2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 review: An upscale family-friendly EV

Three-row electric SUVs are finally having their moment in the sun. Thanks to improvements in efficiency and battery technology, more automakers are delivering electric versions of these larger and heavier vehicles while also offering plenty of range. And Hyundai has chosen to do it in style. In this 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 review, we’ll look at some of the near-luxury touches that in my opinion vault this all-new flagship SUV into the top spot in its segment.

I tested the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 electric vehicle (EV) in its Ultimate Calligraphy trim on my most recent visit to Ucluelet and Tofino, British Columbia, hosted by Hyundai Canada. Have questions about the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9? Ask the automotive experts in our Facebook community!

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 review: Pros and cons

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 pros:

• 500 kilometres of range
• Very smooth and balanced drive
• Ultimate Calligraphy is pretty much a luxury vehicle

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 cons:

• Pixel styling is a little heavy-handed
• Kids can reach third-row power seat controls
• Gets pricy at the top end

What competes with the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9?

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9’s key competitor is the very closely related Kia EV9. It also competes with the Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X, Volvo EX90, and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, though all of these are significantly more expensive. While it’s not a competitor in terms of body style, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz is priced similarly to the IONIQ 9’s top trim, and I’ll make several comparisons to it in this review.

Size and exterior design

Hyundai’s IONIQ line of EVs stands out for its heavy use of pixels, which evokes an ‘80s retro 8-bit video game vibe. On the IONIQ 9, this appears across the front in the headlights and daytime running lights, on a rear U-shaped arrangement that includes the brake lights, and at many points in between. In fact, there are so many pixels that Hyundai Canada representatives say no one in the company has attempted to count them all. It looks a bit overdone to me here, but styling is entirely subjective and I’m sure plenty of people will love it.

With an overall length of 5,060 mm, the IONIQ 9 is 51 millimetres longer than the Kia EV9, which shares many of the same underpinnings. It also has a 31-mm longer wheelbase at a total of 3,130 mm. Adjusting the platform to create this extra space and accommodate a larger battery is why it took an extra year and a half for the IONIQ 9 to come out after the EV9 was released.

The IONIQ 9 is very aerodynamic. It includes elements like a rounded front end with active air flaps, a boat-tail rear with a sloped roof and an upswept overhang, and an optimized underbody. These design factors come together to give the IONIQ 9 a drag coefficient of 0.269. Among Hyundai vehicles, only the IONIQ 6 electric sedan has less drag. On a larger SUV where every bit of efficiency counts toward improving range, this is a stellar achievement.

Interior design

Inside the IONIQ 9, many design elements are pulled from Hyundai’s other EVs to form a familiar yet upscale environment. The four pixels on the steering wheel — which represent H for Hyundai in morse code — are illuminated and change colour in some situations such as when the vehicle is put into reverse. The in-cabin ambient lighting is tastefully done with the lights tucked away and reflecting onto interestingly textured surfaces.

Hyundai Canada says eco-friendly materials were sourced for the IONIQ 9’s interior. Some are created from renewable sources such as corn and canola, while others are made using recycled plastics from bottles, tires, and nylon waste recovered from the oceans. While the surfaces within the IONIQ 9 are clearly human-made, the materials in the Ultimate Calligraphy trim are pleasant to touch, and most have a premium feel.

Seat comfort

While the IONIQ 9 is longer overall than the Kia EV9, leg room measurements are identical in all three rows at 1,052 mm for the first row, 1,086 mm for the second row, and 813 mm for the third row. These figures are generous relative to rest of the electric SUV competition.

The IONIQ 9 comes with what Hyundai calls relaxation seats. Equipped on the front row with the Preferred AWD with Luxury Package and on the first and second rows on the Preferred AWD+ Ultimate Calligraphy, these seats offer deep recline and extending leg rests. It’s meant for added comfort during longer waits, such as while you’re at a charging station. The greater flexibility in angles and adjustments is even more helpful, making it easy to find a very comfortable seating position.

With cup holders and manual shades integrated into the rear doors, the second row is well-configured for kids sitting in car seats. However, models equipped with the second-row relaxation seats can’t pull forward to provide third-row access with a car seat in place, as noted below.

