the company’s new factory in Bryan County, Georgia. Production is slated to begin next spring.

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