With the Ioniq 9, Hyundai finds it challenging to meet its own elevated standards.

      Hyundai has taken advantage of the unique capabilities of electric powertrains to create vehicles that are noticeably different from their internal-combustion counterparts, but what occurs when a new car’s standout feature is simply being average? The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a three-row SUV that needs to emphasize spaciousness and a seamless ownership experience rather than radical design or sporty driving dynamics to be successful. This leaves limited room for innovation, but Hyundai has made an effort by giving the Ioniq 9 a futuristic aesthetic, along with the established E-GMP EV platform shared with its other Ioniq models and the Kia EV9. The positive reception of the EV9 from Hyundai’s sister brand underscores the need for Hyundai to introduce an all-electric SUV, despite already having two gasoline-powered three-row SUVs in its lineup.

      Another bold design from Hyundai

      Stephen Edelstein/Digital Trends

      While many car manufacturers establish a cohesive family look across their models, Hyundai has taken a different approach with its Ioniq EVs. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 exhibit contrasting styling, and the Ioniq 9 adopts yet another distinct design that allows it to stand out among three-row SUVs.

      It’s evident that engineers devoted considerable time to wind tunnel testing, but unlike numerous other low-drag designs, the Ioniq 9 retains the upright proportions characteristic of a true SUV. The result is a vehicle that appears suited for a school pickup line in the Tron Grid. The tall hood has the unmistakable SUV stance, while the front end exhibits a smoothness as if shaped by erosion. The squared-off fenders contribute a sense of ruggedness without protruding enough to disrupt airflow. At the rear, the body sides taper back, and the roofline slopes down into a truncated tail, reminiscent of designs that made the 2004 Toyota Prius distinct and aerodynamically efficient.

      This design is accentuated by another version of the pixel lighting featured on the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. The light bar stretching across the hood imparts a distinctive and futuristic flair when viewed through a rearview mirror, while at the back, the lights create a hoop around the tailgate. This adds some visual intrigue to the otherwise sleek and unembellished surfaces of this electric SUV, although the excessive black plastic trim appears somewhat hastily attached. Additionally, as with piano-black plastic interior trim, the black license-plate surround will likely always show fingerprints.

      Still a functional three-row SUV

      Stephen Edelstein/Digital Trends

      Similar to many of its other models, Hyundai has made a unique styling statement while utilizing the same platform as a dramatically different model from sister brand Kia. The Ioniq 9 is built on the larger version of the E-GMP architecture shared with the Kia EV9 (with a Genesis luxury model expected soon). The EV9 favors sharp edges over the Ioniq 9’s smooth surfaces, yet they are nearly identical in measurements. The Hyundai is 2.0 inches longer, 1.6 inches taller, and just 0.1 inch wider.

      Headroom and legroom are nearly the same regardless of seating position. Like most three-row vehicles, Hyundai offers options for a second-row bench seat and captain’s chairs, allowing the Ioniq 9 to accommodate six or seven passengers, respectively. The second row can slide forward or back in either arrangement, but even when the seats are moved all the way forward, adults won’t find much knee room in the third row. However, there remains ample space for the children who will likely be seated there.

      Upon opening the Ioniq 9’s standard power tailgate, you’ll discover 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which increases to 46.7 cubic feet with the third row down and 86.9 cubic feet when the second row is folded down. All these figures exceed those of the EV9, and Hyundai asserts more cargo space behind the second and third rows than the Rivian R1S (though Rivian does not publish comparable figures for verification). However, while the R1S features a spacious frunk, the Ioniq 9 provides only a small under-hood compartment ample enough for storing charging cables.

      Hyundai’s dual-screen layout, with 12.3-inch screens acting as the instrument cluster and touchscreen, is particularly impressive — especially with the integration of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into the larger display. However, the standout feature has to be the Ioniq 9's Universal Island 2.0 center console. It offers ample storage space at both the front and rear, is accessible from either side, and can slide back and forth. This is a thoughtful design aspect for a vehicle where every seat matters.

      Quick, but not sporty

      Stephen Edelstein/Digital Trends

      For the 2026 model year, Hyundai is providing