Within the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) sphere, battery range is a hotly debated topic. Some early, small BEVs offered just over or less than 100 miles of range, not exactly the range that would encourage you to dump your diesel or gasoline-powered vehicle.
As BEV battery technology improves, and due to the current anti-BEV political climate, many auto manufacturers have dialed back or paused goals to offer only BEVs by a pre-determined future date – for some it was 2028, 2030, 2035, and 2040, among other dates.
But for the Hyundai Motor Group, BEVs still remain a priority as we head towards the inevitable time in history when the Earth can no longer produce enough fossil fuel to meet global demand.
With that, Pursuitist recently drove the all-new 2026 IONIQ 9 BEV.
Since its reveal in November 2024, the IONIQ 9 has been hailed as an eco-friendly choice for a three-row Sport Ute. The 2026 IONIQ 9 represents Hyundai’s commitment to BEVs, as part of Hyundai’s vision to offer 21 BEVs by 2030.
The new IONIQ 9 offers functional design, a premium interior, loads of high-tech and safety gear, and range and charging capability that make considering a BEV as your everyday vehicle more realistic than ever.
IONIQ 9 Exterior
The new IONIQ 9’s attractive exterior is all about efficient aerodynamics and family styling, as it resembles the gasoline-powered Hyundai Palisade.
IONIQ 9 styling is futuristic and handsome. Up front, LED light signatures dominate. Along the sides. Stylish, rugged wheel arches dominate. At the rear, more LED light signatures complete the super-modern profile.
Considering advanced aerodynamics, IONIQ 9 energy efficiency is enhanced by smoothing and balancing airflow under the vehicle’s body, as well as achieving reduced wheel and tire resistance. A new dual-motion active air flap system is designed to enhance aerodynamic efficiency by allowing cooling air for the drive system and battery to flow through only when necessary. When this level of cooling is not required, front grille flaps close to minimize air resistance.
IONIQ 9 Interior
Inside IONIQ 9 is an excellent place to be, as the EV offers comfort and convenience through advanced technology and Hyundai innovation that punches well above the vehicle’s price point.
IONIQ 9’s interior utilizes sustainable materials including recycled plastics, eco-processed leather, and other environmentally friendly fabrics. This aligns with Hyundai’s corporate commitment to sustainability.
IONIQ 9’s lounge-like atmosphere is roomy, bright, and airy thanks to a full panoramic sunroof.
Relaxation Seats in the first and second rows offer full recline capability with leg rests, and an available Ergo Motion driver’s seat is designed to provide comfort and help reduce fatigue during long drives.
Behind the steering wheel, IONIQ 9’s expansive Digital Cockpit features a high-resolution, intuitive digital instrument cluster that provides selectable driving information, customizable displays, and access to advanced driver assistance features. A bright, crisp head-up display is available depending on trim. Customizable ambient lighting is also available.
Seven USB-C charging ports are located throughout all three rows, and a standard 8-speaker audio system or premium Bose 14-speaker system is available. A 12.3-inch instrument panel joins a center-mounted 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen within a single curved screen housing. Hyundai’s Bluelink Connected Car Services are onboard, as are wireless charging and a digital key function. Additionally, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various navigation options, including via apps, are available.
To keep you cool or warm, Advanced Climate Control delivers options for dual-zone or tri-zone climate control, giving each row of passengers the ability to set their preferred temperatures.
And the cabin is quiet, thanks to triple door seals, acoustic glass, sound-absorbing tires, and Active Noise Control-Road (ANC-R) technology that helps reduce interior wind and road noise at highway speeds.
The roomy interior delivers generous legroom and headroom for both front and rear-row passengers. At 6’9”, I was comfortable in the second row, and even ventured into the third row, which is something I rarely do as most offer little to no legroom for those over 6’ tall. Well, that’s not the case inside IONIQ 9, as the rear seats are designed for comfort and support, with options for heating, cooling, and connectivity. Choose second-row Captain’s Chairs for a six-seat interior if you don’t need seven passenger capacity. The six-seat configuration also makes accessing the third row easier, as you can simply walk up the center aisle instead of folding second row seats forward for access. Another interior goodie is the Universal Island 2.0 console, which is slidable for maximum comfort and flexibility.
The interior includes various storage compartments, cup holders, and cargo space. IONIQ 9’s impressive storage areas offer up to 46.7 cubic feet of luggage room with the third row folded; 21.9 cubic feet with all rows upright. The front trunk (Frunk!) offers additional storage of up to 3.1 cubic feet in RWD models and 1.84 cubic feet in AWD models, suitable for storing charging cables or a smallish soft bag.
IONIQ 9 Power and Drive Experience
The 2026 IONIQ 9 is available with three powertrains. The rear-wheel drive model utilizes a single 215-hp motor powering the rear axle, while the all-wheel drive S and SE models add a second electric motor located at the front axle for a total of 303 horsepower. The Performance AWD model ramps things up with a more powerful front electric motor for a combined 422 horsepower. All models use a 110.3-kWh lithium-ion battery.
The Long-Range RWD model offers a 160-kW rear motor, while the Long-Range AWD adds a 66.1-kW front motor for extra performance. For maximum output, the Performance AWD model boasts powerful 157.3-kW motors on both the front and rear axles.
The Long-Range RWD model with 19-inch wheels achieves an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 335 miles and an EPA-estimated energy consumption of 92 MPGe combined city/highway.
