Hyundai IONIQ 9 Review: The Electric Three-Row SUV That Changes Everything
Hyundai IONIQ 9 Review: The Electric Three-Row SUV That Changes Everything
Posted on December 5, 2025
The three-row electric SUV market just got its most compelling option. The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 arrives as Hyundai’s flagship electric vehicle, built on the proven E-GMP platform that has already demonstrated excellence in other Hyundai EVs, including the IONIQ 5 and 6. This isn’t just another electric SUV attempting to replicate gas-powered counterparts, it’s a ground-up electric design that prioritizes what families actually need.
At 199.2 inches long with a 123.2-inch wheelbase, the IONIQ 9 maximizes interior space while maintaining manageable exterior dimensions. The 110.3kWh battery feeds three distinct powertrain options: a 215hp rear wheel drive model, a 303hp all wheel drive configuration, and a Performance AWD variant delivering 422hp. Starting around $60,000, it positions itself directly against the Kia EV9, Tesla Model X, and Rivian R1S, but with a focus on practical family transportation rather than flashy tech or off-road capability.
What sets this vehicle apart isn’t just specs on paper, it’s how every element works together to solve real-world family transportation challenges. From the flat floor design that maximizes space to the industry-leading charging speeds, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 represents a thoughtful approach to electric family hauling.
What Is the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9?
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 serves as the brand’s answer to Calgary families who want electric capability without compromising on space, comfort, or practicality. Built on Hyundai’s E-GMP (Electric-Global Modular Platform), the same architecture powering other successful Hyundai EVs, this three-row SUV leverages lessons learned from years of electric vehicle development.
The car measures 199.2 inches in length with a substantial 123.2-inch wheelbase, creating more interior room than many larger gas-powered SUVs. This efficient packaging stems from the flat floor design inherent to the electric platform, allowing engineers to maximize every inch of available space. The 110.3kWh battery pack sits low in the chassis, contributing to a lower center of gravity that benefits both handling and interior roominess.
Three powertrain configurations cater to different needs and budgets. The base long range AWD model delivers 215hp from a single rear motor, while the standard all wheel drive versions combine front and rear motors for 303hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. The range-topping Performance AWD variant cranks out 422hp and 516 lb-ft, achieving 0-60mph acceleration in just 4.4 seconds according to real-world testing.
Positioned as a direct competitor to the Kia EV9, Tesla Model X, and Rivian R1S, the IONIQ 9 takes a different approach than each rival. Where the EV9 emphasizes bold design, the Model X focuses on technology, and the R1S targets adventure capability, Hyundai prioritizes balanced execution across all family-focused criteria. Starting prices around $60,000 make it accessible to more families than luxury-positioned alternatives, with availability beginning in 2026.
Design and Exterior Styling
The exterior design of the Hyundai IONIQ 9 balances distinctive character with aerodynamic efficiency, achieving a remarkable 0.269 drag coefficient that directly benefits range and efficiency. The front end features Hyundai’s signature pixel-inspired LED lighting elements, creating an 8-bit aesthetic that looks both retro and futuristic. These aren’t just styling exercises, the active air flaps and carefully sculpted surfaces contribute meaningfully to the vehicle’s impressive efficiency numbers.
The IONIQ 9 features a playful exterior design that is sure to turn heads on the road.
The side profile features the unique “eyebrow” wheel arch design, adding a stylish touch while helping with aerodynamics. The gently sloping roofline keeps plenty of headroom for third row passengers, all while cutting down on wind resistance. On higher trims, digital side mirrors replace traditional ones with cameras, boosting aerodynamics and offering better visibility in Calgary’s varied weather conditions.
From the back, the boat-tail design narrows the vehicle to reduce drag, with pixel LED taillights that match the front’s distinctive lighting style. Our sales team notes that the overall look is even more impressive in person than in photos, with its large size and clean lines giving it a premium feel that fits the price.
Hyundai also thought about practical family needs that sometimes get overlooked. The door handles are placed for easy reach by passengers of all heights, and the rear hatch opens wide enough to load bulky items without worrying about scratches. Ground clearance is just right, not too high to make getting in tough for kids or seniors, but enough for light off-road trips around Calgary’s nearby trails and parks.
Interior Space and Seating Configurations
The flat floor design fundamentally changes interior packaging compared to gas-powered SUVs. Without a transmission tunnel, center floor space opens up dramatically, making it easier for second row passengers to move between seats or for parents to reach back from the front row. This design philosophy extends throughout the cabin, with 42.8 inches of second row legroom surpassing many luxury vehicles.
