Trims, Powertrains, and Performance

Hyundai introduces the refined IONIQ 9 in six well-equipped trims: S, SE, SEL, Limited, Calligraphy, and Calligraphy Design. Each is built on the brand’s cutting-edge Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which enables strong performance and ultra-fast charging capabilities. The entry-level S has rear-wheel drive (RWD) and is powered by a single 160 kW motor making 215 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. All-wheel drive (AWD) comes standard on the SE and above. The SE and SEL get a 226.1 kW front-axle motor that increases output to 303 horsepower and 446 lb.-ft. of torque. For drivers seeking top performance, the Limited, Calligraphy, and Calligraphy Design boast a 314.6 kW setup generating 422 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. As far as the IONIQ 9’s utility factor, with RWD it can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD models are rated for a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.

Range and Charging

EPA-estimated driving range for the ‘26 IONIQ 9 varies by configuration. The RWD model provides an impressive 335 miles on a full charge, achieving 103 MPGe around town and 81 MPGe in highway driving. The AWD SE and SEL offer a range of up to 320 miles (98 MPGe city/78 MPGe highway), while the high-powered Limited, Calligraphy, and Calligraphy Design reach up to 311 miles (91 MPGe city/79 MPGe highway). Every IONIQ 9 also features regenerative braking, which recaptures energy during deceleration to recharge the battery and improve overall efficiency.

Powering every trim is a robust 110.3 kWh battery. With a standard Level II 240V charger, a full charge from 10 to 100 percent takes approximately 9 hours and 40 minutes. For quicker top-ups, an 800V/350-kW DC fast charger – available at most public charging stations – can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 24 minutes.

Notable Amenities

The entry-level S trim accommodates up to seven passengers and comes well-equipped with a host of premium features. Inside, it has heated front seats with power adjustments for the driver, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, stain-resistant cloth upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control for both the first and second rows. Versatility comes courtesy of selectable drive modes (including Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, and a customizable My Mode), along with a 60/40-split sliding second-row bench seat with manual entry assist and manually folding third-row seats.

Tech-wise, the S gets a wow-worthy 24-inch panoramic display made up of a 12-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen. It also comes with wireless phone charging, seven USB-C ports, and two 12V power outlets (located in the front row and cargo area). Exterior highlights include rain-sensing aero wipers, roof rails, automatic on/off LED projector headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, heated side mirrors with LED turn signals, ultra-modern auto-retracting flush door handles, and rear privacy glass. Proximity keyless entry and push-button start are also standard.

The SE adds a power-adjustable front passenger seat and Terrain Mode Select, which tailors the EV’s performance for snow, mud, and sand conditions. You’ll get higher comfort and refinement if you upgrade to the SEL, which has ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, H-Tex leatherette upholstery, power-folding exterior mirrors, a hands-free power liftgate, 64-color ambient interior lighting, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink.

The Limited, which is configured with six-passenger seating (via middle-row captain’s chairs), enhances the experience even more with a panoramic sunroof, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external charging capability, position memory for the driver’s seat, and Hyundai’s Relaxation Seats in the first and second rows. These plush seats are heated and ventilated, with second-row passengers also benefiting from one-touch walk-in access, extendable leg rests, and wing-out headrests. Some additional standard features for this trim include power-folding third-row seats, a sliding Universal Island center console, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, Hyundai Digital Key 2, a built-in fingerprint scanner, and manual rear side-window sunshades.

The Calligraphy distinguishes itself with refined design elements such as dynamic welcome lighting, exclusive exterior accents, perforated door trim inserts, a microfiber suede headliner, and alloy sport pedals. Not only that, but it also includes Hyundai’s Ergo Motion driver’s seat with posture support, a head-up display, a two-tone leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror. At the top of the lineup, the Calligraphy Design stands out with 21-inch eye-catching turbine-style wheels and matte-finish exterior paint.

Advanced Safety Equipment

Every ‘26 IONIQ 9 trim comes with the cutting-edge Hyundai SmartSense safety suite consisting of blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and lane-keeping assist (both with haptic steering-wheel feedback as an extra layer of alert), rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, front and rear parking sensors, and forward collision-avoidance assist with moving object, junction, and lane change detection. Other SmartSense safety aids include evasive steering assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, forward attention warning, safe exit assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, automatic high beams, navigation-based smart cruise control with stop-and-go, and advanced rear occupant alert.

The SEL and Limited add even more peace of mind with a surround-view monitor, a blind-spot view monitor, side parking sensors, and reverse parking collision-avoidance assist. At the top of the range, the Calligraphy and Calligraphy Design enhance safety and convenience with Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (self parking) and side parking collision-avoidance assist.

Infotainment and Connectivity

At the heart of the IONIQ 9’s interior is a striking 24-inch panoramic curved display that seamlessly combines a vivid 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a same-sized modern digital gauge cluster. This advanced interface makes for a premium connectivity experience with onboard navigation, wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, dynamic voice recognition with generative AI, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay, which allows drivers to seamlessly pay for parking and charging directly through the touchscreen. A high-quality audio system comes standard on the three lowest trims, while the Limited and above are refined with a top-notch Bose unit.