Big IONIQ Energy

We get it. The electric vehicle market is slowing down.There is a general fatigue among consumers that these battery-driven automobiles are not meeting the needs of everyone.

That’s one perception.

One of the truths that supports the EV market is that it attracts first adopters of technology. Among those are LGBTQ+ consumers. Our presence in computer- and internet-related industries enabled us to own (or lease) EVs. We love the fact that the level of technology and thought that goes into these vehicles makes them attractive to consider as our own rides.

Today, the EV marketplace has more choices to sift through. Some are from “startup” automakers, while others are offered by legacy manufacturers.

Why bring this up again? Perhaps to remind us that there are vehicles still worth considering.

For example, the new 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9.

Normally, we might not consider a three-row SUV. However, I have noticed that some of us own one. Maybe because you like the size and the space you get when you fold down the third row?

Sometimes, we forget about what we need and go for what we want. The 2026 IONIQ 9 certainly could fit that bill.

Built on the corporate Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the IONIQ 9 stretches the chassis’ length and adds a larger battery pack for greater range. At the new Hyundai assembly facility near Savannah, Ga., they place a very contemporary body on top of it.

The result is a modern SUV fed by electrons. This is dictated by the LED pixel lighting signatures up front and at the rear. You will find these pixels on the light bar across the front clip and down the edges in the headlamp units.

The front clip itself is blunt and devoid of a grille. Shutters are deployable down below for airflow into the motors and battery pack. The glasshouse is quite large, as framed by a slightly sloping roofline. The large rear doors open wide for greater access to the third row. The rear end of mainly flat and somewhat blunt.

Our test vehicle is the Limited model, which features a set of 21-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. It came in a gray matte paint finish.

The cabin design follows the current Hyundai design language. You immediately notice the curved flat panel on the dashboard, housing two 12.3-inch screens. The left one is the digital instrument cluster that is informative and clean to look at. The right one houses the infotainment touchscreen and all relevant information and vehicle engagement.

The controls and switches are familiar to anyone owning the latest Hyundai vehicles. That includes the stalk-mounted twist shifter and start-stop button. You will like the plethora of stowage throughout the cabin, including in the sliding center console.

Bose offers a Premium Audio system on the Limited trim. Smartphone connectivity is done wirelessly, as is device charging.

The seats are upholstered in H-Tex faux leather. They are big and offer plenty of comfort and support. Our Limited test vehicle had captain’s chairs for the second row. These large and decently comfortable seats can be adjusted in various ways. On top of the seatbacks is a single button that tilts and slides out of the way for third-row access. Third row space is not bad, perhaps best for children.

Cargo space is expansive. It starts with 21.9 cubic feet behind the third row. A set of buttons on the right side of the cargo hold power-folds the second and third row seats for longer items or more stuff. Ultimately, you have up to 86.9 cubic feet of space for everything — including larger pets and wedding gifts.

When you open up the hood, you will notice a small storage space. That is where you will find the 110-volt charging cord and adapters to convert J1772 CCS plugs to the native NACS port. Translation: Hyundai has gone to Tesla for native recharging technology.

Battery capacity is increased to 110.3-kilowatt-hours compared to other E-GMP vehicles. That translates into longer ranges, plus more robust energy delivery and recovery. While Hyundai states an estimated 311-mile range for this model, we actually got up to 388 miles at 100% state of charge in our care.

This battery pack feeds our test vehicle’s two electric motors — one mounted at each axle. All told, we’re talking 422 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The latter comes on instantly, giving this nearly 6,000-pound electric SUV strong acceleration. It likes to cruise, especially when the Highway Driving Assist kicks in. You can also enable one-pedal driving and adjust the regenerative braking for more energy recovery.

The best way to describe the driving experience of the 2026 IONIQ 9 was “solid.” The suspension was engineered to keep things on an even keel, mixed with some softness in ride quality. You do feel the bumps and expansion joints on the road, but it dampens so well that it does not disturb the cabin. It also helped to have a heavy battery pack to keep things closer to the surface.

Do not expect the 2026 IONIQ 9 to handle or corner flat. You can expect competent control and solid maneuverability overall. Yet, the steering system lacks some feel and feedback. It turned just fine, but we wished for a tighter turning radius to get out of narrow spaces. There is a level of manageability when it comes to ruddering this electric SUV.

You can certainly count on the brakes to stop this big electric SUV. Pedal feel was good, as was the response to the wheels. When the 2026 IONIQ 9 is in one-pedal drive mode, you can intervene by braking to a full stop without penalty. It also turned in good stops in normal and panic situations.

There is a choice of six trim levels on the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9, with prices starting from $58,995. Our Limited trim level test vehicle came with a sticker price of $74,300. 

We accept the fact that battery-fed, fully electric vehicles exist in a space alongside their internal combustion siblings. With changes in credits and incentives, you can still look at vehicles, such as the 2026 IONIQ 9, as viable choices for a larger SUV. Honestly, it’s worth a look. Or, a ride to your special day.