Hyundai Reveals its 3-Row, All-electric SUV, the Ioniq 9

xcel · Nov 26, 2024 at 11:55 PM

Minivan like size, and the very latest systems and features, all wrapped in a crowd pleasing design.

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Nov. 20, 2024

Hyundai Introduces its own, all-new, 3-row, Ioniq 9 BEV

At this year’s LA Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled the IONIQ 9, an all-new, three-row, all-electric SUV with a Minivan like sized interior space and cutting-edge design inside and out. It follows on the success of Kia’s EV9 which in under a year has been purchased by 17,911 owners here in the U.S. YTD.

The IONIQ 9 is a three-row EV that can accommodate up to seven occupants comfortably. It is yet another EV promoting the brands focus as the leader in electrification while targeting 23 different EV models worldwide by 2030. Following IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, the all-new IONIQ 9 will build upon this legacy.

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Exterior

IONIQ 9’s ‘Aerosthetic’ exterior reflects Hyundai’s commitment to blending aerodynamic structure and futuristic styling. IONIQ 9’s front-end design features Parametric Pixels integrated into the LED light units and lower fascia, creating a unique and sophisticated image. It is the first Hyundai to include aluminum fenders and quarter panels, contributing to a lightweight body that enhances efficiency. The new dual-motion active air flap (AAF) system further enhances air sealing and exterior appearance with flush body panels.

IONIQ 9’s silhouette is defined by a smooth, curved roofline, creating a streamlined aerodynamic profile and a low drag coefficient of just 0.269 Cd here in the U.S.

Energy efficiency is enhanced by smoothing airflow under the body, and reduced wheel and tire resistance. To address these needs, a new dual-motion active air flap (AAF) system has been incorporated. Other aero-optimizing solutions include a 3D-shaped underbody cover, aerodynamic wheels, and hidden antennas.

With the longest wheelbase of any Hyundai, at 123.2”, the IONIQ 9 will arrive with an expansive cabin. The flowing rear wheel arch character line emphasizes the vehicle’s unique volumes and contributes to its dynamic design.

Notably, IONIQ 9 is the first Hyundai model to eliminate the roof antenna by dividing its functions between the windshield cover (for GPS and satellite radio), the instrument panel (for Connected Car Services) and the tailgate glass (for FM/AM and Digital Multimedia Broadcasting), contributing towards its advanced design.

Exterior lighting includes the brands signature Parametric Pixel lamps with small cube projection headlamps and an intelligent front-lighting system (IFS). The rear features a full LED combination lamp. For enhanced visibility, the outside door handles feature indirect lighting.

The IONIQ 9 will arrive with 19” alloys on the base trim with 20” and 21” wheel options as you move up.

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Interior

IONIQ 9 offers ample second- and third-row volume that is characterized by elliptical elements to create a lounge-like atmosphere.

The flat floor accommodates seating arrangements for six or seven occupants while the Relaxation Seats in the first and second rows can fully recline and offer a leg rest for optimal comfort. The Relaxation Seats incorporate a Dynamic Touch Massage function to reduce fatigue on long drives.

The IONIQ 9 also offers second row Swiveling Seats, allowing the second- and third-row occupants to face each other when the vehicle is stationary.

The SUV’s slidable Universal Island can be moved by up to 7.5” fore and aft, allowing passengers in the second-row easy access. The console also provides 5.6 liters of storage in the upper tray and 12.6 liters of storage in the lower sliding tray.

With the third-row seats folded flat, the trunk can accommodate up to 46.7 cu. ft. of cargo volume and 21.9 cu. ft. of volume with the third-row seats up. The Frunk adds another smallish 3.1/1.9 cu. ft. of cargo volume up front for RWD/AWD trims.

The IONIQ 9’s panoramic curved display is absolutely beautiful and modern with a floating dashboard; slim air vents and ambient interior lighting further enhance the vehicle’s futuristic interior.

A fully encapsulated drive system helps reduce motor sound, while acoustic laminated glass, triple sealing in all areas, and the application of a reinforced plate in the A-pillar area all help eliminate road and wind noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) inside the cabin.

Inside, interior trim colorway choices include Obsidian Black and six unique two-tone options (see specifications for details).

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Drivetrain

IONIQ 9 is underpinned by Hyundai's E-GMP architecture with the high-capacity, high-voltage battery underneath a flat floor.

The advanced NCM lithium-ion battery offers 110.3 kWh of system energy, slightly more than 10 kWh larger than that in the Kia EV9. This little extra contributes to the RWD model w/ 19” alloys achieving at least EPA rated 335-miles of AER. Within the reveal, Hyundai stated that all models (RWD AND AWD) will achieve > 300-miles of AER.

Since the Ioniq 9 incorporates the excellent 800V architecture of the 5 and 6, charging from 10 to 80 percent should take just 24 minutes on a 350 KW charger and less than 30-minutes on a 150 KW unit. It also includes std. a vehicle-to-load (V2L) feature.

The Long-Range RWD model is powered by a 160 KW rear motor (0 to 60 in 9.1 sec) while the Long-Range AWD adds a 70 KW front motor (0 to 60 in 6.5 sec). The Performance AWD models includes 160 kW motors at both ends (0 to 60 in 4.9 sec).

IONIQ 9 in its new trailer mode can automatically detect the trailer's weight and adjusts predicted range accordingly. This feature maintains a fixed 50:50 front-to-rear motor torque distribution ratio for optimal performance. U.S. models will have a 5,000 lbs. tow cap but expect range to be cut in half when towing that large a load.

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Infotainment and Features

The IONIQ 9 displays its charge status via green dots on the steering wheel to keep drivers informed of remaining charge.

Hyundai’s new Features on Demand (FoD) service is a unique offering that allows IONIQ 9 customers to personalize their vehicle with digital upgrades purchased from the online store. The FoD products offer dynamic lighting patterns when opening the door, dynamic escort light when closing the door, and content streaming options including Amazon Music and Soundcloud. The Display Theme feature allows customization of the screen with various themes.

Over-the-air (OTA) software update capability allows in-vehicle controllers to update wirelessly. The vehicle features a Digital Key, a fast wireless charger with a rubberized charging pad, and a cooling fan to reduce device temperature when charging.

100W high-output USB-C ports for passengers in the first, second and third rows are also standard and powered directly from the high-voltage battery for uninterrupted use. This innovative concept extends the capabilities of Hyundai Motor’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability. The V2L outlet in the cargo area allows users to power and charge electrical devices and appliances via a standard power outlet using the EV’s battery.

IONIQ 9’s climate system offers a two-zone function front to rear with A/C control for rear passengers that reduces unnecessary power consumption by independently controlling the front and rear climate zones. The vehicle also includes a slim roof air vent designed to work in conjunction with the Panoramic Sunroof package.

A 12-inch cluster and a 12-inch integrated monitor is part of the panoramic curved display. The standard in-car audio setup features an 8-speaker sound system, with the option of a premium BOSE 14-speaker stereo, which supports 5.1-channel surround sound, wireless updates and advanced BOSE features. It also incorporates e-Active Sound Design (e-ASD), which outputs the virtual driving sound of an EV using the vehicle’s audio system.

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Safety

IONIQ 9 includes third-row seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters significantly improving third-row passenger protection in the event of a collision. The SUV is also equipped with 10 airbags to further enhance safety.

IONIQ 9 features Hyundai’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to prevent accidents. These systems include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Safe Exit Assist (SEA), Rear Occupant Alert, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), High Beam Assist (HBA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Parking Distance Warning (PDW) and more.

The IONIQ 9 will go on sale in the United States during the first half of 2025. Pricing remains a mystery but should be released shortly.