Text by Tom Appel
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance Limited
Specs
Class: Midsize Crossover
Country of Manufacture: U.S.
Color:Ecotronic Gray Matte
Miles driven: 105
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | A |
| Power and Performance | B+ |
| Fit and Finish | A |
| Fuel Economy | A |
| Value | B |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A |
| Tall Guy | A |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 422-horsepower |
| Engine Type | Motors |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Battery capacity: 110 kWh
EPA-estimate MPGe: 91 city/79 hwy/85 combined
EPA-estimated driving range: 311 miles
Consumer Guide range estimate (ideal conditions): 350+ miles
Charge Port Location: Rear passenger-side fender
Charging Standard: NACS
Snow Performance: N/A
Base price: $71,250 (not including $1600 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($1000), mats ($230), load adapter ($220)
Price as tested: $74,300
Pros and Cons
The great: Class leading dynamics, roomy and comfortable cabin
The good: Easy to use controls, more than 300 miles of battery range
The not so good: Prices look high in aftermath of federal tax credits expiring
Review
On an energy agnostic planet, say Earth some time in the future, we wouldn’t worry about whether or not the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is gasoline or electricity powered, we would just appreciate it for what it is: one of the best family-sized crossovers ever built.
Ioniq 9 versus EV9
We might appreciate, however, that Hyundai’s big crossover is better because it is electric, enjoying levels of power and refinement generally not achieved by gasoline-fueled vehicles.
New for the 2026 model year, the Ioniq 9 is mechanically similar to the Kia EV9 which launched for the 2024 model year. That said, the vehicles are not identical; the Ioniq is somewhat longer, taller, and rides on a slightly longer wheelbase.
With the exception of a significantly longer wheelbase (this to accommodate the EV battery) the Ioniq 9 is also similar in size to the brand’s popular gasoline-powered Palisade crossover.
Hyundai Ioniq Lineup
The Ioniq 9 is a fully 3-row, midsize crossover, and caps a Hyundai EV lineup that includes the Ioniq 5 compact crossover, and the Ioniq 6 midsize sedan. The Korean carmaker also sells the subcompact Kona Electric, though it is not offered in all 50 states.
2026 Ioniq 9 Trim Levels and Prices
For its inaugural model year, the Ioniq 9 is offered in six trim levels:
S ($60,555)
SE ($64,365)
SEL ($67,920)
Performance Limited ($72,850)
Performance Calligraphy ($76,590)
Performance Design ($79,090)
All Ioniq 9 models sold in the U.S. feature 7-passenger seating.
Power and Range
The S model is offered only with a 215-horsepower rear-axle motor and is EPA rated to travel 335 miles on a full charge. Midlevel SE and SEL trim levels feature two motors rated at a combined 303 horsepower and 320 miles of range. Performance models are come with two motors, but more horsepower (422), and a little less range (311 miles).
Charging Standard
The Ioniq 9 comes factory equipped with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, which allows for access to the Telsa Supercharger network. An adapter is required to use chargers equipped with CCS connectors.
Test Car
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2026 Ioniq 9 Performance Limited in Ecotronic Gray Matte. Including the destination charge, or test car came to $74,300.
Note that there are some special-care instructions for the matte-finish paint, which is a $1000 option.
Small Hatch
Because several folks have asked us this question, we’d like to address it first, “Is the Ioniq 9’s rear hatch smaller than that on other midsize crossovers?” And the answer is yes, a little. The Ioniq 9 boasts a coefficient of drag of around .26, which, if that means anything to you, is very low. That means the crossover slips through the air with little disruption, and the rakish roofline, and low rear-end, contribute to that aerodynamic sleekness.
Cargo Space
And while the Ioniq 9 boasts plenty of cargo space, the rear hatch opening is a little small, and the top hinges a little low. But, unless you’re in the big-screen/furniture delivery business, we suspect the hatch opening won’t matter than much to you.
Cabin Appointments
Like so many contemporary Hyundai products, the Ioniq 9’s cabin feels as if comes from a more-expensive vehicle. Swanky leather with contrasting stitching looks classy, and the brushed-aluminum dash accents appear clean and modern.
Room and comfort
There is all sorts of space in the front row, and big door openings mean that even this large editor enters and exits the vehicle with ease. Second-row seating is similarly generous, as is 3rd-row space.
Gear Selector
And while the cabin feels modern, the controls are generally conventional, meaning most drivers will quickly feel at home once situated behind the wheel. One interesting exception is the gear selector. Instead of a console-situated transmission shifter, the Ioniq 9 features a steering-column mounted stalk which is rotated to engage selected gears. This same gear selector is used throughout the Hyundai Ioniq lineup, and its use quickly becomes second nature.
Power and Performance
On the road the Ioniq 9 really shines. We expected plenty of power, but it is the big Hyundai’s ride and handling that impressed us the most. The 9 moves out silently—as do all EVs—but gathers speed at a fantastic rate, making easy work of passing and merging. The power delivery is surprisingly linear—even for an EV—with no drop-off in acceleration even at highway speed.
Range
As for range, our test Ioniq 9 arrived during a spell of cooler weather, extending battery range considerably. Based on power consumption rates during our test evaluation period, the Ioniq 9 would comfortably exceed 350 miles before required a charge, possibly reaching 375 miles.
Ride and Handling
Ride quality matches that of large European luxury sedan, with little in the way of road imperfections filtering into the cabin. Another luxury touch is interior quietness, allowing for easy conversation between and first and 3rd-row seats, even at highway speed.
Value
Our only issue with the Ioniq 9 is its price, which is $10,000-$15,000 more than most shoppers were likely looking to spend on their next crossover. And, unfortunately, the federal tax credits for purchasing an electric vehicle expired at the end of September
Incentives
That said, Hyundai, like other EV retailers, is offering some compelling incentives on its electric models. As this is published, the Ioniq 9 can be had with a $5000 rebate, cheap financing, or special lease deals.
The Ioniq 9 is one of our favorite new vehicles of the last few years. It is family friendly, fun to drive, and energy efficient–it’s a great vehicle judged against EVs and gasoline-fueled vehicles. If you are considering the purchase of an EV for your family, be sure and add the Ioniq 9 to your test-drive short list.
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2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance Limited Pictures
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