An Unexpected After-Church Sunday Drive in The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Left a Loyal Tesla Owner Questioning Everything About His Model Y

Last Sunday morning, something unexpected happened that shaped how I look at the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9. I took it to church, just as I normally would with any press vehicle I’m reviewing for the week. But this wasn’t a normal Sunday. A good friend of mine, who’s a happy Tesla Model Y owner and rarely impressed by anything not made in Fremont, walked up, pointed to the new Ioniq 9 and said, “Mind giving me a ride after the service?” Of course, I said yes. I figured he’d enjoy the ride. What I didn’t expect was for him to turn his head toward me mid-ride, absolutely stunned, and say, “This might be the best electric 3-row SUV I’ve seen yet.”

That set the tone. Later that day, as I was pulling into my driveway, two of my neighbors saw the big, squared-off 2026 Ioniq 9 parked in front of my garage and came walking over, curious. “What is this?” one asked. I invited them both inside the cabin for a look. After a few minutes sitting in the third row, fiddling with the ambient lighting, and exploring the three-screen dashboard layout, one of them looked around and said, “You know, from the outside, it's not as eye-catching as some other SUVs. But the interior? This is a game-changer.”

And that really sums up the experience. The Ioniq 9 is not about chasing gimmicks. It is about redefining what serenity, space, and tech should feel like in a full-size electric SUV.

And as I move forward with this review of the 2026 Ioniq 9, I would like to ask you the following: would you trade your Tesla Model Y for something more serene and spacious like the Ioniq 9? Or do you think Tesla still holds the upper hand when it comes to EV innovation? Let me know in the comments.

The Ioniq 9 Looks Like a Pixel Brick, But It Works

Let’s start with the design. I’m going to be honest. The Ioniq 9’s exterior is not universally beautiful. It's polarizing. From some angles, it looks like a giant upscale Lego block with its pixel-themed taillights and flat surfaces. From others, you appreciate the sophistication that Hyundai was going for, especially in this Calligraphy trim, which is the most luxurious and loaded version you can get.

You’ve got:

• 21-inch aerodynamic wheels
• LED pixel lighting that somehow feels futuristic and retro at the same time
• A front end that avoids fake grilles and instead embraces minimalism

It doesn't scream for attention like a Rivian R1S or Volvo EX90. But if you’re into quiet confidence, you’ll see its charm.

But Step Inside The Ioniq 9, and Everything Changes

Hyundai absolutely nailed the interior. You enter and immediately feel like this space wasn’t just designed, it was crafted. Everything you touch in the Calligraphy model feels premium. The white-and-tan leather combo in mine looked like something you'd find in a Genesis, and the real wood accents added warmth rather than flash.

The dash layout is clean and wide. You get two 12.3-inch displays fused into one elegant glass panel, with a third 6.0-inch screen that handles climate controls. The software is Hyundai’s newest ccOS system, and I’ll say this now—it is fast, intuitive, and finally feels like a step ahead of most legacy brands.

My friend who rode in it Sunday couldn’t believe the interior volume. And he owns a Model Y. In fact, he kept saying things like “this is an actual third row” and “why doesn’t Tesla do this?” And he wasn’t wrong.

The 2026 Ioniq 9 offers:

• Legitimate third-row seating for adults (over six feet tall)
• A flat floor that makes every seat feel more open
• Great headroom and wide shoulder space across all rows

Storage spaces are smartly placed, and the optional second-row captain’s chairs in my test model added to the premium vibe. The Calligraphy trim also includes ventilated and heated front and second-row seats. If you have kids, teens, or even adult passengers, you won’t hear any complaints about comfort here.

Whisper-Quiet Performance With Real Kick

Now, let’s talk about how it drives. The AWD Performance variant is powered by dual motors delivering 379 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. That’s plenty for a vehicle of this size, and Hyundai tuned it for a smooth, refined experience. The acceleration is satisfyingly brisk, hitting 0 to 60 mph in around 5 seconds. It never feels like it’s trying to be a performance SUV. Instead, it offers this serene, confident shove that suits the Ioniq 9’s luxury leanings.

What really stood out to me was how quiet it is. Even on rougher pavement, road noise is kept to a minimum. The suspension is tuned more for comfort than corner carving, and it shows. Body roll is present in tight corners, but never sloppy. It’s like the car is saying, “Relax. I’ve got you.” And honestly, for a family SUV, that’s perfect.