IONIQ 9 can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes using a 350-kW charger, and features a native NACS (North American Charging Standard) port, allowing it to utilize the Tesla Supercharger network. Buyers also receive adapters for CCS (Combined Charging System) and Level 2 home chargers, providing flexibility in charging options. This means owners can charge the IONIQ 9 at any Tesla Supercharger station, as well as standard CCS fast chargers and Level 2 home chargers. Standard vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability and 400V/800V multi-charging flexibility help make owning and charging the EV a low-hassle proposition.
IONQ 9’s Vehicle to Everything capability offers V1G Smart Charging where you can share data with utility companies in exchange for special rates; V2H – Vehicle to Home which allows for backup power from your IONIQ 9 during a power outage and the ability to power your home during peak rate hours; and VG2 – Vehicle to Grid where you can export power back to the grid during demand response events. You can also purchase and have installed a DC Bi-directional charger available through the Hyundai Home marketplace.
IONIQ 9 owners can personalize their vehicle through the Digital Features and Services capability, including digital upgrades to customize lighting patterns and display screen themes.
IONIQ 9 software features can be updated through wireless over-the-air software updates.
IONIQ 9 Drive Experience
The first part of our IONIQ 9 drive took us from the host hotel in Savannah to the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant outside of Savannah. More on the Metaplant later.
On Savannah’s city streets and on Georgia highways, IONIQ 9 delivered quiet comfort and impressive power when needed. We drove top trim Calligraphy models, with dual-motor, all-wheel drive capability and extended range and performance, and appreciated real-time traffic updates and if needed, charging station locations on our route.
On a stretch of highway, I engaged Highway Driving Assist, and the system worked as it should have, allowing IONIQ 9 to take control of driving while my drive partner Kimatni Rawlins explored some of the myriad convenience and comfort features in the expansive, well-appointed IONIQ 9 cabin.
In IONIQ 9’s “Sport Mode,” our Calligraphy trim’s dual electric motors delivered instant power, and the adaptive suspension system stiffened to ensure we were still in full control during my brief stint to extract all of the Sport-Ute’s performance.
Should you desire to engage in trail driving, IONIQ 9’s all-wheel-drive system and Terrain Mode Select are up to the task. Simply engage “Mud” or “Sand” mode, and all parameters change to allow for safe performance on trails.
IONIQ 9 delivers a comfortable ride as its suspension has been specially designed for IONIQ 9’s electric platform. The suspension features a MacPherson multi-link front and multi-link rear setup, and self-leveling dampers. A unique “hydro-bushing” helps deliver a plush ride.
Around town, one of my favorite features available in many Hyundai vehicles, including IONIQ 9, is the Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) feature. The especially useful feature utilizes wide-angle cameras and ultrasonic sensors to detect available parking spaces and controls steering and vehicle speed to pull you smoothly into a parking space. With safety as a priority, RSPA also controls braking to prevent collisions with obstacles.
RSPA provides both in-vehicle Smart Parking/Exit functionality and out-of-vehicle Remote Parking and Operation. Enhanced parking assistance modes include perpendicular, parallel, and diagonal reverse parking, all utilizing parking line recognition (so no, it cannot self-park on grass, dirt, or on an unmarked surface). The system incorporates parking spot line image recognition technology to enhance the accuracy of vehicle parking and obstacle avoidance.
The base RWD IONIQ 9 S has a towing capacity of 3500 pounds, while the AWD models have a towing capacity of 5000 pounds. When towing, Intelligent Trailer Mode optimizes range predictions based on trailer weight and maintains a fixed 50:50 front-to-rear motor torque distribution ratio on AWD for optimal performance.
IONIQ 9 Safety
In addition to multiple airbags for driver and passengers, IONOQ 9’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) help prevent accidents. These systems include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Safe Exit Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Blind-Spot View Monitor, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Parking Distance Warning, among other safety tech and convenience features.
Hyundai gets special recognition from Pursuitist for its Advanced Rear Occupant Alert system, standard on all Hyundai models, including its entry-level vehicles. On average, 37 children under 15 die each year from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle. Scores of pets also die annually due to heatstroke in hot cars. The Advanced Rear Occupant Alert gives you an audible and visual warning when you exit the driver’s seat after turning off the vehicle to remind you to check rear IONIQ 9 seat rows.
IONIQ 9 also features a new center airbag that deploys from the side of the driver’s seat, a first for Hyundai, and Highway Drive Assist 2 (HDA 2). HDA 2 is Hyundai’s next-generation ADAS that combines smart cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a lane-centering assistance system. HDA 2 also includes a lane-change assistance function.
Always buy your vehicles based on safety!
IONIQ 9 Trims and Pricing
The 2026 IONIQ 9 is available in six trim levels:
S: $58,955
SE: $62,765
SEL: $66,320
Limited: $71,250
Calligraphy: $74,990
Calligraphy Design: $76,490
All prices are exclusive of a $1,600 Freight charge. Hyundai expects IONIQ 9 to qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, and eligible buyers will receive either a complimentary Level 2 EV charger or $400 in charging credits.
Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America
Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) is Hyundai Motor Group’s first dedicated Electric Vehicle mass-production plant located in Bryan County, GA. The new plant boasts a highly connected, automated, and flexible manufacturing system, which organically connects all elements of the EV ecosystem to realize customer value. The Georgia facility is an intelligent manufacturing plant, and all processes of production—order collection, procurement, logistics, and production – are optimized utilizing AI and data. The innovative manufacturing system will also help create a human-centered work environment with robots assisting human workers.
We were given a VIP tour of the impressive facility, one of two Hyundai Motor America plants in the U.S.
Across all Hyundai Motor Company facilities in the U.S, including their North American headquarters in California, these operations, combined with those of Hyundai’s 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and over 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy.
