2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 review: The best EV yet?

Mitchell Weitzman
Sep 13
5 min read

Updated: Sep 22

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 exterior front three quarter

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 review by The Road Beat

Words and pictures: Mitchell Weitzman

Hyundai’s meteoric rise in quality over the past decade has redefined expectations, but even that can’t fully prepare you for their new Ioniq 9 SUV. This Calligraphy example of the fully electric, three-row SUV carries a price tag just shy of $80,000, a figure that might spark some sticker shock and zap any smile right away. Yet, after a week behind the wheel, it’s clear this luxurious behemoth delivers to justify its cost no matter what badge is on the hood—and might just be the best choice in its class.

A Premium Package and a (Relative) Bargain

At $77,040 for the top-tier Calligraphy trim, the Ioniq 9 isn’t cheap. But context is everything. Compared to rivals, it’s a steal: a base Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV starts at $104,000, while the BMW iX, a smaller two-row model, begins at $75,000 and easily crosses past $90K. The upcoming Volvo EX90 in comparable trims is also about $10,000 pricier. For a three-row, fully electric luxury SUV, the Ioniq 9 offers unmatched value without shortchanging you really anywhere.

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy interior

Inside, the Calligraphy trim rivals the opulence of Genesis-branded models from Hyundai’s flagship arm. Exquisite leather adorns the cabin paired with an Alcantara headliner, high-quality switchgear, and widely adjustable and comfortable front seats. Packaging is smart and considerate, too, like with a center console that glides forward and backward with a smoothness that shames the chintzy unit in the VW ID.Buzz. Even the third row electrically raises and lowers with a button, showcasing thoughtful engineering. Don’t let the Hyundai badge fool you—this SUV is luxurious by any standard.

Impressive range and efficiency

Stretching the distance, the Ioniq 9 boasts a 110-kWh battery, a significant leap from the typical 70-90 kWh found in most mainstream EVs. Despite its 199-inch length and nearly three-ton weight, it achieves a real-world range of 300 miles, averaging 2.7 miles per kWh. That’s almost as efficient as the smaller Ioniq 5 hatchback and on par with the Tesla Model X Long Range, though the Ioniq 9’s window sticker claims up to 311 miles as-equipped. For a vehicle of this size, 300 real world miles in summer conditions is remarkable and remarkably welcome.

Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy interior front seat

Charging convenience scores another win as the Ioniq 9 adopts Tesla’s NACS plug design, allowing direct access to reliable Tesla Supercharger stations without an adapter. Also included are adapters for CCS SAE chargers, ensuring compatibility with virtually all Level 2 and 3 public chargers or home setups. This flexibility makes charging largely hassle-free, especially given Tesla’s widespread and dependable network (something that can't be said of the notorious and constantly broken EVgo and Electrify America stations).

Space and Comfort

Bringing up space again, this is a huge car on the inside to match the physical footprint. By way of the Ioniq 9’s electric architecture—no engine or bulky transmission—creates a low floor, maximizing interior space. Headroom is so generous you can almost walk to the third row without ducking, something you can admittedly down in the new VW Buzz bus. Legroom and seating comfort here rival or surpass traditional combustion SUVs, and with the third row folded, cargo space is abundant at a whisker under 47 cubic feet. Even with all seats up, there’s enough room for daily needs at 21 cubes.

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 exterior rear three quarter

And if you're concerned with it not driving well, then have no fear, because for a full-size SUV, the Ioniq 9 drives with surprising competence and gravitas. The steering is direct and well-weighted, instilling confidence, while the low center of gravity enhances grip and agility on winding roads meaning transitions from left to right happen quickly and without fuss. Compared to conventional and past SUVs, the Ioniq 9 isn't exactly more fun to maneuver on backroads, but it does so with practical ease and ability.

Power stands at 422 instantly-activated horsepower, meaning forward progress is made entirely too easy in the real world and with little to no torque steer thanks to the AWD system. There are a myriad of different modes for regenerative braking, ranging from zero all the way to legit one-pedal driving.

It's also good-looking, but let's also take a moment to address the formerly briefly mentioned VW ID.Buzz, because this Ioniq 9 trounces it in every way except maybe its less memorable style. The simple math and lab tests have revealed the Hyundai being enitrely superior in about every objective and subjective measure. It's more powerful, drives better, handily beats it in range, efficiency, and charging speeds, and more importantly, it's several notches higher in outright quality. From fit and finish to the tactile satisfaction of its mechanisms, the Ioniq 9 feels premium, making the ID.Buzz seem like a budget rental by comparison.

Nicks

Ringing in at $77,040 as-tested, the price is undeniably steep, though federal tax credits and leasing incentives (available at the time of writing) can ease the sting. After 9.30.25, though, that could tell a very different story. One hiccup that did occur during testing: a Level 2 charger at a local library, used with the provided CCS adapter, charged frustratingly slowly. A subsequent test with another Hyundai and CCS adapter was flawless, suggesting it may have been a one-off issue or user error. Still, it’s worth noting.

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy review | The Road Beat

Infotainment is easy to use, but the initial acquaintance can be a bit overwhelming due to the high number of icons and choices on the main menu. Other than that? No real faults; It's just a really really nice and accomplished vehicle. Convincingly premium and without any key or lingering problem. Okay, maybe the key fob is pointlessly fat.

Something else worth noting, exacerbated by its flat sides, is the pronounced presence of orange peel in the paint.

The best electric SUV on sale right now?

Starting at $60,000 for the base trim, the Ioniq 9 is accessible to many families, but the Calligraphy model elevates it to a class leader. It offers more space, range, and luxury than Asian and American rivals, while capably competing on a luxury front with more expensive German and Swedish contenders, all while integrating seamlessly with Tesla’s charging network right out of the box. Hyundai has pushed the boundaries of what an electric SUV can be, delivering a vehicle that’s as practical as it is indulgent. For now, the Ioniq 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy might just be the electric SUV to beat.

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy

Price as-tested: $77,040