You get different drive modes—Eco, Normal, Sport—and they do noticeably change throttle response and steering weight. Sport feels punchier, but most of my driving was in Normal because it feels just right. Regenerative braking settings are adjustable, and i-Pedal mode works seamlessly in traffic, allowing for nearly one-pedal driving.

Range, Charging, and Road Trip Potential

The Ioniq 9’s range is expected to fall between 270 and 300 miles, depending on wheel size and trim. My Calligraphy tester was on 21s, so I was closer to 270. Real-world driving, including a mix of highway and urban routes, got me just under 3.2 miles per kWh. For a nearly 5,700-pound SUV, that’s respectable.

But where this SUV really shines is in charging. The second-gen E-GMP platform brings 800-volt charging, meaning:

• You can go from 10 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes under optimal conditions
• It supports bidirectional charging (V2L), so you can power devices or even your home during an outage
• It includes charging ports both inside and at the external charge door

This makes the Ioniq 9 not just a vehicle, but a tool. If you’re into camping or tailgating, that V2L system opens doors.

Tech That Makes Sense, Not Noise

Tech in the Ioniq 9 is another highlight, and it’s not just flashy - it’s useful.

Here are some standout features:

• The ccOS operating system allows for over-the-air updates and third-party apps
• Hyundai’s advanced Highway Driving Assist works with precision, offering near hands-free operation on well-marked highways
• A new Blind-Spot View Monitor displays a live feed when you signal, which is perfect in a long SUV
• USB-C ports, a 120V outlet, and wireless device charging are all well-integrated

Everything is where you expect it to be, which isn’t always the case with EVs trying too hard to be different.

Is It Worth It?

This is the big question. My tester, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy, is expected to price out around $72,000 to $75,000. That’s no small sum. But consider what you’re getting: a genuinely premium, three-row electric SUV with strong performance, luxury-grade interior appointments, cutting-edge tech, fast charging, and a reputation for reliability that Hyundai has been building up over the past few years.

Let’s look at the competition:

• Tesla Model X: Starts higher and has more raw performance, but a smaller third row and more controversial styling.
• Kia EV9 GT-Line: Very close relative, slightly less premium interior.
• Volvo EX90: Stylish and premium, but more expensive and fewer real-world impressions so far.
• Rivian R1S: Adventure-focused and fun to drive, but harder to find and pricier when optioned out.

In that light, the Ioniq 9 offers massive value. You’re not compromising on space, speed, or smarts. The only thing you’re sacrificing is some of that badge prestige. But that’s changing fast.

What I Would Improve

No review is complete without a few honest nitpicks. Here’s where I think the Ioniq 9 could be even better:

• The exterior styling is a love-it-or-hate-it situation. A more elegant or dynamic design would help it win over those who judge with their eyes first.
• Towing capacity wasn’t confirmed in my test vehicle, but if it doesn’t hit at least 5,000 pounds, it’ll fall short for some buyers.
• I wish second-row captain’s chairs were standard in Calligraphy. They are optional, and they complete the luxury feel.

Still, none of these would be deal-breakers for me.

Cargo Space and Real-World Usability: Can It Handle a Family and a Costco Run?

One thing that matters just as much as tech and range in a family SUV is cargo versatility, and the Ioniq 9 mostly delivers. Behind the third row, you’ll find around 20 cubic feet of space, which is enough for a weekend grocery haul or a few carry-on bags. Fold down the third row, and you open up over 58 cubic feet, with the second row down offering more than 90 cubic feet in total capacity. That’s on par with the Kia EV9 and just slightly less than a gas-powered Palisade.

The flat floor, wide cargo opening, and underfloor storage make loading simple. 

You also get a frunk, though it's small and best suited for charging cables or a laptop bag. 

Where it impresses is in third-row usability. Adults can actually sit back there without feeling like they’ve been punished. Plus, Hyundai added rear HVAC vents, USB-C ports, and cupholders for all rows. This isn’t just an occasional-use third row. It’s practical, especially if you have growing kids or carpool duty.

