Perfect family SUV for the future..Hyundai Ioniq 9
Jul 02, 2025
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Instead, Hyundai Motor's new U.S. plant, Meta Plant America, has begun production of Ioniq 9.Hyundai Motor Group is planning to respond to the Trump administration's tariff issue by establishing a 1.2 million unit production system on its metaplant.
Hyundai Motor Group Meta Plant America (HMGMA)
Overseas car media The Drive has started a nine-star drive of the Ioniq, a large electric SUV that is drawing a lot of attention in North America.Tesla was created under the premise of promising the future of transportation, but somehow these days, it is putting an electric pickup Cybertruck that costs 100 million won at the forefront.
Fortunately for Hyundai Motor Group, we hear that Cybertruck is not meeting expectations. But the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 seems to represent a proper aspect of the future.
Ionic 9 boasts a unique appearance. Several factors borrowing market trends have been newly applied. On the side, it looks like a mix of low SUVs and station wagons with a little minivan.The front part features a blunt nose with a pixel-shaped vertical headlamp and a horizontal DRL pixel bar.Even the turn signal is an orange pixel.
The oblique windshield is characterized by a sloping loop line that is not very aggressive. The rear ends with a round design with LED lights surrounding the entire hatch. In a way, it creates a future-oriented Volvo atmosphere.You can choose either a six-seater or a seven-seater using a two-row bench seat or a captain's chair.
It didn't take long after driving to notice that the steering wheel on the Ioniq 9 was surprisingly heavy.These days, when feather-light steering systems are the trend, it feels refreshing like a cool lemonade on a hot day. However, the response of cornering is disappointing.
Boasting 422 horsepower and 71.6kg.m. of torque, the Ioniq 9 is fast, especially for a third-row electric car, but that doesn't mean it's as sleek as a sports car.
During the week test, the noticeable driving satisfaction was surprisingly perfect suspension tuning.The McPherson strut front and multi-link rear have a surprisingly well tuned damper response.
The Ionic 9 shames the ride comfort of the Lexus TX, and feels a lot more luxurious than any Hyundai. At first sight, it is largely similar to Cadillac Lyric.Like other Hyundai EVs, the level of regenerative braking controlled through paddle shift is four levels.
From steps 0 to 3, the regenerative braking level gradually increases. The selected regenerative braking setting is maintained even when the start is turned off and on. Hyundai's Level 4, named i-Pedal, offers a true one-pedal driving experience.
But for Ioniq 9, this setting won't hold even if you turn it on and off. It's inconvenient because I have to reset the One Pedal driving every time. The low-positioned dashboard provides a fantastic front view. Ioniq 9 has better forward vision than Kia EV9.
The view of the round rear window when looking back in the room mirror comes differently from the usual square rear window feeling. The basic Ioniq 9S has a single motor and rear wheel drive. It is priced at 60,555 dollars (about 81.7 million won).The dual motor SE AWD model costs $64,365 (about 86.8 million won) and the SEL AWD model costs $67,920 (about 91.6 million won).
SEL AWD models are the best choice, with everything from surround view cameras and parking sensors to front seats with heating and ventilation functions, and second-row heating seats.
The $76,590 (about 103 million won) Performance Calligraphy AWD trim applies real aluminum trim indoors and uses more soft-touch materials. It is equipped with a front and rear fascia and suede headliner dedicated to calligraphy.
Audi Q6 e-tron
Ionic 9 price range competes with Audi Q6 E-Tron and Cadillac Lyric.Interestingly, the Ioniq 9 is a better family vehicle than these two EVs, with more space and three-row seats.The Ioniq 9's internal and external design is more interesting to look at and easier to use than Audi.
Cadillac Lyric is a winner in itself in terms of design. However, it is only a five-seater. Ioniq 9, such as the modern E-GMP-based Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, also employs an 800V electrical architecture to respond to future environments.
Ioniq 9 is a Level 3 fast charger that can be charged quickly. Hyundai noted that it takes 24 minutes from a 350kW charger to 10 to 80 percent using a CCS adapter.
The CCS adapter is noteworthy because the Ioniq 9 is one of the first non-Tesla vehicles to market using the NACS plug, which has become the North American standard. As a result, it means it has the same charging port as Tesla EVs.
The 110.3kWh battery takes 9 hours and 40 minutes to charge 10% to 80% on a level 2, 240V charger. Despite driving 461km for a week, I had no problem keeping myself charged with only a 110 volt level 1 charger. The charge has never dropped below 55%.
Ioniq 9 is definitely not a huge car, but when it comes to design, I like the Ioniq 9 more than the Kia EV9. In addition, the cost-effectiveness and design are better. Another great advantage is that it is easier to drive than the Audi Q6 E-Tron.
If you need a family-focused electric car with three row seats and you don't need traction and off-road performance to pull the trailer, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is the best option.
Editor Song Moon-cheol mc.song@carguy.kr
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