In the third row, there’s a healthy amount of head room. Leg room is decent as well, though some adults may need to negotiate space with the passengers in the second row. Power-folding third-row seats are equipped on the top two trims, though parents may want to note these come with a set of buttons within reach of those third-row seats. While this is a great convenience for adult passengers, you may want to pull your hair out after a while if your kids won’t leave them alone.

In Canada, the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 comes with a standard heat pump, which helps the climate control system run more efficiently in cold conditions.

How many seats are there in the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9?

In most versions sold in Canada, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 comes with seven seats, including a three-seat bench in the second row and two seats in the third row. In the Preferred AWD+ with the Ultimate Calligraphy Package, captain’s chairs with relaxation mode are installed in the second row, bring the total number of seating positions to six.

How many car seats fit in the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9?

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 can fit up to four standard car seats with LATCH connectors. Two can be installed in the second row, and there are two more positions in the third row. In models with the seven-seat configuration, a fifth seat can be installed in the centre position using the seat belt. To do this, all three car seats in the second row will need to be narrow enough for this purpose.

In seven-seat IONIQ 9 models, the second-row seats can pull forward to allow access to the third row while keeping an installed car seat in place. However, in the six-seat configuration where the second row is equipped with the relaxation seats, the seat back inclines toward the front of the vehicle while the seat moves forward. Keeping a car seat in place when moving these seats is therefore not recommended.

How much cargo space is in the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9?

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 offers 620 litres of cargo capacity behind its third row seatbacks, 48 litres more than the Kia EV9. Behind the second-row seats, the IONIQ 9 has 1,323 litres of space, a figure that exactly matches the EV9. The IONIQ 9’s front trunk (frunk) adds 52 litres of space on all-wheel drive (AWD) trims and 88 litres with rear-wheel drive (RWD).

The IONIQ 9 has some clever design solutions that add interior storage space. A slightly recessed shelf integrated into the dashboard above the glove compartment keeps items out of view. Two large storage compartments and three USB-C ports are installed underneath the centre stack. On the Ultimate Calligraphy model, the centre console slides front to back and has a double-hinged lid so the bin can be accessed from the front and middle rows. Second-row passengers also benefit from a drawer at the back.

Can you camp in a 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9?

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 includes features that make it a great candidate for camping in an SUV. In fact, in this regard the IONIQ 9 may even beat the Volkswagen ID.Buzz at its own game. The second and third rows fold to create a relatively flat load floor. By plugging the vehicle in at an electrical campsite and using the climate controls on the back of the centre console, you’d be able to manage the rear climate zone and keep the cabin comfortable overnight.

The second-row armrest cup holders and the Ultimate Calligraphy’s double-hinged centre console lid add valuable storage space accessible from the rear. And with the interior household plug on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim that draws power from the vehicle’s battery, you can easily run devices such as a laptop for streaming or a kettle to make your morning coffee.

Infotainment and technology features

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 runs a now-common pair of 12.3-inch screens installed in a shared panel, which operate the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system. The good news is Hyundai has begun to roll out wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on its 12.3-inch screens, and both are standard here.

Six high-powered 100-watt USB-C charging ports are also standard, with two installed for each row. A data port is also included, bringing the total number of ports to seven. A wireless charging pad is standard on every IONIQ 9 sold in Canada.

An 8-speaker audio system is standard, while a 14-speaker Bose premium audio system is included on the top three trims. While this system didn’t blow us away, we suspect audiophiles will find it worth the upgrade.

How much power does the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 have?

In Canada, the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 will be sold in three different power configurations. The base RWD version produces 215 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The AWD version generates 303 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful AWD+ version creates a total system output of 422 hp and 516 lb-ft.

The AWD versions of the IONIQ 9 use torque vectoring to send power from front to rear and side to side on each axle on demand. These versions also include a terrain mode selector with settings for snow, mud, and sand.

What is the towing capacity on the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9?

When AWD is equipped, the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 can tow up to 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds). With RWD, its maximum towing capacity is 1,587 kilograms (3,500 pounds). An included towing mode adjusts the vehicle’s estimated remaining range estimate based on the weight of the trailer.

What is the range of the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9?

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is available with a single 110.3 kWh battery that delivers a minimum of 500 kilometres of range on all trims. With the base RWD configuration, Hyundai estimates a total range of 539 km. In AWD form, the IONIQ 9 has an estimated range of 515 km. With the most powerful AWD+ powertrain, the range estimate lands at exactly 500 km.

During testing, I found the IONIQ 9 holds onto its range well. At the start of the drive on a beautiful spring day in Ucluelet, the Ultimate Calligraphy tester showed an available range of 524 kilometres and 381 kilometres on the odometer. At the end of the day, we had a remaining range of 314 km and 614 klicks on the odometer. This means we traveled 233 km and used 210 km of range. There were only two of us in the car and clear roads allowed for plenty of coasting, so a heavier load and more challenging conditions are likely to produce different results.

How fast does the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 charge?

Using an 800-volt architecture and a maximum Level 3 charging speed of 350 kW charging, Hyundai says the IONIQ 9 will recover from a 10 to 80 percent charge in 24 minutes in ideal conditions. I didn’t have an opportunity to validate this during the test drive.

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is the automaker’s first vehicle to be sold in Canada with a standard NACS (Tesla-style) charging port. This means the IONIQ 9 can be charged at any Tesla Supercharger that permits vehicles from other automakers. A standard CCS adapter provides access to non-Tesla charging infrastructure.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 driving impressions

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 provides a very pleasant drive worthy of a flagship vehicle. It’s remarkably quiet and smooth. The suspension delivers an impressively balanced ride that’s relaxed but not wallowing, with minimal rebound, body roll, and pitch. The steering is appropriately tight, and sound-absorbing tires, front and second-row laminated glass, triple sealing, and available active noise control all contribute to a tranquil ride on par with pricier luxury SUVs.

Like other Hyundai EVs, the IONIQ 9 comes with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters that allow the driver to select between five levels of regenerative braking. One of these is a full one-pedal driving mode that Hyundai Canada says has been adjusted to be smoother than in its other vehicles. I can’t say I noticed much of a difference, but I also didn’t get to test it in an urban environment where this feature is most useful.

I’m not a fan of Hyundai’s current start-stop button and gear selector, which are combined on a stalk behind the steering wheel on the bottom right. And while the power output on the Ultimate Calligraphy is fantastic, I didn’t get to test the base RWD version. I question whether its 215 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque would be enough to comfortably move this large and heavy vehicle.

Safety features

Because the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is an entirely new vehicle, no crash ratings are available yet as of this writing.

The IONIQ 9 comes with plenty of standard safety and driver assistance equipment in Canada. This includes forward collision avoidance with junction turning, the semi-autonomous Highway Driving Assist 2 system, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, front and rear parking distance warning, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, a driver attention monitor, automatic high beams, safe exit assist, and door-based rear occupant alert.

Hyundai’s blind-view monitor, which projects a camera view of the SUV’s blind spot onto the digital instrument cluster when a turn signal is activated, is equipped on the higher-priced packages. Upgraded parking collision avoidance assists, remote smart parking assist, a surround-view camera, a rear camera mirror, and sensor-based rear occupant alert are also available.

How much will the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 cost in Canada?

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 has a Canadian starting price of $59,999 for the Essential RWD trim, not including the $2,050 destination charge or other dealer fees. Both the Preferred AWD and Preferred AWD+ are priced at $64,999, with the higher-powered model having fewer features.

The Preferred AWD with Luxury Package is priced at $76,499 and adds premium features like a panoramic sunroof, front relaxation seats with ventilation, heated outboard second-row seats, and a surround view camera. The top Preferred AWD+ with the Ultimate Calligraphy Package costs $81,499 before fees and adds second-row relaxation seats, an ergo-motion driver’s seat, a head-up display, and more.

While the Canadian federal government’s iZEV electric vehicle rebate is on hold as of this writing, the 2026 IONIQ 9 is priced to qualify for it as well as remaining provincial and territorial rebates where they still exist.

The IONIQ 9 models to be sold in Canada will ship from Hyundai’s manufacturing facility in Asan, South Korea. Arrivals are slated to begin across Canada in summer 2025.

Is the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 worth buying?

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 enters the market as the best three-row electric SUV out there. While its pricing approaches luxury levels at its top end — most notably matching the Volkswagen ID.Buzz — its combination of power, range, features, and premium finishes justify the cost. Plus, even in its most expensive form, the IONIQ 9 is more affordable than much of its competition while delivering equal or better drive dynamics. This is a worthy flagship that should prove an easy sell for those in the market for a spacious electric three-row SUV with a premium feel.

Read more car reviews and driving tips >