2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9: Giving EV Family Hauling a Premium Feel
The Kia EV9 has brought electrification to the three-row family SUV segment, where it stands (almost) alone. And after just one year on the market, one could say that it’s got a promising career ahead. Distinctive styling, very decent range, on-board technologies out the wazoo, eligibility for full government incentives... the recipe has (almost) all the right ingredients for an electric home run.
Given the Kia and Hyundai alliance, it's only natural that the new Ioniq 9 - the “answer” to the EV9 - shares many of its technologies. These include the high-performance E-GMP platform that also underpins the Ioniq 5 and 6, as well as the Kia EV6 and the GV60 from Genesis. But while the Ioniq 9 uses the same base, the approach seems to be different in several respects.
- Also: Upcoming Hyundai IONIQ 9 to Closely Resemble SEVEN Concept
- Also: Updated 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Lineup to Include Off-Road-Focused Model
The Car Guide took a closer look at the 2026 Ioniq 9 a few weeks before its official unveiling. Here's what you need to know.
Smooth and Pixelated, the Ioniq 9’s Exterior Design is All But Generic
In terms of exterior design, the Ioniq 9 takes a smoother, less boxy approach than that of the EV9. Faithful to the Concept Seven that brought it to life, it bears many elements we already know from the Ioniq design playbook. Including the pixels!
What’s the deal with the pixels anyway? According to Simon Loasby, head of Hyundai's design department, pixels bring a nostalgic je ne sais quoi to new buyers of electric vehicles, rejuvenating the models' personality. But their origin is actually cultural, as they nod to the Korean typeface.
With fluid, flowing lines reminiscent of the designs of certain British SUVs - remember that Simon Loasby began his career at Rolls-Royce and Bentley - Hyundai's three-row electric SUV aims not only to stand out from the EV9, but also from the other gasoline-powered family haulers on the road.
The Calligraphy model we examined was fitted with a set of turbine-style wheels, but Hyundai has five-spoke wheels in store for other models. And what you’re seeing on the pictures are digital exterior rearview mirrors, which are prohibited in Canada. Equipped with these slim, aerodynamic cameras, the Ioniq 9 boasts a drag coefficient of 0.259. The North American model will boast a coefficient of between 0.26 and 0.27 with its traditional mirrors, which is still impressive considering that the EV9 boasts a coefficient of 0.28.
Convincing Range Figures
In Canada, the Ioniq 9 will be sold in three variants with distinct technical characteristics. The range will kick off with a rear-wheel drive variant powered by a rear-axle engine developing 215 horsepower. Next, buyers can opt for the twin-motor, all-wheel-drive model with an output of 303 horsepower. Finally, a Performance model is also in the works. This one will use two more powerful motors to dish out a hefty 422 horsepower.
While the Kia EV9 currently offers a choice of two batteries, 76.1 kWh or 99.8 kWh, the Ioniq 9 has only one power source on offer, a more powerful 110.3 kWh pack. According to the manufacturer, the Ioniq 9 will be able to drive up to 620 kilometres on a full charge according to the European cycle. Official ratings measured by the EPA's North American cycle are not yet available, but the automaker estimates 335 miles of range, equivalent to 520 kilometres for the longer-range model. What's more, Hyundai projects that all three Ioniq 9 models will have 480 kilometres or more.
When it comes to fast charging, the E-GMP platform shines with a maximum power of 235 kW. Under ideal conditions, this power can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes. For those who need to bring along more than cargo, the Ioniq 9 will have a towing capacity of 3,500 lb with the rear-wheel-drive model and 5,000 lb with the all-wheel-drive models.
A Healthy Digital/Analog Mix
The Ioniq 9 will be available 6 or 7 passenger configurations, both of which are considerably roomy thanks to a completely flat floor. The Ioniq 9 also boasts more cargo space than its cousin behind the third row, with 338 litres.
The Ioniq 9’s interior also seems more refined than the EV9. But like the latter, it relies on a healthy dose of buttons and hand controls to support the infotainment system. Hyundai has been wanting to switch back to analog controls recently, and the Ioniq 9 showcases this new philosophy.
In addition to its trick “suicide” doors, the Concept Seven could transform its interior into a lounge thanks to swivel seats in the second row. Alas, the special doors never made it to the production stage, and the swivel seats will not be offered on our market.
The E-GMP platform has proven its reliability and performance in recent years. And the ingredients for an EV's recipe for success seem to be assembled in the Ioniq 9. Obviously, its price will be a determining factor in the success of this family SUV and how competitive it is against its main rival, the EV9. These prices will be unveiled in April, just before the Ioniq 9’s launch planned for may.