The standard seven-seat layout uses a 2-3-2 configuration, with the second row featuring a 60/40 split bench. Higher trim levels offer optional six-seat configurations with captain’s chairs that include armrests and individual cup holders. The third row provides around 32 inches of legroom and about 40 inches of headroom, making it genuinely usable for adults on shorter trips or comfortable for children and teens commuters.
Whether you opt for the base or premium trim, the IONIQ 9 offers a spacious, comfortable interior that is perfect for daily driving or weekend adventuring.
Premium trims feature relaxation seats that fully recline with extendable leg rests, turning the second row into a business-class style lounge. These seats come with massage and ventilation functions, offering a level of comfort you'd expect from much pricier vehicles. Throughout the cabin, sustainable materials like recycled plastics and renewable resources are used, appealing to eco-conscious families without compromising on quality or durability.
The center console slides forward and backward, letting you adjust the space to suit passengers' needs. Pushing it forward opens up more room for second row passengers to interact or makes it easier for parents to reach the third row. The dashboard includes a handy shelf for storing phones, wallets, or other small items within easy reach of the front occupants.
Family-Friendly Features
Real families with children will appreciate the thoughtful details throughout the cabin. Up to four LATCH-compatible car seats can be installed simultaneously, with additional space for a center-positioned seat using a standard seat belt. This capability exceeds most three-row vehicles, making the IONIQ 9 genuinely practical for large families.
Second row passengers benefit from manual window shades to reduce sun glare during long road trips, while integrated cup holders accommodate various bottle and cup sizes. The power-folding third row seats operate at the touch of a button, though we did notice the process takes longer than some competitors, a minor inconvenience that becomes more noticeable with frequent use.
The swivel functionality allows second row seats to rotate toward the third row, facilitating conversation between passengers in different rows. This feature particularly benefits families with children who want to interact during travel. Even with car seats installed in the seven-seat configuration, accessing the third row remains reasonably straightforward thanks to the generous door openings and thoughtful seat design.
Cargo Capacity and Storage Solutions
Cargo space represents a critical consideration for families, and the IONIQ 9 delivers impressive versatility. Behind the third row, 620 liters of cargo space accommodates groceries, sports equipment, or luggage for shorter trips. Folding the third row expands capacity to 1,323 liters, sufficient for large furniture pieces or extended vacation gear.
The flat load floor when both rear rows are folded creates a camping-friendly space that rivals dedicated camping vehicles. This configuration proves invaluable for families who camp regularly or need to transport large items like televisions or appliances. Loading height is comfortable for most adults, avoiding the back strain associated with lifted pickup trucks or high-riding SUVs.
With enough room in the trunk for everything from groceries to camping gear, the IONIQ 9 offers all the cargo space you need, no matter your lifestyle.
Front trunk space varies by powertrain, with all wheel drive models offering 52 liters while rear wheel drive variants provide 88 liters. Though smaller than some competitors, this space proves useful for storing charging cables, emergency supplies, or valuable items that benefit from security and temperature protection.
Interior storage solutions extend beyond the main cargo area. The sliding center console includes multiple compartments sized for phones, wallets, and beverages. Door pockets accommodate bottles and other items, while the dashboard shelf provides convenient placement for frequently accessed items. These details matter during daily use, keeping the cabin organized and reducing the frustration of searching for misplaced items.
Compared to the Kia EV9 and other three-row SUV competitors, the IONIQ 9 provides competitive cargo capacity while maintaining superior passenger space in all three rows. The trade-offs favor passenger comfort over maximum cargo volume, reflecting Hyundai’s family-first design philosophy.
Performance and Powertrain Options
The three powertrain options cater to different driving preferences and budgets while sharing the same 110.3kWh battery pack. The base Long-Range rear wheel drive model produces 215hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, delivering smooth acceleration suitable for daily driving and highway merging. EPA-estimated range reaches 335 miles, making it the most efficient configuration for families prioritizing maximum driving distance.
Long-Range all wheel drive variants combine a 70kW front motor with a 160kW rear motor for 303hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. This configuration provides enhanced traction in snow or rain while maintaining competitive 311-mile range. The all-wheel drive system includes torque vectoring that automatically adjusts power distribution between wheels to optimize traction and handling.
The Performance AWD model utilizes more powerful front and rear motors to generate 422hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Real-world testing by motor trend demonstrated 0-60mph acceleration in 4.4 seconds, matching many sports cars while seating seven passengers. This powertrain transforms family hauling from mundane to exhilarating, though range decreases to approximately 285 miles.
