Advertising Last Sunday morning, something unexpected happened that shaped how I look at the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9. I took it to church, just as I normally would with any press vehicle I’m reviewing for the week. But this wasn’t a normal Sunday. A good friend of mine, who’s a happy Tesla Model Y owner and rarely impressed by anything not made in Fremont, walked up, pointed to the new Ioniq 9 and said, “Mind giving me a ride after the service?” Of course, I said yes. I figured he’d enjoy the ride. What I didn’t expect was for him to turn his head toward me mid-ride, absolutely stunned, and say, “This might be the best electric 3-row SUV I’ve seen yet.” That set the tone. Later that day, as I was pulling into my driveway, two of my neighbors saw the big, squared-off 2026 Ioniq 9 parked in front of my garage and came walking over, curious. “What is this?” one asked. I invited them both inside the cabin for a look. After a few minutes sitting in the third row, fiddling with the ambient lighting, and exploring the three-screen dashboard layout, one of them looked around and said, “You know, from the outside, it's not as eye-catching as some other SUVs. But the interior? This is a game-changer.” And that really sums up the experience. The Ioniq 9 is not about chasing gimmicks. It is about redefining what serenity, space, and tech should feel like in a full-size electric SUV. And as I move forward with this review of the 2026 Ioniq 9, I would like to ask you the following: would you trade your Tesla Model Y for something more serene and spacious like the Ioniq 9? Or do you think Tesla still holds the upper hand when it comes to EV innovation? Let me know in the comments. The Ioniq 9 Looks Like a Pixel Brick, But It Works Let’s start with the design. I’m going to be honest. The Ioniq 9’s exterior is not universally beautiful. It's polarizing. From some angles, it looks like a giant upscale Lego block with its pixel-themed taillights and flat surfaces. From others, you appreciate the sophistication that Hyundai was going for, especially in this Calligraphy trim, which is the most luxurious and loaded version you can get. You’ve got: Let’s look at the competition: Tesla Model X: Starts higher and has more raw performance, but a smaller third row and more controversial styling. Kia EV9 GT-Line: Very close relative, slightly less premium interior. Volvo EX90: Stylish and premium, but more expensive and fewer real-world impressions so far. Rivian R1S: Adventure-focused and fun to drive, but harder to find and pricier when optioned out. In that light, the Ioniq 9 offers massive value. You’re not compromising on space, speed, or smarts. The only thing you’re sacrificing is some of that badge prestige. But that’s changing fast. What I Would Improve No review is complete without a few honest nitpicks. Here’s where I think the Ioniq 9 could be even better: The exterior styling is a love-it-or-hate-it situation. A more elegant or dynamic design would help it win over those who judge with their eyes first. Towing capacity wasn’t confirmed in my test vehicle, but if it doesn’t hit at least 5,000 pounds, it’ll fall short for some buyers. I wish second-row captain’s chairs were standard in Calligraphy. They are optional, and they complete the luxury feel. Still, none of these would be deal-breakers for me. Cargo Space and Real-World Usability: Can It Handle a Family and a Costco Run? One thing that matters just as much as tech and range in a family SUV is cargo versatility, and the Ioniq 9 mostly delivers. Behind the third row, you’ll find around 20 cubic feet of space, which is enough for a weekend grocery haul or a few carry-on bags. Fold down the third row, and you open up over 58 cubic feet, with the second row down offering more than 90 cubic feet in total capacity. That’s on par with the Kia EV9 and just slightly less than a gas-powered Palisade. The flat floor, wide cargo opening, and underfloor storage make loading simple. You also get a frunk, though it's small and best suited for charging cables or a laptop bag. Where it impresses is in third-row usability. Adults can actually sit back there without feeling like they’ve been punished. Plus, Hyundai added rear HVAC vents, USB-C ports, and cupholders for all rows. This isn’t just an occasional-use third row. It’s practical, especially if you have growing kids or carpool duty. It’s unusual how often electric SUVs overlook the practical needs of families when designing their interiors. The Ioniq 9 bucks that trend by offering a spacious and comfortable third row that truly works for adults. Tesla’s Model X, often praised for its tech and performance, was actually designed with moms in mind, focusing on ease of use, safety, and convenience for family life. If you want to understand how family priorities shape EV design in ways that go beyond horsepower