When it comes to electric vehicles taking home industry awards, you might be a little surprised to learn that Hyundai has been the brand that continuously stands on the podium; often the top step. With unique vehicle designs, fast charging capabilities, performance, handling, and technology that are all ahead of the game, very few competitors can claim to stand head to head with this Korean monster. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 started the wave, the Ioniq 6 proved that sedans still have a place in the market, and this week’s tester, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Preferred AWD+ with Ultimate Calligraphy Package (I had to look it up; that really is the official name – Ed.), solidifies the brand’s commitment to EVs by presenting a full-range, full-size family hauler.
The unique value proposition
With a starting MSRP of $59,999, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is far from cheap, and the Preferred AWD+ with the most powerful twin motors starts at $64,999. Add the Ultimate Calligraphy package and the price jumps to a whopping $81,499. That might sound like a lot of money for a Hyundai, but it’s a great value among EVs, and we as Canadians we are actually getting the Ioniq 9 at a steal when compared to what those in the USA are paying. Our tester in the US would have a price of $79,090 USD. With the currency exchange in September 2025, you would be paying around $110,000. This is one of those rare times that Canadians get a winning hand when it comes to pricing.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a large sport utility vehicle; it falls a bit larger than a Hyundai Palisade, but smaller than a Cadillac Escalade. As with any Ioniq before, space is smartly laid out and takes full advantage of its real estate. Leg and head room in the first two rows are absolutely spacious. The third row can fit an adult under six feet tall with ease if the second row is not fully set back. There’s so much room that the first two rows of seats include extending leg rests for lounging. Our decked-out Ultimate Calligraphy tester also includes features such as heated seats for all three rows, and cooled seats for the first two rows.
Interior accomodation and tech
Behind the third row of seats, you have an impressive 620 litres of cargo space available. If you drop the third row, that jumps to 1323 L, and if you going into the second row, that climbs to a cavernous 2,464 L. The frunk on our AWD trim provides an additional 52 L of cargo space. There are 6-7 seats available depending on your configurations of the second row of seats with a bench or two captains chairs. All seats have access to their own 100W USB-C charger which is quite rare.
The interior of this loaded Ioniq 9 is an absolute pleasure to be in. Several of our staff mentioned how luxurious the interior was, and a couple mentioned that this could pass as a Genesis product. Material quality material is high, the Nappa leather on our top-trim is super soft and looks exquisite, and the overall design is clean and modern. It fits in with the Ioniq family of vehicles and looks right at home.
Our tester has the Bose Premium audio system which is good, but far from great. A higher grade sound system would be welcomed for such a large vehicle. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android are standard. Dual 12.3-inch screens do duty as a gauge cluster and infotainment display. Both are crystal clear and look larger than they are, since they are connected with one large ultra-wide bezel. Hyundai’s infotainment system is well established by now, and works smoothly and quickly; not much more you can ask for. Acoustic laminated glass keeps the interior whisper quiet.
All three rows on our loaded Ioniq 9 are powered – yes, the third row has powered reclining seats. In addition, the second and third row seats can be folded flat and raised electronically by the dedicated button in the trunk. Hyundai also allows you to control these seats using the infotainment screen so those up front never have to exit the vehicle, as an added convenience.
Exterior design
The Ioniq 9 embraces the pixelated design that started with the Ioniq 5. You will find pixels everywhere but it’s more restrained here in the Ioniq 9. The overall look is sleek and modern with a touch of retro goodness. It commanded attention wherever I went during the week. You either like it or you don’t. One thing is for sure: it looks like nothing else on the road today.
Charging and range
As an EV, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 does it all. Our top trim tester, with its dual motors and 110kWh battery carries estimated 515km worth of range. Using a 350Kw fast charger can recharge the Ioniq 9 from 10-80% in 24 minutes. With the NACS charging standard now adopted by Hyundai, owners now have access to Tesla’s supercharging network across North America, and range anxiety should be even less of an issue when driving an Ioniq 9. During our test week, when fully charged, our tester rated my estimated range at 534 kilometres.
Driving impressions
The dual electric motors that come in our Preferred AWD+ tester rocket our tester from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds. This is an incredible number for a large family vehicle that tips the scale at 6,516 lbs. It launches at stop lights with surprising agility and will leave most people in awe. This electric sport utility vehicle is quiet and buttery smooth. The ride cushions everyone inside with a comfortable ride and embraces its luxurious leanings. Those looking for a more sporty ride should consider the Ioniq’s adopted corporate sister, the Kia EV9.
Wrap it up
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Preferred AWD+ Ultimate Calligraphy can loosely be considered the electric equivalent of the all-new Hyundai Palisade, which has undergone an all new refresh. Neither share the same platform, and that is quite apparent the moment you get behind the wheel. The Palisade is excellent, but the Ioniq 9 is a showcase of what Hyundai can do in the EV market. With very competitive pricing, and it being an absolute steal compared to what Americans are paying, Canadian buyers need to be made aware that this is of one of the best values on the market.
