It’s an automotive age of rapid change as we transition from cars to crossovers, gas to electric, and mini-van to luxury lozenge. It’s at this intersection we find the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 – a dramatically styled electric crossover that’s actually a mini-van with luxury fittings. Clear your mind; you’re going to like it.
Unless you’re my daughter, who thinks it’s hideous. Well, maybe not hideous, but certainly not her vision of beauty. She’s 11. I, on the other fender, am a big fan of the IONIQ 9’s style – an articulate blend of future-tech, origami creases, and a hint of British formality.
There’s no engine to draw air, so the front is smooth panels accentuated by vertical LED headlamps and LED light strings across the top. Proportions are longer and lower, more mini-van than SUV, but I like the side vide with its dropping beltline, sharp fender creases, and satin silver panel where the rear windowline rises sharply into the pillar. Further body sculpting defines wheelwells that harbor 21” alloys. Our back, the body tapers in for aero as LEDs arch over the power hatch.
It pushes convention, but is so expertly tailored.
Interiors are typical Hyundai EV-land with twin screens, stylized steering wheel, and textured plastic, but accented with a Rolls-Royce-style art panel that looks like granite. Ambient lighting that seeps from every crevice adds atmosphere. Wide flat floors provide an airy space and stretch-out legroom. The third row is a little snug, but the front two rows shame private jets.
It’s an embarrassment of luxuries: Tri-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel. Phones connect wirelessly through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and console charging. Caress the sueded headliner and crank up smooth Bose audio. Daughter is happy in her middle-row throne where she raises her sunshade to keep peasants away.
And, there’s plenty of luggage bay too. Power open the rear hatch and you’ll find a surprising amount of space with even the third-row seats up. If you need more space, buttons in the side panel power down both rear rows. Toss in bicycles, surfboards, strollers or steamer trunks with abandon. Yep, it’s essentially a mini-van.
It’s just a wicked beast when loafer meets accelerator. The dual-motor drive system enables all-wheel-drive, but also 422 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque – adequate to throw the three-row wonder 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds. It also enjoys 311 miles range and can fast charge 10-80% in just 24 minutes. On a 240-volt home charger, expect closer to 10 hours – an easy overnight replenishment.
For a bus big and heavy, it handles well. Weight is low in the chassis and the large wheels grip hard, but the suspension is challenged to keep those steamrollers under control. On rough pavement, it can feel a little harsh, but loaded with seven passengers heading to a football game tailgating party, it rides smooth and quiet.
Adding safety, drivers enjoy a head-up display and digital rearview mirror for clear sightlines. Adaptive cruise and lane-centering steering further aid drivers while automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, and rear auto brake protect everybody. Safe Exit Assist keeps passengers from stepping into traffic.
My daughter still hasn’t embraced the IONIQ 9’s articulate style, but that’s her problem. Take one for a drive and you’ll find much to enjoy. This luxury liner is not cheap, however. Base models start at $58,955, but our Calligraphy edition came to a very luxurious $77,040. Competitors include the Cadillac VISTIQ, Kia EV9, and Mercedes-Benz EQS.
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