HYUNDAI IONIQ 9 2026

While other manufacturers are retreating, the South Koreans are forging ahead. The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is only the second SUV from a popular brand to combine three rows of seats with a fully electric powertrain. The first to do so, in 2023, comes from the same group and is called the Kia EV9.

Toyota has already announced the arrival of an all-electric vehicle the size of its Highlander by 2027, but the other brands are maintaining radio silence. In the meantime, the two Korean cousins ​​are well positioned to attract families looking for space and carbon neutrality – at least during the vehicle's operational phase.

A familiar platform

Just like the EV9, the IONIQ 9 is built on the Hyundai-Kia group's E-GMP platform. Designed exclusively for all-electric models, it features an 800-volt architecture that, according to the manufacturer, allows for a 10 to 80% charge in 24 minutes. Such speed requires connection to an expensive—and rare—350kW public charging station.

The IONIQ 9 is the first model Hyundai has assembled with a NACS charging port, compatible with Tesla Supercharger stations. Fortunately for Quebec buyers, the vehicle comes with adapters for J1772 connectors, which equip level 2 residential and public charging stations, and CCS-Combo connectors, which are found on most fast-charging stations in the Electric Circuit network.

A Unique Battery

Unlike the EV9, which offers two battery sizes, the IONIQ 9 only offers one battery with a capacity of 110.3kWh, exceeding the maximum of 99.8kWh offered by Kia. This results in a 500 to 539km maximum range for the Hyundai, while the EV9's range is between 370 and 489 km.

The IONIQ 9 also stands out thanks to the inclusion of a heat pump in all versions. The entry-level EV9 Light, whose smaller battery limits its range to 370 km, does not have this feature.

Scroll down to the Evaluation section to see our automotive experts' findings in video format.

Kia may have had a monopoly on the mass-market, all-electric crossover segment for a while. But the new Hyundai IONIQ 9, even though it comes from the same group, will certainly challenge the EV9's dominance.

IONIQ 9 and EV9: two distinct vehicles

The two vehicles are different enough to attract their own clientele. First, there's their styling: one is angular and the other rounded. Then there's the interior, where the EV9's "industrial" look and unusual controls contrast with the IONIQ 9's refined atmosphere and more conventional interface.

The two sister brands have also structured their lineups to avoid competing with each other. Kia offers two rear-wheel-drive versions, while Hyundai offers only one. The same goes for the battery: the EV9 offers two capacities, while the IONIQ 9 is limited to a single size, which is larger than its rival's largest.

The IONIQ 9 noses ahead, except perhaps for the price

The retail price range for both models starts and ends at roughly the same point. On paper, this advantages the IONIQ 9 because it simply offers more than its cousin: a standard heat pump, better driving range, a richer finish, and a more refined ride.

However, it's important to keep a close eye on manufacturer rebates as well as promotions on lease and finance rates. These incentives are likely to favor the EV9 because it was launched in 2022, which means it no longer benefits from the same novelty appeal as the IONIQ 9.

The Palisade Hybrid: an alternative

Do you want a large electrified SUV but don't want to go 100% electric? Then take a look at the first-ever Hyundai Palisade Hybrid. It showed promise during a short test drive at the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s 2025 TestFest. Admittedly, it will likely consume 8.0 to 9.0L/100km of gasoline not required in an IONIQ 9. However, the Palisade is priced $12,000 to $16,000 lower, which is worth at least a calculation, especially if you drive no more than 10,000 to 15,000km per year.

Watch our video review (in French with YouTube-embedded English subtitles)

Safety features

• Antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist
• Stability and traction control
• Hill-start assist
• Front airbags
• Driver's knee airbag
• Front and rear side airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Satbelt pretensioners
• Six or seven adjustable head restraints
• Rear occupant alert
• Rearview camera
• Tire pressure monitor
• Forward collision alert
• Forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Lane centering assist
• Automatic high-beams
• Blind-spot monitoring with automatic steering assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Side parking sensors and rear automatic emergency braking (included in Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy packages)
• Surround-view monitor (standard, Preferred+, included in Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy packages, unvailable, Essential and Preferred)
• Automatic emergency braking upon side obstacle detection (included in Ultimate Calligraphy packages)

Crash test results

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)