2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9: A New Frontier in Electric SUVs
|
Posted By: Randi Payton on October 10, 2025 The all-new 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, a three-row SUV, took lessons from the popular Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 7 and poured them into its largest and most state-of-the-art EV yet. After a week-long test drive in the top-of-the-line Calligraphy model, it's clearly a game-changer in the large SUV segment. The 2026 Ioniq 9 is not just a new addition to Hyundai's EV lineup. Built at Hyundai's Metaplant in Savannah, Georgia, it is a genius move that qualifies it for federal EV tax incentives. The new Ioniq 9, which sits above the Hyundai's two-row Ioniq 7, is the electric counterpart to the gas-powered Palisade. It comes in four well-equipped trims with different starting prices: SE Standard Range RWD (($54,995), SEL Long Range RWD ($59,495), Limited Dual-Motor AWD ($67,295), and the Luxurious Calligraphy Dual-Motor AWD ($72,995). Power/Performance: The SE base model generates 235 horsepower from a single rear-mounted motor, while the SEL Long Range RWD produces 285 horsepower. The real power and quickness come in Limited and Calligraphy models, which have dual motors that deliver 400 horsepower and race from 0-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. The Ioniq 9 has superior suspension managed by Hyundai's AWD HTRAC, an intelligent electronic system that provides more than just traction. It distributes torque between the front and rear axles and can also direct more power to the rear in normal cruising and detect slippage in rain, snow, or during cornering. The system includes various drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Sand. The Ioniq 9 is very agile for its size and is quiet and buttery smooth on city and highway roads. Although Hyundai builds it, the Calligraphy model feels more like driving an upscale luxury SUV. It is spacious, confident, and composed, making it ideal for long trips with the family. Battery/Range/Charging: The battery range and charging times are impressive. The Ioniq 9 has a 99.8 kWh battery built on Hyundai's advanced E-GMP platform. Hyundai estimates a 330-mile range for the RWD Long Range model and 315 for the AWD. The battery can be recharged up to 80 percent in just 18 minutes on a DC fast charger, while a full charge on a Level 2 home charger takes about seven to eight hours. The new exterior design is sleek with a futuristic-like light bar on the front and pixel-graphic taillights that stand out on the road. The Calligraphy's interior has a tech-savvy layout with Nappa leather, soft-touch surfaces, and ambient lighting. The second row offers first-class, power-reclining executive lounge seats with extended leg rest and calf support. A 12.3-inch digital cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment display expand the length of the dashboard. It operates Hyundai's latest intuitive software. Safety: Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist 2 adds a new level of confidence on the highway. The suite of safety features worked flawlessly during my test drive. The system provided smooth, confident steering inputs and natural acceleration and braking, reducing driver fatigue on long highway trips. The Blind Spot Monitor provided videos of the blind spots on the display, providing another level of security. Visit Decisive Media Network for a complimentary subscription to my auto blog, where you can find updated car-buying tips and reviews on new cars, SUVs, and trucks. Randi Payton, Decisive Media Network. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Randi Payton
Entrepreneurial Journalism Instructor, Multimedia Training Institute University of the District of Columbia class of 1982 Member Since December 2020 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
In a Smarr Car in a Kia in a Youtube Nightcap video in a wedding reception ITS A FATHERS MONTH THINGLeave it to the fellas
Maybe
Ocho Cinco how about a live Auction of your Collectibles live from thee Tender Box cigar lounge
Grab a gift that brings vibes machismo cuban tradition
https://eigh ...more
Hija Chang • 102 Views • May 22nd, 2026 |
 |
Reviewing the 2026 Acura MDX Type S SH-AWD AdvanceThe 2026 Acura MDX Type S SH-AWD stands out in the three-row luxury SUV segment. While others in the class focus on luxury, the Acura MDX has become a practical family vehicle with great performance. ...more
Randi Payton • 145 Views • May 21st, 2026 |
 |
Dominican Republic: The Caribbean Island of rhythm, resilience, and beautyThe Dominican Republic is more than a Caribbean destination; it is a living heartbeat. It is a place where rhythm is not just heard but felt, where resilience is woven into the soul of the people, and ...more
Joel Savage • 148 Views • May 21st, 2026 |
 |
The Myth of LinkedIn: Why Most Creators Never Strike GoldPhoto: A journalist looking at a laptop screen showing a LinkedIn warning message about leaving the platform, symbolizing restricted traffic flow.
Many professionals, for years, believed that joi ...more
Joel Savage • 175 Views • May 20th, 2026 |
 |
African Pygmies: Ancient forest tribes fighting for survival todayPhoto: A small forest‑dwelling family in a Central African rainforest.
The Pygmy peoples of Central Africa, for thousands of years, have lived deep within the vast rainforests of the Congo Ba ...more
Joel Savage • 161 Views • May 20th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 71,397,673 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 119,746 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 78,305 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
Hija Chang • 62,983 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
