Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
Hyundai’s all-electric IONIQ brand continues to expand with products geared towards active, growing, and on-the-go families. In the Georgian Coastal town of Savannah, GA I was able to experience the latest sustainable nameplate in the Korean automaker’s e-mobility portfolio, dubbed the 2026 IONIQ 9. Hyundai’s wildly successful and game-changing IONIQ 5 compact crossover set the tone, and the IONIQ 6 sedan continued the movement. The latest 3-row, 7-passenger e-SUV should certainly continue the momentum.
During my media visit in Savannah, I test-drove the futuristic minivan/crossover and was highly impressed by its technology, capabilities, and amenities. With over 300 miles of driving range on all trims, you will have no problem taking longer road trips or making multi-day rounds around town without running out of juice.
Stylistically, the IONIQ 9’s flow depends on how you interpret its lines and silhouette. I am fine with its design except the rear, which suddenly transitions from curvilinear to an abrupt square. That part needs to grow on me.
With electrification sales increasing year-over-year, Hyundai is certain that a future featuring EVs will put the global transportation industry in an economically positive disposition. The IONIQ 9 is built in the USA at the brand new and fascinating Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) as part of a $12.6 billion investment in Georgia. It represents the single most significant contribution in the history of the state. The dedicated EV and battery manufacturing complex in Bryan County allows the Hyundai Motor Group to expand its presence in the southern state while simultaneously creating 8,500 onsite jobs and 6,946 offsite jobs.
At HMGMA, 500,000 vehicles, including Genesis and Kia variants, can be built annually. The facility is clean, quiet, clever, and full of intentional light gleaning from the glass ceiling. Additionally, solar parking spaces for renewable energy are omnipresent and an ecological park landscaped for running and picnics is on the way. The IONIQ 9 is manufactured at HMGMA, where Meta employees work with robotics to achieve human-centric progress.
Explicitly curated for multi-person households, the IONIQ 9 integrates flush surfaces, a streamlined roof, vertical headlights, parametric pixel lamps, and various wheel sizes from 19s to 21s, including the 21″ Calligraphy set. Product planners also focused on aerodynamic efficiency and weight reduction, such as the use of aluminum body panels. Plus, the e-SUV represents Hyundai with the longest wheelbase in the fleet, which enhances passenger flexibility. The vehicle provides a generous 21.9 cubic feet of space when the third row is folded flat.
“IONIQ 9 features a beautifully executed cabin that offers the space that families need and the features and premium finishes that they desire,” said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. “With impressive charging speeds and a full suite of active safety features, IONIQ 9 is a no-compromises family SUV that just happens to be electric.”
Behind the wheel, I felt like I was driving a vehicle much smaller than its size suggests. Hyundai describes the cockpit as a “furnished space” and styles it like a naturalistic lounge to provide calm moods to help drivers and passengers find their balance while traveling. The comfortable cabin features a fully flat floor, voluminous storage, plenty of leg and headroom, first and second-row relaxation seats, a slidable Universal Island 2.0 console, and rounded edges like a sofa. A panoramic curved display incorporating dual 12.3” screens is your central operating station and mixes with ambient interior lighting, a floating dashboard, and slim air vents.
Available in AWD or the 335-range RWD model, the IONIQ 9’s E-GMP architecture and 110.3-kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery deliver speedy 800V charging. Depending on the trim you select, your e-SUV will be equipped with either a 160-kW electric motor with 215-horsepower, 226.1-kW dual electric motors producing 303-horsepower, or 314.6-kW dual electric motors creating an impressive 422-horsepower. The IONIQ 9 can re-energize from 10% to 80% in 24 minutes. I wasn’t expecting much from this type of vehicle, but its acceleration was fluid and quick. The left paddle on the steering wheel is for regeneration and simultaneously slows the vehicle down without using the brake pedal. For adventurers, Terrain Mode expands capabilities with snow, sand, and mud settings. Lastly, the IONIQ 9 can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Safety is always the center of attention for Hyundai. Thus, the IONIQ 9 has 10 airbags, a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and 13 standard Hyundai SmartSense systems. Digital, infotainment, and connection features include 100w high-output USB-c ports, intuitive knobs and controls, over-the-air software updates, Hyundai Digital Key which uses your phone for basic operations, and the 14-speaker premium Bose audio system with metal speaker grilles adorning the doors.
Currently in dealerships, the 2026 IONIQ 9 starts at $60,555 including the destination fee. Nine exterior hues are available, like Ionosphere Green Pearl, Cyber Gray Metallic, Ultimate Red Metallic, and Cosmic Blue Pearl. Step up to the top-of-the-line $78,090 Performance Calligraphy Design AWD model to receive a bio-suede headliner, matte paint in Gravity Gold Matte or Sage Silver Matte, and exquisite 21” turbine rims.
Hyundai expects the e-SUV to qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. But more importantly, eligible buyers will receive either a complimentary ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 EV charger or $400 in charging credits. Trust me, take the home charger. I have the same unit installed at my home, and it makes a difference.
The world is advancing through innovation quicker than the blink of an eye, and rightfully so, we must all begin adapting. The IONIQ 9 is essential to Hyundai’s strategy to expand its global electrification platforms. By 2030, the goal is to focus on intelligent, eco-friendly, and safe mobility technology under Hyundai’s Progress for Humanity mantra. Yes, gasoline-powered autos still rule the land, but EVs are inevitably the future.
