Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 Is Going For EV Gold, Can It Meet Expectations?

by


With some of the ongoing flux that the EV market has been experiencing recently, it can be easy to forget that there are still several upcoming EVs that aim to bring sales bounty to their respective automakers. One of these is the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, a family vehicle that attempts to bring more family buyers into the EV lifestyle. Hyundai has plenty riding on the shoulders of this model with the first Korean spec models making their way to dealerships in Korea. But what can buyers here in the U.S. expect when the Ioniq 9 eventually makes its way to dealerships this spring?

Size will define this EV

While we have not had a chance to formally drive the EV just yet, it’s clear that even when standing still, the Ioniq 9 is attempting to reach a different demographic. The Ioniq 5 and 6 are good EV entries in their own right, but the pair are limited by their size with neither of them offering the space and passenger capacity that large family buyers need ( a role currently shouldered alone by the ICE-powered Hyundai Palisade.) The 9 is out to change this by offering buyers an all-electric alternative that can fill some of the Palisades shoes while giving dealers a range-topper in the EV family that can help lure in buyers even if they might end up going for the smaller 5 or 6 instead.

The exterior styling of the 9 will follow the core themes that we have seen in other Hyundai EVs with pixels and bold shapes making a strong presence in the Ioniq 9. U.S. spec models will most likely have very minor styling alterations to help them meet U.S. regulations but look for the core look to be basically the same with the smoothly styled front end being complimented by a boxy profile and upright dimensions and proportions that will make the Ioniq 9 the proverbial flagship in the EV family. It will be interesting to see how the 9’s styling resonates with buyers especially those who are used to a more conventional box layout with the Kia EV9 being a recent example of this in action. That said, Hyundai is also confident that the 9’s inner charms will make up for any perceived lack of exterior flair.

Ioniq 9 interior to be a lounge on wheels

A key selling point for any family vehicle is its ability to keep passengers and cargo comfortable and while the Palisade is already a commendable steed for these tasks, the Ioniq 9’s interior aims to bring that up to a whole new level. Hyundai designers wanted to make the cabin comfortable but familiar with the space also using some of the baked-in advantages brought to the table by the E-GMP platform. The end result is a lounge-like environment with space and comfort being the key pillars of success. Part of this is due to nifty swiveling second-row seats that allow the second-row passengers to converse with third-row passengers. Hyundai is not the first automaker to do this (older Chrysler Town & Country models had a similar option complete with a small table) but it’s the first time that the automaker’s prior claims of giving its EVs a more passenger-focused feel will be on full display in a production vehicle with the flat floor further enhancing this sensation of pace and comfort and a sliding center mounted storage console being included too.

Technology will also play a prominent role with some of the features we have seen in models like the revamped Hyundai Santa Fe helping to add valuable building blocks to the Ioniq 9. A set of screens will continue to be responsible for the infotainment and instrument cluster but look for the unique lounge setup to be enhanced by Ioniq 9 exclusive touches including model exclusive apps and other features with some of them potentially being called upon to make up for the lack of the aforementioned swiveling seats in the event U.S. safety regulations force the company to leave that feature in Korea. 

Range will be an Ioniq 9 strong suit

For dealerships selling this vehicle, they will need to adjust their pitches to focus not so much on performance, but rather on range, with all Ioniq 9 models featuring a 110.3 kWh battery pack with trim level playing a key role in how much of it consumers will get. The base S model (unsurprisingly) gets the most with these models getting a Hyundai-estimated 103/81/92 MPGe in city/freeway/combined driving which comes at the cost of raw power. Buyers looking for more power and equipment can move up to the SE and SEL with these volume models getting 98/78/88 in the same categories. Limited and Calligraphy models will get the least due to their larger wheels and beefier equipment sheet with these two getting 91/79/85 MPGe. All of these numbers translate to a total of 335, 320, and 311 miles of raw range respectively which is more than its cousin the EV9.

However, factors beyond the Ioniq 9’s control might make the task of selling the model difficult for dealerships. For instance, more consumers are embracing lower-priced EV models and with some of these buyers also being family buyers, the Ioniq 9 will have to walk a very delicate tightrope in having a pricing ladder that not only makes it a positive influence on sales, but also low enough to not scare buyers away. In addition, the potential for the expansion of the tariff wars unleashed by U.S. President Donald Trump could also make the 9 a tough sell but Hyundai (like others in the industry) are watching that situation carefully and are prepared to make adjustments if needed.