The IONIQ 9 offers significant towing and payload capacity, rivalling many of its competitors in the EV market.
Towing capacity differentiates the powertrains meaningfully. All wheel drive models support 5,000 lbs, sufficient for boat trailers, camping trailers, or car haulers. The rear wheel drive model limits towing to 3,500 lbs, adequate for smaller trailers but potentially restrictive for families with larger recreational equipment. The intelligent trailer detection system automatically recognizes trailer weight and adjusts range predictions accordingly, providing realistic trip planning information.
Terrain modes adapt the vehicle’s behavior for different conditions including snow, mud, and sand. While not designed for serious off-road adventures like the Rivian R1S, these modes provide enough capability for camping trips, boat launches, and other family activities that require venturing beyond paved roads.
How Efficient is the IONIQ 9's Charging Range?
The 110.3kWh battery pack delivers over 500 km range across all trim levels, with EPA estimates ranging from 500 to 540km depending on powertrain configuration. Real-world testing in various conditions consistently achieves 80-90% of EPA estimates, suggesting conservative official ratings that provide confidence for trip planning.
The 800-volt architecture supports DC fast charging up to 350kW, enabling 10-80% charging in approximately 24 minutes under ideal conditions. This capability transforms long-distance travel, reducing charging stops to brief coffee breaks rather than extended delays. The IONIQ 9 represents the first Hyundai with a standard NACS charging port, providing direct access to Tesla’s Supercharger network while including a CCS adapter for other charging networks.
Real-world charging performance varies based on temperature, battery state of charge, and charger capabilities. Testing at multiple charging locations demonstrated consistent speeds above 200kW when charging from low battery states, with speeds tapering gradually as the battery approaches 80% capacity. This charging curve proves more favorable than many competitors that experience sharp speed reductions at higher charge levels.
Home charging utilizes an 11kW onboard charger that fully replenishes the battery overnight using a 240-volt Level 2 connection. For families with predictable daily driving patterns, overnight charging eliminates the need for public charging stations except during road trips. The included mobile charging unit works with standard 120-volt outlets for emergency charging, though speeds remain quite slow.
Efficiency ratings demonstrate the relationship between performance and energy consumption. The rear wheel drive model achieves 92 MPGe combined, while all wheel drive variants achieve 88 MPGe. The Performance AWD configuration returns 85 MPGe, still competitive with many luxury vehicles while delivering sports car acceleration.
Technology and Infotainment
The dual 12.3-inch curved displays create a modern, cohesive interface spanning the digital instrument cluster and center touchscreen. The displays angle slightly toward the driver for improved visibility and reduced glare, while maintaining accessibility for front passengers. Graphics render quickly and clearly, with intuitive menu structures that minimize distraction while driving.
The IONIQ 9 comes with a host of tech-forward features, providing entertainment and connectivity for both you and your passengers.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all trim levels, allowing easy smartphone integration without the hassle of cables. During testing, the system stayed reliably connected, unlike some competitors that tend to lose connection frequently. Voice recognition handles basic commands smoothly, though more complex requests might require a couple of tries.
The cabin is equipped with six 100-watt USB-C charging ports, keeping everyone’s devices powered on long trips. There's also a wireless charging pad that fits most phones, although larger phones with cases might not fit perfectly. These charging options are a big plus for families juggling multiple devices with different power needs.
For audio enthusiasts, higher trims feature a premium Bose 14-speaker sound system that delivers rich, clear sound throughout the cabin. Active noise control technology helps keep road noise down to about 66 decibels at 70 mph, creating a peaceful environment—especially appreciated by rear passengers who usually get the brunt of road noise.
A fun and unique detail is the illuminated steering wheel that spells out “Hyundai” in Morse code using LED patterns. While purely decorative, it adds a distinctive touch that sets the IONIQ 9 apart from more ordinary electric vehicles and reinforces its premium feel.
Driving Experience and Handling
Behind the steering wheel, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 prioritizes refinement and comfort over aggressive sportiness. The suspension tuning absorbs road irregularities effectively while maintaining composure during highway driving and cornering. This balance suits family transportation, where passenger comfort matters more than ultimate handling precision.
The adaptive dampers automatically adjust to road conditions and driving style, firming up during spirited driving while remaining compliant during normal cruising. Even the Performance AWD model emphasizes smooth power delivery and quiet operation rather than harsh, aggressive character. This approach reflects the understanding that three-row buyers prioritize different attributes than sports car enthusiasts.