and range, this thoughtful look at the Model X’s approach is a great read. Warranty, Ownership, and What It’s Like to Actually Live With Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty still leads the industry, and it includes EV components like the battery and electric motors. That’s a huge vote of confidence in a world where EV degradation is still a concern for long-term buyers. The Ioniq 9 also comes with 3 years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, which covers tire rotations, battery health checks, and inspections. One standout perk: Hyundai’s BlueLink Connected Services offers remote access, climate pre-conditioning, route planning, and even charging management. While Tesla has a more mature app ecosystem, Hyundai’s platform is catching up fast. Plus, with over-the-air updates, Hyundai promises to add new features and enhancements over time, just like the best EVs on the market. For people transitioning from ICE to EV, Hyundai’s clear warranty coverage and growing support network help remove anxiety about EV ownership. Kia EV9 vs Hyundai Ioniq 9: Which One Deserves Your Driveway? It’s natural to compare the Ioniq 9 with its corporate cousin, the Kia EV9, since they share the same E-GMP platform, charging speeds, and powertrains. But Hyundai and Kia took very different paths when designing these vehicles. The EV9 leans into a slightly sportier, edgier personality with more angular styling, a tech-focused interior, and more trim levels, including a GT-Line variant that feels more aggressive behind the wheel. The Ioniq 9, on the other hand, is clearly tuned for serenity. Its Calligraphy trim feels more refined, with a focus on soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and peaceful ride quality. If the EV9 is a high-tech lounge, the Ioniq 9 is a wellness retreat on wheels. You’ll want the Hyundai if: You prefer a quieter, smoother ride You value high-end materials and calming interior design You’re not necessarily chasing sporty vibes but want luxury and space If you're more about style and performance cues, you might lean Kia. But if luxury and comfort are your priorities, the Ioniq 9 becomes a more compelling long-term partner. It’s also worth noting that Hyundai’s sibling brand, Kia, is having an unusual kind of EV moment. While many expected the Telluride to remain Kia’s crown jewel for family SUVs, the 2024 EV9 has suddenly pulled ahead in consumer attention and praise, even surpassing the Telluride in several key areas. That momentum is no accident. Kia’s big EV investment is starting to pay off in ways few saw coming. If you’re torn between the Ioniq 9 and the EV9, it’s worth reading more about how the EV9’s rise is changing the landscape of electric family SUVs in this analysis. The 2026 Ioniq 9 Might Be the Most Complete EV SUV Yet The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 doesn’t just tick boxes. It builds a whole new box and then calmly, confidently checks every one of its own standards. It’s not trying to be loud. It’s trying to be lasting. The interior experience is unmatched in its class. The technology feels like it belongs in 2026. And the driving experience is one of peace and power, not speed for the sake of speed. What stuck with me most was how natural it felt to have conversations about the car with people who saw it and couldn’t help but be curious. My Tesla-owning friend. My neighbors. Even the couple in the grocery store parking lot who asked me, “Is that the new Hyundai electric SUV?” and wanted to peek inside. There’s something magnetic about the Ioniq 9, even if it doesn’t shout. What’s unexpected about the current EV market is how much software continues to influence driver satisfaction over time. While the Ioniq 9 offers a smooth and tech-forward experience, some drivers have made surprising switches between brands based on software performance and updates. One compelling example is a Tesla Model X owner who after five years switched to a 2025 Rivian R1S. Despite Rivian’s impressive hardware and adventure-ready focus, the Tesla’s software experience still leads in many ways. If you’re curious how software shapes the EV ownership journey beyond just hardware specs, this insightful story dives deep into what really matters to EV drivers over the long haul. If you’re in the market for a spacious, refined, and modern electric SUV that doesn’t feel like a compromise, this might just be the one. But I’m curious. Would you take this over a Tesla Model X? Or would you lean toward something more rugged like the Rivian R1S? Tell me what you think in the comments. Also, do you think the 2026 Ioniq 9 has what it takes to be the best electric 3-row SUV on the market? And if you’ve seen or driven one, what impressed or disappointed you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s talk. Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.