2026 HYUNDAI IONIQ 9 REVIEW: SHOULD YOU JUST GET A PALISADE AND SAVE $20,000?

EV Channels Review

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 Calligraphy is presented as a premium, three-row electric SUV, aiming to compete with established players. The reviewer highlights its impressive range and efficiency, noting 3.4 miles per kWh in town, which significantly outperforms competitors like the ID Buzz. Performance is strong, with the top-tier Calligraphy trim achieving 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds. The interior is praised for its luxury appointments, quiet cabin, and comfortable front seats, though the reviewer finds the mechanized second-row seats overly complex and potentially problematic for children. The exterior styling is described as unique and polarizing. A major point of contention is the vehicle's high price, especially when compared to the gasoline-powered Hyundai Palisade, which offers similar features for significantly less money. While the IONIQ 9 excels as an EV with its technology and refinement, its cost is a substantial barrier, leading the reviewer to suggest the Palisade is a more sensible purchase for most buyers, despite the IONIQ 9 being a technically superior EV.