Five levels of regenerative braking accommodate different preferences, from minimal regeneration that feels like a conventional automatic transmission to aggressive one-pedal driving that brings the vehicle to a complete stop without touching the brake pedal. The transition between regenerative and friction braking feels seamless, avoiding the jerky character that plagues some electric vehicles.
Highway Driving Assist 2 provides adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance, though it requires active steering wheel input to remain engaged. The system works well on clearly marked highways but can become confused by construction zones or unusual road markings. Compared to Tesla’s Autopilot or GM’s Super Cruise, it feels conservative and less refined, though adequately functional for reducing driver fatigue on long trips.
The quiet cabin enhances the driving experience significantly. Acoustic glass and active noise cancellation create an environment rivaling luxury sedans, making conversation easy even at highway speeds. This quietness particularly benefits families with sleeping children or passengers sensitive to noise.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Standard safety features include forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection, along with blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These systems work smoothly without being overly sensitive, offering real peace of mind on Calgary’s busy roads. The forward collision system has proven effective during emergency stops, but of course, it’s no substitute for staying alert behind the wheel.
Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist 2 adds semi-autonomous capabilities, combining adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance. While it’s helpful on highways around Calgary, it does require regular hands on the steering wheel and can disengage more often than some competitors when faced with construction zones or unclear lane markings.
Higher trims step it up with surround-view cameras, remote parking assist, and rear occupant alert. The 360-degree camera is handy for tight parking spots around the city, though the image quality could be a bit sharper. Remote parking lets you park the vehicle while standing outside, which is neat but works best in specific situations and can be a bit slow.
The rear occupant alert uses sensors to detect movement in the back seats after you’ve turned off the vehicle, helping prevent the heartbreaking mistake of leaving kids or pets behind. For busy Calgary families juggling multiple responsibilities, this feature offers valuable peace of mind.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The Essential trim kicks off at around $60,000 and packs in plenty of features you don’t usually get at this price. It comes with a rear motor that delivers enough power for most Calgary families, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a solid suite of safety features. This trim is perfect for those making the switch from traditional SUVs to electric without the luxury price tag.
Moving up, the Preferred AWD and Preferred AWD+ trims, priced near $65,000, add all-wheel drive for better traction—something Calgary drivers will appreciate during snowy winters. These trims also offer upgraded interior materials and extra convenience features, striking a great balance between value and comfort.
You can customize your ride with options like a panoramic sunroof that brightens the cabin (though it slightly cuts into headroom), relaxation seats that turn the second row into a comfy lounge, and premium audio for those who want top-notch entertainment on the road.
When comparing prices, the IONIQ 9 clearly offers strong value. The Tesla Model X starts much higher and doesn’t offer as much practical interior space, while the Kia EV9 is similarly priced, so your choice might come down to style and brand preference here in Calgary.
Final Verdict: Is the Hyundai IONIQ 9 Worth Buying?
For a closer look at the IONIQ 9's exciting features and driving experience, as well as the rest of our extensive inventory, visit us at Country Hills Hyundai today!
The newly redesigned Hyundai IONIQ 9 shines in all the right areas for families looking at three-row electric SUVs here in Calgary. Its spacious interior with a true flat floor offers more room than many larger gas SUVs, making it perfect for busy family life. Fast charging means your road trips won’t be slowed down, and the competitive pricing keeps it affordable for most households at Country Hills Hyundai.
Inside, you’ll find quality materials and a premium feel that justifies the price without going over the top. The cabin is quiet and comfortable, with a smooth ride and a full suite of safety features that everyone will appreciate. Plus, the range holds up well in real-world driving, giving you peace of mind on longer drives.
That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. The power-folding third-row seats take their time, so if you’re frequently adjusting configurations, it might get a bit tedious. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system isn’t as advanced as some competitors, so it requires more driver attention. Also, the rear-wheel-drive option is limited, which might push some buyers towards higher trims.
The bold pixel lighting design might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and the digital side mirrors, while high-tech, can take some getting used to if you prefer traditional mirrors. Storage is decent but could be more generous given the vehicle’s size.
Overall, the IONIQ 9 is a great fit for Calgary families who value space, efficiency, and solid value over the latest tech or off-road features. It’s perfect for daily driving, highway trips, and all the family adventures in between. If cutting-edge autonomous features or serious off-roading are your priorities, you might want to explore other options, but for most, this SUV ticks all the boxes.
For more information, or to book a test drive and see its features for yourself, reach out to Country Hills Hyundai today to speak to one of our representatives. While you're here, you can also browse through our wide selection of new and used vehicles to discover your next dream car!