4 Reasons the 2026 Ioniq 9 Can Replace Your Gas Family SUV

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 introduced an era of electric family transport to the fray. With up to seven seats, ultra-fast charging, and EPA-certified 335-mile range in select trims, this flagship three-row electric SUV will surely have all eyes on it.

But with all its promising features, are they enough to make you replace your trusty gas SUV for the family? Look at the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 and see if you’re driving this home from Dalton Hyundai in San Diego.

What Is The Ioniq 9? A Family SUV Reimagined

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 electric SUV is the largest electric SUV that Hyundai has designed with families in mind. This 3 row EV SUV that can accommodate six to seven passengers at a time, depending on the seating layout and trim. From that alone, you can say that the Ioniq 9 has plenty of space for everyone in the family, gear included.

Right off the bat, this EV uses an 800V battery system that allows ultra-fast charging. In just 24 minutes, you can go from 10% to 80% with its 350kW DC fast charger. Fun fact: The Ioniq 9 is built on the same E-GMP platform as the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV9.

This EV currently offers five trims, each with its distinct characteristics:

• Ioniq 9 SE (great balance between value and performance)
• Ioniq 9 SEL (more comfort and convenience features without the luxury pricetag)
• Ioniq 9 Limited (upgraded styling, accent touches, and enhanced features)
• Ioniq 9 Calligraphy (premium luxury items)
• Ioniq 9 Calligraphy Design (flagship version with its exclusive pixel-inspired styling and premium finishes)

Whether you’re after efficiency or pure excitement, know that there is a 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 for sale that matches your driving style. But how does Hyundai’s newest and largest EV 3 row SUV fare in the different areas?

Advanced Safety and Technology

Safety is paramount for family vehicles. The good news is that Hyundai meets you halfway in ensuring your family is safe. By being one of the safest automakers in the market, they have earned more IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards compared to other brands.

Though the Ioniq 9 is still new, engineers based its design on what they used for creating other award-winning EVs. With its signature SmartSense technology, you have a full suite of advanced driver assistance features to stay in control and avoid accidents.

Notable features that you can expect in the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 for sale:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist warns and hits the brakes for you if you’re about to crash into a person, car, or cyclist in front of you
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist to help you keep an eye on your blind spots while gently steering you from danger during lane changes
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist to alert you of something crossing behind your car while you’re backing out
• Driver Attention Warning to detect signs of driver drowsiness or fatigue
• Surround View Monitor to provide a bird’s-eye view of the car for safer parking
• Lane Keep Assist to help you stay within the lane
• Lane Following Assist uses the road lines as guides to keep you aligned in your lane
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go maintains your selected speed and distance from the car ahead, even in traffic
• Highway Driving Assist (HDA) combines cruise control and lane keeping for safer highway driving
• Safe Exit Assist warns passengers of an incoming car or bike before they open the door

Apart from that, the Ioniq 9 also comes with built-in protection features. It has a reinforced frame design to absorb the impact from the crash. It also features multiple, strategically-placed airbags that include the second and third-row seats. You can also easily install car seats thanks to its child safety locks and seat anchors.

On top of its robust safety features, this 3 row SUV for sale adds smart convenience features like:

• 12.3-inch digital instrument display + 12.3-inch infotainment screen
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration for hands-free texts, calls, and music
• Digital Key 2 that turns your smartphone into the Ioniq 9’s “key”

Real-World Range and Charging

Safety may be paramount when buying an EV, but what use would it be if you run out of battery on a long trip, right? But with the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, you won’t have to worry about empty batteries.

On a full charge, the Ioniq 9 range reaches up to 335 miles of range on Rear Wheel Drive and 311-320 miles on HTRAC All Wheel Drive (AWD). This means more than enough power for this EV, whether you’re out for daily errands or going out on a weekend trip.

And, if you do, the Ioniq 9’s got ultra-fast charging capability. The car uses Hyundai’s advanced 800V charging system, like luxury electric vehicles. It can charge from 10% to 80% in just 22 to 24 minutes with a DC fast charger.

