2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9

The Ioniq 9 is Hyundai's most ambitious EV yet — a three-row electric SUV designed to prove that the EV transition doesn't mean abandoning family utility. At $58,955, it's priced between the gas Palisade and the significantly more expensive Tesla Model X and Rivian R1S. The 800-volt architecture, shared with the Ioniq 5 and 6, enables DC fast charging from 10-80% in approximately 24 minutes. Range extends to 350 miles on the RWD model, which is genuinely sufficient for most road trips with a single charging stop. The AWD model provides 379 horsepower and reduced range — still over 300 miles. Inside, the Ioniq 9 feels like a premium vehicle. Available swiveling second-row seats, a flat floor, and configurable third row provide the kind of space and flexibility that families need. Hyundai didn't cut corners on materials or technology — the cabin competes with vehicles in the $80K+ range. The catch is cost. Without the federal EV tax credit, the Ioniq 9 costs roughly $20K more than a comparable Palisade Hybrid. That premium buys you zero tailpipe emissions, quieter operation, and lower per-mile running costs, but the payback period is long. For early adopter families who want an electric three-row SUV, the Ioniq 9 is essentially the only game in town at a semi-reasonable price. The Kia EV9 is its closest competitor, but both come from the same parent company.