2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Review: A Family-Oriented Electric SUV for Tomorrow
Joel Feder
Subscribe to The Drive's daily newsletter
Stay updated with the latest car news, reviews, and features.
Tesla was founded on the promise of transforming transportation, yet we’ve ended up with the Cybertruck. My vision is clear, and fortunately, the market agrees that the Cybertruck won't suffice. In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 genuinely represents the future I envisioned. Reflecting on it, not taking it to Taco Bell feels like a missed opportunity. As a child of the '80s, the movie Demolition Man often comes to mind, and when I first saw the Ioniq 9, it instantly reminded me of that film. This electric three-row SUV appears futuristic without being absurd.
From its Chiclet-like LED lighting to its overall profile, it is distinctive and unlike anything else on the road. It combines a sense of familiarity with innovation and features an adequate electric range, shaping what the future holds. The downside: it comes with a hefty price tag, positioning Hyundai in a new market segment.
Joel Feder
Overview
The Ioniq 9 stands as the flagship of Hyundai's lineup in the U.S. Beneath its exterior lies the foundation of a Kia EV9. It’s a completely new model that is now available at dealerships as an early offering for 2026.
The Ioniq 9 is striking in its design, borrowing elements from current trends and a certain Swedish automaker but adding fresh twists. Its side profile blends a low-slung SUV, a station wagon, and a hint of minivan. The front features a blunt nose accented with vertical pixel-like headlights and a horizontal pixel bar for the daytime running lights. Even the turn signals are formed from amber pixels. The sloped windshield flows into an appealing greenhouse with a gently inclined roofline. The rear culminates in a rounded design, showcasing a continuous LED light strip adorning the rear hatch, exuding a futuristic Volvo feel. Personally, I find it appealing, while my wife had a strong aversion to it, though she refrained from saying she hated it.
Joel Feder
Interior Design
Inside, Hyundai doesn’t stray too far from traditional designs, creating a familiar yet distinct environment. The dashboard features a low profile with a horizontal layout, housing two 12.3-inch screens beneath a single glass panel. One functions as the digital gauge cluster while the other serves the main infotainment interface, resembling those in Hyundai's other models. The cabin includes real buttons, toggles, and knobs located on the steering wheel, center console, and center stack, which manages infotainment and climate control.
It offers configurations for six or seven passengers, featuring either a second-row bench or captain’s chairs. An adult standing 5 feet 10 inches can comfortably sit in all three rows without headroom issues. While third-row passengers may need to negotiate legroom with those in the second row, space is generally ample.
Joel Feder
Driving Experience of the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9
It only took a couple of blocks to realize the Ioniq 9’s steering was unexpectedly heavy—not excessively so, but reminiscent of older hydraulic systems. In an age of overly light, over-boosted steering, this was a welcome change, akin to a refreshing lemonade on a hot day. However, don’t anticipate extensive feedback during corners; this still qualifies as a three-row SUV, lacking any Porsche emblem.
With 422 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, the Ioniq 9 is quick for a three-row EV, though not overly fast. The power delivery is smooth, with no indications of wheel spin. Accelerating won't induce motion sickness, yet it does press passengers against the seats, much like traditional gas-powered three-row SUVs.
Joel Feder
Pros and Cons
During my week of testing, the standout feature was the suspension tuning, primarily for favorable reasons. The MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, featuring passive fixed dampers, are impressively well-tuned. Body movements are consistently controlled and fluid. The bushings give off a quality reminiscent of 90s Lexus components. The ride quality of the Ioniq 9 surpasses even that of the Lexus TX, feeling more premium than what a Hyundai typically offers, and on first consideration, matches the exceptional Cadillac Lyriq in many respects. The only odd moment occurred while entering my driveway, where the self-leveling rear seemed to bounce excessively, indicating uncertainty in handling weight transfer. This quirk also surfaced occasionally on uneven surfaces.
As with other Hyundai EVs (and now hybrids), there are four levels of regenerative braking adjusted through paddle shifters. Levels zero through three offer varying degrees of regenerative braking and maintain the selected setting after powering off. Level four, known as i-Pedal, provides true one-pedal driving but lacks retention after powering down, meaning you have to activate it each time you drive—a significant inconvenience
Other articles
The Latest Aston Martin Is Not a Vehicle; It’s a Home | Carscoops
This unique property is part of Aston Martin's extensive apartment development in Miami.
One Lancia Ypsilon HF is Quick While the Other Merely Appears to Be | Carscoops
The most potent variant of the Italian supermini generates 276 hp from a single electric motor.
Why a Gesture from a Tesla Employee Caused Controversy and Prompted a Quick Photoshop | Carscoops
What appears to be a festive photo at Tesla's Giga Berlin site has drawn criticism because of an employee's contentious gesture associated with Hamas.
Mercedes-AMG GT XX Emits Artificial V8 Sounds Through Its Headlights | Carscoops
Speakers located under each fender are installed within the headlights, utilizing the light cavity to produce a deep bass sound.
A Thief Attempted to Drive a Corvette Z06 Through a Window and Became Stuck Halfway | Carscoops
An aspiring thief found out at least one aspect in which the Corvette Z06 falls short.
What Occurs When China Oversaturates the Market With New Cars Disguised as Old Models | Carscoops
An expert claims that 90 percent of used cars sold from China last year were, in fact, new, but many think this could harm the industry.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Review: A Family-Oriented Electric SUV for Tomorrow
Hyundai may offer the top electric family vehicle available, but the commendable Ioniq 9 comes with a hefty price tag. Not at all affordable.