In Wheel Time Podcast: Your Go-To Automotive Talk Show Sep 3, 2025

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9: Luxury Meets Electric in a Full-Size Package

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Time now for this hour's car review. I had a chance to drive the 2026 Hyundai Ionic 9. This is a completely all new full-size 3-row SUV and it's all electric. The Ionic 9. Final assembly location, Ella Bell, Georgia, believe it or not. Available trim levels include the S, the SE, the SEL, the performance limited, the performance calligraphy,

and the calligraphy design. Our vehicle was the all-wheel drive performance calligraphy, very nice vehicle. It's a standard SUV, according to the government we call it a full-size 3-row. This can have up to seating for 9, believe it or not. Wouldn't suggest that. Perhaps couple of captains chairs in the second row? I think that'd make it a lot more comfortable.

The exterior changes from the last model year. Again, it's all new for 2026. The exterior features horizontal elements across all front fascia surfaces. It's a minimalist design, the side view, same thing, minimalist design. Tall tail lights that book end a very large rear hatch door. All the lighting in the rear has a digital nod, little squares.

What I liked about it, high marks for overall design. It makes it unique. It's very good looking and if you like to be unique on the block, this is your vehicle.

What could use improvement? Nothing. Love it. Interior highlights include a spacious, comfortable interior with conservative colors. Love the shift stock with start-stop button included on that.

It elongated and integrated infotainment screen that includes the instrument cluster. I don't know why they haven't done this before. The six passenger versions with the second row captains chairs can be had with a reclining feature that almost looks like a bed. It folds so flat and it has footrests in it too. This is luxury all the way. Cargo room, plentiful.

What I liked, different configurations to customize it to your tastes with all of those available trim levels. What could use improvement? I put a question mark on that because I probably don't know. This kind of does it all.

Engine? Well, it's all electric. As I mentioned, 422 horsepower. That's the top of the line. It does on the entry level come with a lot less horsepower. You can get that in-course at a much reduced rate.

335 miles of range with 516 pound-feet of torque. That's a lot. But let's not forget it's heavy. It weighs three tons. It told you electric and it's all-wheel drive.

Toe rating? 5,000 pounds. Not bad for an electric but you know that really zaps the energy if you're towing something.

Miles per gallon NPG E rating is 91 city and 79 on the highway. It's smooth and it's powerful. What could use improvement? Well, I spent $49 for about 20 minutes at the

high end charging station from 20% to 80% and it cost me $49. Wow, it was the shell recharge station in Sugarland and they are proud of their electricity.

Right and handling smoothness like a big limo. What could use improvement? More range I think would be nice. I'm sure they're working on that.

The base trim price is $74,990. Remember, this is kind of top of the line stuff here. Prices tested $77,540. Base model price? $58,955.

Competitors include the Kia EV9 which is really its cousin. It starts at $54,900 so the Kia is a bit less expensive than the Hyundai. The VW ID bus, it kind of threw this in there but it is electric and it seats lots of hoax. That's $59,995 starting point.

And the BMW IX X Drive 45 is up there at $75,150 for a starting point. Well, that's my review of the 2026 All New Hyundai Ionic 9 all electric SUV full size 3-row.

About this episode

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is an all-new full-size electric SUV that impresses with its minimalist design and spacious interior. With seating for up to nine, the vehicle features a luxurious cabin with innovative infotainment integration and reclining second-row seats. It boasts a powerful 422 horsepower, 335 miles of range, and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. While the price starts at $58,955, the top trim can reach over $77,000. The episode also compares it to competitors like the Kia EV9 and VW ID. Buzz, highlighting its unique offerings.

BMW iX Hyundai Ioniq 5 Kia EV9 Volkswagen Bus

Original notes

Luxury electric vehicles have reached a new milestone with the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, a groundbreaking full-size three-row SUV that combines spaciousness, cutting-edge design, and impressive electric performance. Fresh off the assembly line in Ellabelle, Georgia, this American-made Korean masterpiece showcases what happens when minimalist aesthetics meet maximum functionality.

The exterior strikes an immediate impression with its clean, horizontal elements and distinctive lighting signatures that give it a unique presence on the road. But it's inside where the Ioniq 9 truly shines. The spacious interior accommodates up to nine passengers across various configurations, though the six-passenger layout with second-row captain's chairs delivers the most impressive feature: seats that recline almost completely flat with integrated footrests, transforming your vehicle into a mobile lounge. The elongated, integrated infotainment system flows seamlessly with the instrument cluster in a design that feels both intuitive and futuristic.

Power comes from an electric drivetrain delivering up to 422 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque in top-tier models, propelling this three-ton vehicle with surprising grace. With 335 miles of range, a 5,000-pound towing capacity, and smooth, limousine-like handling, the Ioniq 9 makes a compelling case for electric family transportation. Starting at $58,955 and ranging up to $77,540 for fully-loaded models, it positions itself against competitors like the slightly more affordable Kia EV9 and the premium BMW iX. The future of family SUVs is here—would you make the electric switch for your next vehicle purchase?

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2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9: Luxury Meets Electric in a Full-Size Package

Hyundai Ionic

Kia EV9

Volkswagen Bus

Bmw Ix

About this episode

Original notes