2026 HYUNDAI IONIQ 9 CALLIGRAPHY DESIGN: START UP, TEST DRIVE & IN DEPTH REVIEW

EV Channels Review

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Design is presented as Hyundai's ambitious flagship electric SUV, aiming to compete with established players like the Kia EV9 and Tesla Model X. The reviewer highlights its clean, efficient design, spacious three-row interior, and comprehensive standard technology as key strengths. The Calligraphy Design trim, specifically, is lauded for its exclusive styling elements, premium interior materials like bio suede, and advanced features such as the Ergo Motion driver's seat with massage functions and relaxation mode. The driving experience is described as quiet, refined, and composed, with a well-tuned independent suspension and responsive steering. Performance figures are impressive, especially for the all-wheel-drive variants, with the top-tier model achieving 0-60 mph in 5 seconds. Charging is a significant advantage, boasting ultra-fast DC charging speeds (10-80% in 24 minutes) thanks to its 800-volt architecture, and it's noted as the first non-Tesla EV with the NACS charging standard. Practicality is also a strong suit, with ample cargo space, flexible seating arrangements, and a useful vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability. Minor criticisms include the touch-sensitive climate controls being somewhat challenging to use while driving and the lack of a spare tire. Overall, the IONIQ 9 Calligraphy Design is positioned as a highly competitive and premium offering in the electric SUV segment, excelling in design, technology, space, and charging speed.