2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9: The Electric SUV That’s Gunning for Tesla’s Crown

Electric vehicles aren’t just the future anymore—they’re the now. And Hyundai? They’re not just playing catch-up. They’re swinging for the fences. Enter the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9, a full-size, three-row electric SUV that’s aiming to crush range anxiety, out-tech the competition, and prove that electric can be exciting and family-friendly.

So, what’s the deal with this upcoming beast? Is it just another oversized EV trying to copy Tesla, or does Hyundai have something legit on their hands? Let’s break it down.

What Is the Hyundai IONIQ 9, and Why Should You Care?

The IONIQ 9 is Hyundai’s upcoming flagship electric SUV, set to join the IONIQ family alongside the already-impressive IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6. But make no mistake—this isn’t just a bigger version of the 5. The IONIQ 9 is aiming straight at the big dogs: think Tesla Model X, Rivian R1S, and even Mercedes EQS SUV.

This is Hyundai’s electric flex. It’s a massive vehicle with three rows of seating, bold futuristic styling, next-gen battery tech, and all the luxury features you’d expect from a premium SUV—but without the six-figure price tag. Hyundai wants to prove you don’t need a Tesla badge or a luxury brand logo to drive the future.

Performance, Power, and Range: What’s Under the Hood (or Floor)?

Let’s get into the juice—literally. Hyundai hasn’t released every single detail yet, but here’s what we can expect from the IONIQ 9 based on the latest rumors, leaks, and logic based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform.

The IONIQ 9 is expected to ride on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, which supports 800V charging architecture. Translation? You can go from 10% to 80% charge in under 20 minutes with the right DC fast charger. That’s faster than a coffee run—and yes, that’s a game changer.

It’ll likely come standard with dual motors and all-wheel drive, though a rear-wheel drive, long-range variant could be in the mix too. Expect at least 325 miles of real-world range, depending on trim and wheel size.

Interior and Tech: Space-Age Cabin With Living Room Comfort

Step inside the IONIQ 9, and it won’t feel like a car—it’ll feel like the future just moved into your garage. Hyundai’s going hard on comfort, tech, and minimalism with this one.

Picture this:

• A massive panoramic OLED display stretching from the driver’s side all the way to the passenger.

• Haptic-touch controls, ambient lighting, and real-time environmental AI that adjusts climate and lighting automatically.

• Reclining second-row captain’s chairs and a third row that doesn’t feel like a punishment.

• Sustainable materials everywhere: vegan leather, recycled plastics, even seaweed-derived fabrics (yes, really).

• A flat floor thanks to the skateboard chassis design, which means more legroom, more cargo space, and more comfort.

You’ll also get Hyundai’s latest SmartSense safety tech, Level 3 semi-autonomous driving capabilities on highways, and full OTA (over-the-air) updates to keep everything fresh without a dealership visit.

This is Hyundai swinging for Tesla’s neck in terms of tech—but with a more approachable, family-first design language.

Design: Like It Came From a Sci-Fi Movie (In a Good Way)

Hyundai’s not afraid to be bold, and the IONIQ 9 proves it. It’s not trying to blend in with other SUVs—it’s trying to redefine them.

The IONIQ 9 is expected to feature:

• Parametric pixel lighting that gives it a digital, almost robotic look

• A boxy, rugged silhouette that hints at utility without sacrificing aero

• Flush door handles, 22-inch aero wheels, and a floating roofline for that “concept car come to life” vibe

It looks futuristic, but also strong—like it could haul your family to soccer practice or blast across a mountain road without blinking.

And it’s big. Think Hyundai Palisade-sized, maybe even a touch longer. But because it’s electric, it’s better packaged—more room inside, more cargo space, and no giant engine taking up space where frunks and storage should go.

Charging, Costs, and Competition: Is It Worth It?

Let’s talk reality. EVs aren’t just about how fast they go or how cool the touchscreen is. People want to know: where can I charge it? How long does it take? And most importantly—what’s this thing gonna cost me?

Charging: With Hyundai’s 800V E-GMP platform, the IONIQ 9 is expected to support ultra-fast 350 kW charging. Plug into an Electrify America or other compatible DC fast charger, and you could add over 200 miles of range in 15–20 minutes. Home charging will still take overnight (think 8–10 hours with a Level 2), but that’s normal.

Cost: Here’s where Hyundai shines. While Tesla’s Model X starts well over $90,000, the IONIQ 9 is expected to come in around $55,000 to $70,000 depending on trim. That’s luxury-level capability without the luxury-brand tax.

Competition: The market’s heating up. Here’s a quick snapshot:

Hyundai’s offering serious bang for your buck here—especially if they follow through on making most features standard across trims.

Should You Wait for the IONIQ 9?

That depends. If you’re itching to go electric and need three rows now, you’ve got options like the Kia EV9, Rivian R1S, or even a used Model X. But if you can hold out until late 2025 or early 2026, the IONIQ 9 might just be worth the wait.

Here’s why:

• Hyundai’s EV reliability and tech track record is strong.

• You’ll likely pay less and get more than you would with the competition.

• The charging speeds and range are top-tier.

• And frankly—it just looks awesome.

This isn’t some early prototype or rushed-out EV experiment. Hyundai knows what they’re doing, and the IONIQ 9 could redefine what a family SUV looks like in the electric age.

Conclusion: The IONIQ 9 Is the EV SUV We’ve Been Waiting For

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 isn’t just another electric SUV. It’s a calculated strike at the heart of the premium EV segment. Hyundai is offering Tesla-level tech, Rivian-like space, and Kia-level pricing—all wrapped up in one futuristic, fast-charging, family-hauling package.

Whether you’re an EV skeptic or already a convert, the IONIQ 9 is shaping up to be the kind of vehicle that could make anyone reconsider what they thought about electric SUVs.

Keep an eye out. The electric revolution just got a new heavyweight.