2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9

Is the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 a Good SUV?

"We can't recommend the rear-wheel-drive version of the Ioniq 9 despite its lineup-leading range estimate. Why? Because it's dreadfully slow by EV standards (try zero to 60 in 8.4 seconds) and only offered in the sparsely equipped S trim level. For just a few grand more, however, you can step up to dual-motor AWD and enjoy strong acceleration while maintaining more than 300 miles of range. Right out of the gate, the dual-motor Ioniq 9 is one of the most competitive three-row electric SUVs on the market, and it's one of the best values, too. Just remember to give the RWD variant a miss."—Ranked #4 out of 11 Large 3-Row Electric SUVs

Which 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Should I Buy?

MotorDonkey's proprietary vehicle data identifies every significant version of each model so that you can compare and decide. Ordered by price from low to high, here are the versions of the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 that you need to be aware of, along with our expert analysis and recommendations.

1. 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 S (Long Range RWD)

• Base Price: $58,995
• Range: 335 mi
• Battery Capacity: 110.3 kWh
• Peak Charge Rate: 237 kW
• Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
• Engine: 1 electric motor
• Horsepower: 215 
• Torque: 258 lb⁠-⁠ft
• 0-60: 8.4 sec
• Weight: 5,507 lbs
• Length: 199.2 in
• Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs

The rear-drive Ioniq 9 is only available in base S trim, which seems like a big miss to us, as the RWD configuration has the most range in the Ioniq 9 lineup. Hyundai has generally been slow to recognize — in fact, there appears to be no recognition — that the version with the most range shouldn't be stuck with the sparsest equipment package. Range, after all, is at the top of most EV shoppers' priority lists. Why force them to "upgrade" to a dual-motor model with less range if they want additional features? The Ioniq 9 S doesn't even have a power front passenger seat, for goodness' sake. We should mention that the rear-drive Ioniq 9 also shares its Kia EV9 cousin's laggardly acceleration — zero to 60 in 8.4 seconds is about as slow as it gets in EV-ville. But for some shoppers, the instantly available nature of that acceleration, like in a golf cart, will make it feel just fine, and we're sure that they'll wish they could add a power passenger seat and any number of other luxuries you'd expect at this price point.

2. 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 SE/SEL (Long Range AWD)

• Base Price: $62,765
• Range: 320 mi
• Battery Capacity: 110.3 kWh
• Peak Charge Rate: 237 kW
• Drive Type: All-wheel drive
• Engine: 2 electric motors
• Horsepower: 303 
• Torque: 446 lb⁠-⁠ft
• 0-60: 6.2 sec
• Weight: 5,745 lbs
• Length: 199.2 in
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs

The Ioniq 9's SE and SEL trims come standard with dual-motor AWD, which solves the base S trim's acceleration problem and then some. Surprisingly, you only lose 15 miles of range in the deal, which, combined with the SE's very modest price premium over the S and the latter's sparse feature set, make this upgrade a virtual no-brainer. Note, however, that the SEL's additional features will be hard to resist for a few grand more, including a surround-view camera, ventilated front seats, parking sensors, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, among others.

3. 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Limited/Calligraphy (Long Range AWD High Output)

• Base Price: $71,250
• Range: 311 mi
• Battery Capacity: 110.3 kWh
• Peak Charge Rate: 237 kW
• Drive Type: All-wheel drive
• Engine: 2 electric motors
• Horsepower: 422 
• Torque: 516 lb⁠-⁠ft
• 0-60: 4.9 sec
• Weight: 5,994 lbs
• Length: 199.2 in
• Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs

The Limited and Calligraphy trims unlock the full power of Ioniq 9's dual motors. This specification puts out some serious oomph, although it's not like the SE/SEL needed more of it. Happily, you still get nearly the same amount of range, so the extra power doesn't exact an undue penalty there. You might be thinking that the price is rather high, but there are multiple three-row EVs costing thousands or tens of thousands more. One could argue that even this top-shelf version of the Ioniq 9 is a bargain.