It’s unusual how often electric SUVs overlook the practical needs of families when designing their interiors. The Ioniq 9 bucks that trend by offering a spacious and comfortable third row that truly works for adults. Tesla’s Model X, often praised for its tech and performance, was actually designed with moms in mind, focusing on ease of use, safety, and convenience for family life. If you want to understand how family priorities shape EV design in ways that go beyond horsepower and range, this thoughtful look at the Model X’s approach is a great read.

Warranty, Ownership, and What It’s Like to Actually Live With

Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty still leads the industry, and it includes EV components like the battery and electric motors. That’s a huge vote of confidence in a world where EV degradation is still a concern for long-term buyers. The Ioniq 9 also comes with 3 years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, which covers tire rotations, battery health checks, and inspections.

One standout perk: Hyundai’s BlueLink Connected Services offers remote access, climate pre-conditioning, route planning, and even charging management. While Tesla has a more mature app ecosystem, Hyundai’s platform is catching up fast. Plus, with over-the-air updates, Hyundai promises to add new features and enhancements over time, just like the best EVs on the market. For people transitioning from ICE to EV, Hyundai’s clear warranty coverage and growing support network help remove anxiety about EV ownership.

Kia EV9 vs Hyundai Ioniq 9: Which One Deserves Your Driveway?

It’s natural to compare the Ioniq 9 with its corporate cousin, the Kia EV9, since they share the same E-GMP platform, charging speeds, and powertrains. But Hyundai and Kia took very different paths when designing these vehicles. The EV9 leans into a slightly sportier, edgier personality with more angular styling, a tech-focused interior, and more trim levels, including a GT-Line variant that feels more aggressive behind the wheel.

The Ioniq 9, on the other hand, is clearly tuned for serenity. Its Calligraphy trim feels more refined, with a focus on soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and peaceful ride quality. If the EV9 is a high-tech lounge, the Ioniq 9 is a wellness retreat on wheels. You’ll want the Hyundai if:

• You prefer a quieter, smoother ride
• You value high-end materials and calming interior design
• You’re not necessarily chasing sporty vibes but want luxury and space

If you're more about style and performance cues, you might lean Kia. But if luxury and comfort are your priorities, the Ioniq 9 becomes a more compelling long-term partner.

It’s also worth noting that Hyundai’s sibling brand, Kia, is having an unusual kind of EV moment. While many expected the Telluride to remain Kia’s crown jewel for family SUVs, the 2024 EV9 has suddenly pulled ahead in consumer attention and praise, even surpassing the Telluride in several key areas. That momentum is no accident. Kia’s big EV investment is starting to pay off in ways few saw coming. If you’re torn between the Ioniq 9 and the EV9, it’s worth reading more about how the EV9’s rise is changing the landscape of electric family SUVs in this analysis.

The 2026 Ioniq 9 Might Be the Most Complete EV SUV Yet

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 doesn’t just tick boxes. It builds a whole new box and then calmly, confidently checks every one of its own standards.

It’s not trying to be loud. It’s trying to be lasting. The interior experience is unmatched in its class. The technology feels like it belongs in 2026. And the driving experience is one of peace and power, not speed for the sake of speed.

What stuck with me most was how natural it felt to have conversations about the car with people who saw it and couldn’t help but be curious. My Tesla-owning friend. My neighbors. Even the couple in the grocery store parking lot who asked me, “Is that the new Hyundai electric SUV?” and wanted to peek inside. There’s something magnetic about the Ioniq 9, even if it doesn’t shout.

What’s unexpected about the current EV market is how much software continues to influence driver satisfaction over time. While the Ioniq 9 offers a smooth and tech-forward experience, some drivers have made surprising switches between brands based on software performance and updates. One compelling example is a Tesla Model X owner who after five years switched to a 2025 Rivian R1S. Despite Rivian’s impressive hardware and adventure-ready focus, the Tesla’s software experience still leads in many ways. If you’re curious how software shapes the EV ownership journey beyond just hardware specs, this insightful story dives deep into what really matters to EV drivers over the long haul.

If you’re in the market for a spacious, refined, and modern electric SUV that doesn’t feel like a compromise, this might just be the one.

But I’m curious. Would you take this over a Tesla Model X? Or would you lean toward something more rugged like the Rivian R1S? Tell me what you think in the comments. Also, do you think the 2026 Ioniq 9 has what it takes to be the best electric 3-row SUV on the market? And if you’ve seen or driven one, what impressed or disappointed you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s talk.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.