The debut of the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9, the company’s first three-row electric SUV, has ushered in a new chapter for eco-conscious family transportation in the United States. Deliveries, which commenced on May 30, 2025, as reported by Electrek, mark a significant milestone, with the vehicle rolling out from Hyundai’s $7.6 billion Metaplant in Bryan County, Georgia. Priced from $60,555 and boasting up to 335 miles of range, the IONIQ 9 combines spaciousness, advanced technology, and eligibility for a $7,500 federal tax credit, positioning it as a compelling option in the competitive EV market. Yet, challenges such as its size and charging logistics temper its promising launch. This exploration delves into the IONIQ 9’s features, market positioning, and broader implications.
A Landmark Launch in Georgia
The first IONIQ 9 vehicles were delivered to customers in Georgia on May 30, 2025, just over two months after production began at Hyundai’s state-of-the-art Metaplant. Among the early recipients, Jennifer and Dwayne Maynard, who traded their IONIQ 5 for the larger SUV, praised its family-friendly design, noting, “The IONIQ 9 offers everything we need and more for our family and our adventures,” as cited by Electrek on May 31, 2025. The rapid transition from production to delivery underscores Hyundai’s commitment to meeting the rising demand for electric vehicles, with the company ranking as the second-best-selling EV brand in the U.S., behind Tesla, alongside its affiliates Kia and Genesis.
Initially unveiled as the SEVEN concept at the 2021 LA Auto Show, the IONIQ 9—rebranded from the anticipated IONIQ 7—positions itself as Hyundai’s flagship electric SUV. Its U.S. production ensures eligibility for the $7,500 federal tax credit, a significant advantage amid tariff concerns affecting imported competitors. Hyundai’s “Space to Connect” campaign, launched in May 2025, emphasizes the vehicle’s expansive interior, designed to foster family interactions, making it a standout in the three-row EV segment.
Features and Performance
Built on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), shared with the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and Kia EV9, the IONIQ 9 offers a robust blend of performance and efficiency. The base RWD S trim, priced at $60,555 (including a $1,600 destination fee), delivers 215 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 335-mile range. The AWD SE trim, starting at $64,365, provides 303 horsepower with a 320-mile range, while the top-tier Performance Calligraphy AWD, at $78,090, boasts 422 horsepower and 311 miles. A 110.3 kWh battery powers all trims, supporting a 10% to 80% charge in 24 minutes via a 350 kW DC fast charger or 9 hours 40 minutes with a 240V Level 2 charger.
The SUV’s dimensions—199.2 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 70.5 inches tall—offer a 123.2-inch wheelbase, ensuring generous interior space. With the second and third rows folded, it provides up to 2,472 liters (87 cubic feet) of cargo capacity, surpassing the Ford Explorer’s 2,429 liters, and 620 liters with all seats upright, complemented by a front trunk offering 88 liters (RWD) or 52 liters (AWD). The interior, described as “lounge-like,” features dual 12.3-inch displays, a sliding Universal Island 2.0 console with 18.2 liters of storage, and six 100W USB-C ports. Unique amenities include second-row swiveling seats for face-to-face interaction when parked and Relaxation Seats with leg rests and massage functions.
Aerodynamic efficiency, with a drag coefficient of 0.27, enhances range, though digital rearview cameras (reducing it to 0.259) are unavailable in the U.S. The IONIQ 9 includes a native NACS port for Tesla Supercharger compatibility, with adapters for CCS chargers, though its rear passenger-side port may require occupying multiple charging spaces. Advanced features like over-the-air updates, a “Features on Demand” app store for customizable lighting and games, and Bluelink® Connected Car Services with enhanced voice recognition and a Driver Safety Index elevate its technological appeal.
Competitive Positioning and Incentives
Starting at $60,555, or as low as $53,055 with the tax credit, the IONIQ 9 undercuts luxury rivals like the Rivian R1S ($86,400 for comparable features) while offering greater range than the Kia EV9 (230-304 miles). Promotional offers, valid until June 2, 2025, include a $5,000 cash bonus and a free ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger (or a $400 charging credit). Lease options begin at $419 per month for 36 months, making it more affordable than the Toyota Highlander XLE Hybrid. U.S. production mitigates tariff-related price hikes, with Hyundai pledging stable pricing through June 2025, though potential increases due to tariffs on imported parts were noted in Electrek’s report.
The IONIQ 9’s 92 eMPG, compared to the gas-powered Palisade’s 22 mpg, translates to significant savings—approximately $592 annually in electricity costs versus $2,386 for gas over 15,000 miles, assuming $0.12/kWh and $3.50/gallon. This efficiency, combined with its spaciousness, positions it as a strong contender against the Volkswagen ID Buzz and Kia EV9 in the three-row EV market.
Reception and Challenges
The IONIQ 9 has been lauded for its spacious interior, smooth ride, and quiet cabin, with MotorTrend’s May 5, 2025, review calling it “cool and clever” for modern families. X posts from @HyundaiNewsroom highlighted its “class-above interior,” while @ElectrekCo emphasized its affordability. However, its large size presents challenges, with MotorTrend noting poor close-range visibility that led to a curb collision during parking. The rear charging port’s placement may also inconvenience users at crowded stations, requiring strategic parking. Critics have pointed to its minivan-like appearance despite SUV branding, potentially affecting its appeal to traditional SUV buyers.
A Bold Step Toward Electrification
The IONIQ 9’s launch reinforces Hyundai’s ambitious electrification goals, with plans for 23 EV models by 2030. Its combination of range, technology, and family-oriented design positions it as a trailblazer in the three-row EV segment. The federal tax credit and promotional incentives enhance its value, but challenges like visibility and charging logistics highlight the complexities of scaling EVs for mass adoption. As deliveries expand across the U.S., the IONIQ 9’s ability to balance practicality with innovation could redefine family travel, illuminating a sustainable path forward in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape.
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