Hyundai Ioniq 9 Evaluation: The EV For Actual Households

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has one of the vital polarizing designs of any SUV in the marketplace at the moment. Its retro-futuristic design gained’t be beloved by all, and even after per week driving it, I’m nonetheless unsure the place I land. At any price, I respect Hyundai’s determination to do one thing daring.

Regardless of the Ioniq 9’s edgy exterior, all the things else about this SUV is acquainted and comfy. There are simply two screens, a great deal of bodily buttons, and plenty of area. Within the loaded Calligraphy Design trim examined right here, it additionally comes with all of the creature comforts and security options you could possibly ever need, making it simple to stay with for per week—or longer.

Quiet Competence

Picture by: Anthony Alaniz / Motor1

As with every EV, efficiency is a excessive level. The 422-horsepower dual-motor system within the Ioniq 9 is highly effective sufficient for on a regular basis driving. It has loads of low-end torque, however you’ll be able to really feel the EV’s weight at freeway speeds. There’s solely a lot you are able to do with 6,000 kilos—it is physics.

A lot of that weight comes from the floor-mounted 110.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. The SUV feels planted navigating Michigan’s crusty winter roads, with little street noise seeping into the cabin. Lively noise cancellation and laminated glass assist.

Hyundai most likely may have made the SUV faster, however that will come on the expense of vary. The Ioniq 9 examined advertises as much as 311 miles per cost, however throughout my frigid week of testing, that determine fell nearer to 280 miles. Nonetheless loads.

The Proper Form of Tech

Picture by: Hyundai

Regardless of the Ioniq 9’s daring exterior, Hyundai’s designers crafted a cabin that’s quiet and helpful; there’s barely a gimmick in sight. It appears and looks like some other Hyundai product, which is an effective factor. A pair of enormous, easy-to-read 12.3-inch shows sit atop the dashboard.

There’s ample storage within the heart console and beneath the sprint due to the flat flooring. The EV additionally has six 100-watt USB-C charging ports—two per row—which is my most well-liked technique to cost.

There are bodily controls for the audio system and temperature inside simple attain, however the HVAC controls, together with the heated seats, are on a capacitive contact panel. I don’t thoughts this design when it’s paired with automated temperature management; it’s simple to crank the dial from frigid to toasty straight away.

Regardless of the Ioniq 9’s daring exterior, Hyundai’s designers crafted a cabin that’s quiet and helpful; there’s barely a gimmick in sight.

When you’ve used one Hyundai infotainment system, you gained’t have any hassle with the Ioniq 9’s system. It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity paired with the automaker’s company infotainment software program. It’s nice to make use of when wanted, which shouldn’t be typically.

The steering wheel has bodily buttons to vary the instrument panel structure and have interaction numerous driver-assistance options. Down by the motive force’s left knee are buttons to regulate show brightness, the parking brake, liftgate, and gas door.

There’s no have to dig by limitless menus to finish a easy motion, which needs to be the usual, not the exception—and it’s that thoughtfulness that makes the Ioniq 9 really feel particular.

Verdict: An Electrical SUV For Actual Households

Picture by: Hyundai

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 looks like the center youngster of the SUV world, caught between old-school expectations and the realities of an electrical future. As a substitute of leaning too far in both route, although, Hyundai has created a well-rounded EV that places household wants first.

The 2026 Ioniq 9 AWD Efficiency Calligraphy Design examined right here begins at $79,540, together with vacation spot. That is hardly cheap, however the upscale supplies, considerate options, and general sense of high quality make it really feel worthy of the value.

The Ioniq 9 is quiet, composed, and genuinely comfy, avoiding gimmicks in favor of merely being a wonderful three-row SUV that occurs to be electrical. And if an EV nonetheless is not for you, Hyundai additionally builds the gas-powered Palisade, which fills a lot the identical function with a extra conventional powertrain.