Hyundai Ioniq 9 debuts at LA Auto Show as the brand's biggest EV yet

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 has been teased and hinted at, but finally, the blurry images came into focus, and the camouflage was off the night before the Los Angeles Auto Show kicked off. 

Now the Ioniq 9 officially joins the Ioniq 5 and 6 as part of Hyundai’s all-electric lineup. The three-row, all-electric SUV will be the biggest electric Hyundai and is based on its 2021 Hyundai SEVEN concept first shown at the LA show three years ago.

Hyundai

At its global launch at a mid-century historical home in Los Angeles, the Korean brand showed the boxy but approachable EV (Hyundai calls this a “confident stance”) as its biggest SUV with a battery. 

As part of the launch, Hyundai is offering new paint hues such as Celadon Gray Matte and Metallic, Ionosphere Green Pearl, Sunset Brown Pearl, and Cosmic Blue Pearl, for a total of 16 exterior colors. The front lighting will be familiar to other Hyundai vehicles, with a pixelated design that “speaks” to the outside viewer and different lighting patterns. 

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a big EV with plenty of range

While almost 15 inches longer than the Ioniq 5, the 9 still offers 335 miles of range on the rear-wheel drive long-range version. The big 110-kWh battery gets those numbers, but the looming size results in only 97 MPGe (compared to the Ioniq 5’s RWD long-range MPGe of well over 100) when looking at battery efficiency.

Hyundai emphasized improved electronics for hill climbing, efficiency, and dampened motor sounds. The Ioniq 9 is the first Hyundai to use aluminum fenders and panels for a more lightweight body compared to its usual plastic, steel, and fiberglass.

Different configurations include all-wheel drive and RWD Performance and Long-Range with zero-to-60 mph times ranging from 4.9 to 8.4 seconds. The various wheel options also determine street performance with standard 19-inchers along with 20- and 21-inch options and a 21-inch Calligraphy design wheel.

The Ioniq 9 sits on the same Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) as other Hyundai EVs, and this battery architecture means it is fast-charging compatible. 

Hyundai

It’s big on technology, too

The Ioniq 9’s infotainment system features a 12-inch panoramic curved center display combined with a 12-inch driver screen for a whopping 24 inches of curved screen. This gives a floating dashboard effect which feeds into its futuristic vibe. 

The AI Assistant seals the deal with a voice system that drivers can interact with at the touch of a button.

This is the first Hyundai without a roof antenna. It’s all part of its “aerosthetic” look— a portmanteau of aerodynamic and aesthetic—but mostly conveys its minimal styling.

A look inside shows a roomy set-up

With three rows it’s obviously going to be spacious inside, but the flat floor helps—as does the panoramic roof—and gives it what Hyundai calls a “serene” atmosphere.  

Roominess isn’t just for passengers. There’s a 3.1 cubic-foot frunk (front trunk) and trunk space up to 46.7 cubes with the third row folded flat. There’s also a slidable “Universal Island 2.0” for additional storage and surprising accessibility for the first row. 

Then there are swiveling seats. The future is here! But it’s only available for the second and third rows to face each other when the car is parked. The future will have to wait. 

When will the Ioniq 9 be available?

While the Ioniq 9 has been talked about for years, it’s still far from delivery. Sales are supposed to start in the first half of 2025 in Korea and the U.S. before moving on to other markets like Europe. No word on when production and deliveries are planned, but it is designated as a 2026 model year.

Until then, the Ioniq 9 will be on display at the LA Auto Show, which runs from Friday to Dec. 1 at the LA Convention Center. 

Hyundai

Final thoughts

Hyundai’s gas-powered Palisade three-row SUV continues to hit sales records (it was up 27% in October), hinting at the demand for bigger SUVs with more seating. Add in an all-electric element and the Ioniq 9 is destined to be a top pick for families with limited fuel-efficient shopping options. 

Pricing (and EV tax credit politics) will factor heavily into the Ioniq 9’s long-term success, but if the smaller Ioniq 5 is any indication, an EV a smash hit when it’s done right. Sister brand Kia’s similarly large, first three-row electric SUV, the EV9, starts at $56,395, so if Hyundai can price at or below that to start, it’ll be a strong sales season in 2025.

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