2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Review
The world of electric SUVs keeps growing, and Hyundai’s newest entry, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, is hard to ignore. As a fully electric, three-row SUV with some seriously family-focused features, I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel and put it to the test.
If you're new here—welcome! I'm Kelly, The Car Mom. I'm a mom of four, a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, and I review cars with real families in mind. Today, I’m giving you a full tour of the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 and sharing what works—and what doesn’t—for busy parents and growing families.
Looking for more electric options? Check out my post: Best Electric Cars For Families.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Highlights
Three-row all-electric SUV with about 320 miles of range
Spacious second row and solid third-row setup
Excellent tech, including Hyundai’s blind spot camera and fast wireless charging
Dual lower anchors and tether anchors in both third-row seats (rare!)
Bench seat option adds versatility for cargo and passengers
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 I tested was the SEL trim, with an MSRP of $68,000—definitely on the higher end for Hyundai. It’s a well-equipped model with great range, all-wheel drive, and the tech families expect, but the price might feel steep for those used to Hyundai’s more budget-friendly lineup. That said, it delivers a lot in terms of comfort, space, and everyday functionality for families looking to go electric.
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Has A Familiar, Yet Fresh Exterior
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 doesn’t scream EV, and I actually love that. It looks like a natural evolution of Hyundai’s gas-powered SUVs, especially if you're used to something like the Palisade. You’ve got a big, boxy front end, clean body lines, and lighting details that feel modern without going full spaceship.
It’s big, but not intimidating. And for families making the switch to electric, that familiarity goes a long way. This design feels confident and clean, perfect for parents who want a family car that blends in but still feels modern.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Family-Friendly First Row
This SUV has a spacious, open layout with a sleek curved display and Hyundai’s signature tech features. One of my favorite things? The blind spot camera that pops up in the dash when you use your turn signal is such a helpful tool when driving with kids and cargo.
The center console area includes a deep storage bin, an open floor space below, and a really responsive wireless charger that starts working the moment you set your phone down. It even confirms it’s charging, which is nice because (as some of you may know) I’ve had lots of issues with wireless pads not actually working!
There’s also a lot of minimalist styling, maybe too minimalist in this SEL trim, which feels a bit bare-bones compared to other Hyundai interiors I’ve loved. I’m curious to test out a higher trim like the Calligraphy to see if it adds more premium touches.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Second Row: Thoughtfully Designed (Unlike Some Rivals…)
I tested the bench seat setup in the second row, and there’s good and bad news.
Here’s What I Loved:
Tons of legroom (even with the front seats pushed back)
Car seat tilt on one side
Ceiling vents for better airflow
Heated seats
Clever reverse console access for second-row passengers
Built-in USB charging on the back of the front seats (great placement for kid devices)
Compared to other luxury EVs like the Escalade IQ, Hyundai did a much better job here. The Escalade lacked ceiling vents, didn’t have built-in sunshades, and required a touchscreen to move the seats. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 keeps it simple and family-friendly.
However, seat belt overlap, a common issue in Hyundai’s bench seats, makes it tricky for some three-across car seat configurations.
The Not-So-Good:
Seat belt overlap. Yep — the same overlapping belt issues we’ve seen in the Palisade are still here, which limits flexibility for car seat setups, especially for three across.
Car Seat Setup
Two full sets of lower anchors in the second row
Three top tether anchors across the second-row bench
It’s roomy and deep, which makes it comfortable for adults, older kids, and rear-facing car seats. But that seat belt layout is something to be aware of if you’re running multiple car seats.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 Third Row Is Surprisingly Usable!
I was pleasantly surprised by the third row in the Hyundai Ioniq 9. While it’s not the most spacious, it’s definitely usable.
Highlights:
Two seats only (which I prefer for comfort and safety)
Lower anchors and tether anchors in both positions
Ceiling vents, cup holders, USB ports
Large side windows with great visibility
The third row in the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is impressively usable. Access is smooth thanks to a tilt-and-slide function that even works with a forward-facing car seat still installed on one side. Compared to the Rivian R1S, which has a tighter third row and trickier access, the Ioniq 9 makes it easier for adults or kids to get in and out comfortably.
Even with the second row pushed back, I fit back there just fine after scooting the seats up a bit. The seats aren’t cramped, and Hyundai was smart to go with a two-passenger third row instead of trying to squeeze in a third middle seat.
Is The Third Row Of The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Easy to Access?
Yes—and that’s not always a given in three-row SUVs, especially electric ones! The Hyundai Ioniq 9 features a car seat-friendly tilt-and-slide function on the smaller side of the 60/40 second-row bench. That means you can still get into the third row without having to uninstall a forward-facing car seat on that side. It only works on one side, but still, a big win for families juggling multiple seats and older kids.
You can also slide the second-row seats forward and back on tracks, which helps balance out legroom between the rows, depending on who needs more space. Whether it’s adults in the third row or rear-facing seats in the second, having that adjustability is super helpful.
Let’s Talk Hyundai Ioniq 9’s Trunk Space
Like most EVs, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 has a higher load floor, which can make the trunk feel a little smaller. But there’s still a good amount of cargo space behind the third row, especially if you opt for the bench and fold it down when you don’t need all the seats up.
There’s also some underfloor storage for hiding extra gear or cords, plus a clever little hook that props the cargo cover open while loading. It’s those small details that really make this feel like a family-first design.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 offers some of the most generous space, with about 21.9 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 86.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Kia EV9 comes in slightly smaller, with around 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 81.7 cubic feet. For everyday life — think strollers, backpacks, and that “just in case” Costco haul — the Ioniq 9 more than gets the job done.
Final Thoughts on the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a well-thought-out electric SUV with a lot to offer families. The tech is excellent, the second-row space is generous, and the third row is more usable than you’d expect from a midsize EV.
Of course, no car is perfect. At $68,000, it’s not exactly budget-friendly, and the second-row seat belt overlap could be a dealbreaker for families needing complex car seat setups.
Still, if you’re looking for a three-row electric SUV that feels familiar, functional, and ready for family life, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is absolutely worth checking out.
If you aren’t quite sure about the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and want to learn more about a similar EV, check out my post: Kia EV9 Review or the Rivian R1S!
What do you think about the Hyundai Ioniq 9? Let me know in the comments, and make sure to check out my recent posts: