As many automakers run from their commitments to electric vehicles, Hyundai appears to be firmly planted in the EV world. It’s Ioniq lineup continues to grow, but with limited success. The design language of the group, which now includes the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Performance Calligraphy Design AWD, may be the root cause the ambivalence toward the vehicles.
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 borrows some of its contemporary styling cues from other vehicles in the Hyundai lineup.
I have to confess, it’s rare these days that a vehicle shows up and I don’t have a feeling about it. Sometimes I’m excited by what I see, others I have a bit of an internal groan. However, the Ioniq 9 hit me with … nothing.
I’m big fan of Hyundai’s styling and like the Ioniq 5 and love the Ioniq 6, but the new-for-2026 Ioniq 9 brushed me with a wave of … meh. And that’s a shame because the interior and performance of the new EV is very compelling.
Exterior indifference
And I should be clear, when I say I like Hyundai’s styling, I mean that for its entire product portfolio and in the interest of full disclosure, my personal vehicle is a Hyundai Sonata. A 2016 model, but a Hyundai nevertheless.
The Ioniq 9 borrows some of its styling from the new Palisade, especially the front end. With the wide horizontal bar that runs headlight to headlight, the contemporary look is tough to miss. But this one does seem to miss … the mark.
Hyundai officials call it a “bold and functional design,” but anything you could walk past in a parking lot and not notice is certainly not bold. I’m not sure what “functional” means in this context. It’s truly a crossover as it looks like an SUV and a minivan had a child … and that bar across the front almost looks like a set of braces.
The Ioniq 9 is truly a crossover over, mixing elements of SUV and minivan styling.
It’s not ugly. It’s just not … anything. There is one exception! I do love the taillights that run from roof to floor. Those are cool. And despite all my indifference about the outside, I can tell you I really enjoyed my week INSIDE the Ioniq 9.
Interior excellence
As unexciting as I found the exterior, the cabin of the Ioniq 9 lives up to the billing it gets from its incredible long name — especially the Calligraphy Design part, which indicates it’s the brand’s top of the line trim offering.
Slide into the vehicle and you’ll notice just how bright, airy and spacious it feels. That’s no accident as EVs with their batteries in the floor of the vehicle make for plenty of space. The flat floor accommodates flexible seating arrangements for six or seven occupants, while Relaxation Seats in the first and second rows offer full recline capability with leg rests — perfect for relaxing while recharging. In addition, Ioniq 9 offers an innovative Ergo Motion driver’s seat designed to provide comfort and help reduce fatigue during long drives.
The slidable center console allows for easy movement in the cabin, which is very helpful in a three-row vehicle. It also makes for plenty of storage options. I’m a heavier guy and found it easy to get into and out of the Ioniq 9 — a rarity in anything smaller than a full-size SUV. That spaciousness extends to the cargo area.
The cabin is open and bright with a premium feel, plus its loaded with technology.
The rear cargo area accommodates up to 46.7 cu. ft. with the third-row seats folded — enough room for four golf bags and four duffel bags — or 21.9 cu. ft. with all rows in place. The front trunk offers additional storage of up to 3.1 cu. ft. in rear-wheel-drive models and 1.84 cu. ft. in all-wheel-drive models, suitable for storing charging cables, for example.
Tech forward
Also tough to miss when you’re inside the Ioniq 9 is the technology at your fingertips, but also operating in the background. The large curved display features two 12.3-inch screens: one for gauges and the other for infotainment functions.
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