2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Review: The Three-Row Electric SUV That’s Quietly Redefining Family Hauling
By Nik Miles – TestMiles.com
Why does this EV matter now?
Because Hyundai just rolled out a three-row electric SUV with real range, real space, and no apologies. It’s called the 2026 IONIQ 9, and it’s not here to whisper sweet nothings about sustainability. It’s here to haul your entire family, your pets, your luggage—and your assumptions about what electric SUVs can do—across hundreds of miles of tarmac.
In a market choking on crossover clones and battery-powered compliance cars, Hyundai has gone in a refreshingly contrarian direction. They’ve built something useful.
EV Range Without the Handwringing
Let’s get the headline stat out of the way: the IONIQ 9 packs a 110.3 kWh battery, with an estimated WLTP range of 620 kilometers (about 385 miles) in its Long-Range Rear-Wheel Drive configuration. That shakes out to roughly 335 miles under the more conservative EPA estimates—putting it squarely in long-haul territory. You could drive from Portland to Seattle and back without breaking a sweat or plugging in.
And no, it’s not a sluggish eco-box. Performance AWD models hit 0–62 mph in just over five seconds, which is quick enough to startle the family dog and pass most gas-powered rivals. If you prefer range over rocket launches, the RWD variant still does the sprint in under ten seconds—plenty for suburbia.
Who’s It For—and Who Should Skip It?
This is not the EV for your minimalist friend who bikes to the farmer’s market and still refers to electricity as “the new coal.” The IONIQ 9 is for real families with real stuff and real road trips on the calendar. Think: parents who want to feel good about ditching gas, without sacrificing legroom, cargo space, or ride comfort.
If you’re looking for an electric Lotus Elise, look elsewhere. But if you’ve ever wished your SUV could double as a hotel room during soccer tournaments or a refuge on camping weekends—Hyundai has your number.
Interior That Works Like a Lounge (Minus the Bar Tab)
The IONIQ 9’s cabin is, for lack of a better word, thoughtful. Second-row seats swivel to face the third row when parked, which is perfect for board games, baby feeding, or simply arguing about directions like it’s 1996. The front and middle rows can be optioned with relaxation seats that recline fully—ideal for charging stops or momentary existential crises.
And in a stroke of marketing genius disguised as innovation, Hyundai’s optional Dynamic Body Care System gives you a massage on the go. That’s right: it’s the only three-row SUV where Dad can get a back rub and 335 miles of range in one go.
Charging Speed That Doesn’t Waste Your Time
The IONIQ 9 supports ultra-fast 350 kW charging. Translation? 10 to 80 percent in 24 minutes under ideal conditions. That’s enough time to grab coffee, answer a few emails, and contemplate how much money you’re saving by not buying petrol every week.
This matters. Range is only half the battle. Charging time is the rest—and Hyundai nails both.
Big Yet Aerodynamic. Somehow.
Despite being the longest Hyundai ever built (wheelbase: 3,130 mm), the IONIQ 9 doesn’t slice through the air like a barn. Its drag coefficient is a commendable 0.259 Cd with digital mirrors, thanks to aerodynamic trickery like dual-motion active air flaps. Even with traditional side mirrors, it stays slippery at 0.269 Cd.
In short, it’s not just a big box on wheels—it’s a smart one.
Safety and Tech: Of Course It’s Got That
Naturally, the IONIQ 9 comes loaded with the latest in alphabet soup: ADAS, OTA, NFC, you name it.
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Think forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and enough sensors to avoid a game of vehicular bumper cars.
- Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: No dealership visits just to get Apple CarPlay working.
- Digital Key via NFC: Unlock your car with your phone. It’s 2025. Why not?
It’s not just tech for tech’s sake. It’s tech that makes sense.
When Can You Get It—and Where?
The IONIQ 9 launches in Korea and the U.S. in early 2025. Europe and the rest of the world will follow, assuming they don’t run out of battery cells first. Hyundai’s rolling this out deliberately, like a band that actually knows how to tour—starting with the fans who buy the tickets first.
What’s the Bigger Picture Here?
Hyundai’s aiming to launch 23 EVs by 2030. The IONIQ 9 is more than a new product—it’s a signpost. As rivals scale back EV plans, Hyundai is quietly doing the opposite. Not loudly. Not with Super Bowl ads and buzzwords. Just with smart cars that people actually want to drive.
The IONIQ 9 is a reminder that electric vehicles aren’t just about kilowatts or carbon. They’re about utility. And if that happens to come wrapped in clean lines and soft leather, all the better.
Final Verdict?
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is the electric SUV Tesla should’ve built but didn’t. It’s practical, refined, and unpretentious—with just enough geeky engineering under the hood to keep enthusiasts entertained.
It’s not flashy. It’s not trying too hard. It’s just… right.
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