2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Targets Luxury Three-Row Electric SUVs with a More Competitive Price

Hyundai is strategically expanding its electric vehicle lineup, focusing on models that meet specific needs rather than overhauling its entire internal-combustion range all at once. After emphasizing distinctive styling and driving enjoyment, especially with the Ioniq 5 N performance EV, Hyundai now turns to practicality with the 2026 Ioniq 9—a three-row electric SUV. This new addition to their EV family aims to combine versatility and functionality, offering ample space for families while maintaining Hyundai’s commitment to innovation. Now, Hyundai has revealed the pricing details for the Ioniq 9, further solidifying its position in the growing electric SUV market.

The entry-level 2026 Ioniq 9 is the S rear-wheel drive (RWD) model, priced at \$60,555. It offers an impressive 335 miles of range, powered by a single 215-hp, 258-lb-ft electric motor that drives the rear wheels. Like all other Ioniq 9 variants, it features a 110-kWh battery and supports fast charging capabilities of up to 350 kW on a CCS DC fast charger. This model combines efficiency with performance, making it an attractive option in the growing electric SUV market.

To take full advantage of the 350-kW charging speed, an adapter for the CCS plug is necessary since the Ioniq 9 comes standard with the NACS (Tesla connector). If you opt for a V3 Tesla Supercharger, charging times will be longer. While the 350-kW charger can boost the battery to 80% state of charge (SoC) in just 24 minutes—going from 10% to 268 miles of range in the RWD S model—using a V3 Supercharger will take about 41 minutes for the same charge. However, this disadvantage is expected to be temporary. V4 Superchargers, which are expected to be three times faster, will eventually alleviate this issue as more of them are rolled out. Thus, as the charging infrastructure evolves, Ioniq 9 owners will benefit from much faster charging times.

For those seeking more power, the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) Ioniq 9 offers a significant upgrade. The first AWD variant, the SE AWD, starts at \$64,325. With the addition of a second motor, it boosts the total output to 303 hp, adding 88 hp to the performance. However, this increased power comes with a slight tradeoff in range, reducing it to 320 miles. The SE AWD also introduces an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat (the same as the driver’s seat in the S RWD model) and a towing capacity boost, with 5,000 pounds available compared to the 3,500 pounds of the S RWD. Other than these enhancements, the SE AWD is equipped similarly to the S RWD, including the same 19-inch wheels wrapped in 255/60R19 tires, maintaining a sleek and stylish look while offering a boost in capability.

Next in the lineup is the Ioniq 9 SEL AWD, which retains the same all-wheel-drive power as the SE AWD but adds more premium features. It comes equipped with 20-inch wheels wrapped in 275/50R20 tires, power-folding exterior mirrors, and upgraded H-Tex materials on the power front seats, which also feature ventilation. Additional luxury touches include “premium” door sill plates, a heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping, and advanced safety features like surround and blind spot monitoring, side and reverse parking distance sensors, and rear collision warnings. The SEL AWD is priced at \$67,920, marking a \$3,595 premium over the SE AWD trim. This trim is designed for those who want a more feature-rich Ioniq 9 without sacrificing the impressive AWD performance.

For those prioritizing power over range, the Ioniq 9 Limited AWD Performance is the top choice. Priced at \$72,850, it delivers a robust 422 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque from performance-tuned motors. However, this boost in power comes at the cost of range, which drops slightly from 320 miles in the regular AWD models to 311 miles. This model is perfect for those who seek high performance without worrying about the small reduction in range.

The Ioniq 9 Limited AWD Performance comes with several additional standard features compared to the SEL. It includes 21-inch wheels with 285/45R21 tires, glossy black and body-color insert wheel arches, and a panoramic sunroof. The second-row features power and ventilated captain’s chairs, while the third row offers power-folding seating. Also included are the Bose Premium audio system, a sliding center console armrest, and Hyundai’s Vehicle-to-Load on-board charger located in the cargo area. These upgrades enhance both the luxury and practicality of the Ioniq 9 Limited AWD Performance.

The nearly top-tier Ioniq 9 is the Calligraphy AWD Performance trim, which builds on the Limited AWD Performance with more luxury-focused upgrades. It features body-color wheel arches with matching inserts, microfiber suede roof trim, and a “premium” cargo sill plate. The interior boasts a two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 10-inch heads-up display (HUD), and second-row auto up and down windows for added convenience. Additional enhancements include an FDM interior rearview mirror with HomeLink, Hyundai Digital Key 2, and advanced safety features such as forward and side parking collision avoidance assistance. The Calligraphy trim also includes the remote smart parking assistant two. With all these luxury additions, the Calligraphy AWD Performance trim is priced at \$76,590, an \$8,670 increase over the Limited AWD Performance, making it the most premium Ioniq 9 model.

The top-tier 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is the \$78,090 Calligraphy Design AWD Performance. For \$2,500 more than the standard Calligraphy, it features a unique set of Turbine wheels, adding a distinct touch to this luxury electric SUV.

The Competition

While nearly \$80,000 may seem steep for a Hyundai SUV, it’s priced similarly to its competition, particularly other three-row electric vehicles. The Ioniq 9 costs about the same as Volkswagen’s ID Buzz electric van, and slightly more than Kia’s EV9 SUV, by a few thousand dollars across the lineup. However, Hyundai is positioning the Ioniq 9 above the Kia, targeting the luxury market. In this segment, the Ioniq 9 competes with the few other three-row electric SUVs currently available, solidifying its place in the premium electric vehicle space.

At the high end, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is slightly more expensive than the entry-level Rivian R1S with its 270-mile range Standard battery pack. To match the Ioniq 9’s build, a 2025 R1S Dual would require the Large battery pack and the Sound and Vision package, bringing the price to \$86,400, plus an additional \$250 for a NACS DC adapter for Supercharger access (since free adapters were discontinued in January). However, the Rivian offers more power, with an extra 111 hp, 18 more miles of range, and one-inch taller wheels compared to the Ioniq 9 Calligraphy Design.

The 2025 Volvo EX90 follows a similar pattern. The EX90 Ultra, priced at \$86,140 with seating for six, offers similar equipment to the Ioniq 9 but sacrifices 20 hp and one mile of range compared to its standard motor output. For an additional \$5,000 (\$91,140), you can opt for a version with 88 more horsepower. Like the Rivian, you’ll also need a NACS DC adapter, but Volvo includes it as part of the standard EX90 package, making it a bit more convenient compared to competitors that charge extra for the adapter.

While the comparison may not be entirely fair, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night variant offers a more affordable option. Priced at \$55,975, it comes with seating for seven, a standard 115-volt outlet, and a full tank range of 395 miles. However, it lacks the Ioniq 9 Calligraphy Design’s vehicle-to-load capability. When it comes to long-term energy costs, the Ioniq 9 will likely be cheaper to maintain, especially if charging at home. However, the Ioniq 9’s higher up-front cost may take a long time to offset compared to the more budget-friendly gas-powered Palisade.

Finally, If you’re concerned that ongoing tariff changes might affect the price of the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, there’s no immediate cause for worry. Hyundai has committed to keeping prices unchanged through June of this year. Additionally, the Ioniq 9 is manufactured at Hyundai’s new Metaplant America in Bryan County, Georgia, allowing it to avoid tariffs on imported vehicles. However, it’s important to note that tariffs on imported parts and materials will still apply, which could still impact costs indirectly.

2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Pricing