Finding a charger is also easier. Aside from Tesla Superchargers*, the Ioniq 9 has full access to Electrify America, ChargePoint, and other public charging stations** in the U.S.

But the best part is its impressive fuel economy. Depending on the trim, you can achieve 103 MPGe in the city, 81 MPGe on the highway, and 92 MPGe combined. Compared to gas-powered SUVs, you get an equivalent of about 96 miles per gallon of gasoline.

This means fewer charging stops, lower energy costs, and a smaller carbon footprint. This makes the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 ready for modern families making the switch.

Note:

* – No charger adapter needed with its NACS port

** – Has included CCS Adapter

Performance and Driving Experience

With its impressive fuel economy scores, it’s easy to think that the 2026 Ioniq 9 compromised on its power. But that is not the case. With electric vehicles not relying on traditional gear shifts, the Ioniq 9 responds immediately when you press the pedal.

Right off the bat, you get 215 horsepower from its Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) power option. This is great for drivers who want maximum range and smooth cruising. But in higher trims, you get the dual-electric motor All-Wheel Drive. This produces 303 horsepower, perfect for families who love traveling on dirt roads, rain, or snow.

But, if you prefer the performance AWD option (Ioniq 9 Limited trim), you can get 422 horsepower. This means more power and faster acceleration. And with such a powerful motor, you can get up to 516 lb-ft of torque, perfect for towing a jet ski or a trailer.

Despite this, you can expect a quieter cabin thanks to its Road-noise Active Noise Control (RNAC) systems. And, with its multi-link suspension, you won’t feel the jolt even if you go through bumpy roads. Even if the 2026 Ioniq 9 is fully loaded, it feels balanced and steady thanks to its battery placement.

Adding to its stability are the Drive Mode Select and Terrain Mode Select* features. Its standard Drive Mode Select allows you to customize its performance depending on your driving scenario.

Terrain Mode Select, on the other hand, helps you to adapt the Ioniq 9 to challenging road conditions. Just flick the rocker switch on the center console, and it will automatically adjust the traction whether you’re driving on snow, mud, or sand.

Apart from that, Hyundai’s best 3-row SUV comes with regenerative brake level control paddles. They slow the EV down when you lift your foot off the accelerator while recharging the battery.

Note:

* – Only available on AWD models

Flexible and Comfortable Cabin

Families are the main consideration for how the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is built. With 199.2 inches in length and 78 inches in width, you get a generous headroom (1899 mm) and legroom (2,050 mm) across all three rows. Even adult third-row passengers won’t feel cramped.

At its center, you get a sliding center console* that not only provides storage options but also a walk-through path between the front seats. This way, you can easily access the second row or get items without having to climb.

If you’re tired from being on the road all day, you don’t have to set up a “bed” inside your Ioniq 9. With its 1st and 2nd row relaxation seats, you can just put it in full recline, prop your legs on available leg rests, and enjoy some pressure and vibration massage.

You can also rotate the second-row seats so they face the third row. This allows you to keep an eye on your little ones or have a chat or mini-game inside the EV. All these on top of premium-quality materials and a panoramic sunroof for an airy, upscale vibe.

And, if cargo space is your concern, the Ioniq 9 doesn’t disappoint. One, you get a front trunk (frunk) for storing smaller items like charging cables and groceries.

You can fold its third-row seats either manually or power-fold to open up to 1,323 liters of cargo area. This is a perfect amount of space for loading luggage, sports gear, or your Costco haul.

Note:

* – Only available on Limited, Calligraphy, and Calligraphy Design trims

Is It Time To Make The Switch?

If your family needs an SUV, consider the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6. It requires less maintenance and modern technology. It also has zero emissions. Not only does it offer a spacious cabin for a three-row family SUV, but it’s also efficient, safe, and comfortable.

Drop by Dalton Hyundai San Diego CA, and let our friendly staff show you exactly how the Ioniq 9 fits your family. Schedule a test drive to gift your very own family EV today.

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