The 2026 Ioniq 9 delivers up to 539 km of range and 422 hp in Preferred AWD+ trim.
Fast charging recovered 234 km of range in one hour using a 50-kW public station.
Available with six or seven seats and qualifies for a $4,000 Quebec government rebate.
Hyundai’s hot new release, the all-electric 2026 Ioniq 9, is finally hitting showrooms across the province—and we got behind the wheel early to see what it’s all about. Offered in a range of configurations, this spacious three-row SUV is built to rival the Kia EV9 and VinFast VF 9. After testing the Preferred AWD+ with the Ultimate Calligraphy package, here are five standout numbers that stuck with us.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Preferred AWD+ | Photo: Germain GoyerHyundai’s Fourth Electric Model
Hyundai continues to diversify its lineup, offering everything from gas and hybrid powertrains to plug-in hybrids and even hydrogen, all while investing heavily in full electrification. The Ioniq 9 joins the existing EV roster of the front-wheel-drive Kona Electric, the versatile Ioniq 5, and the sleek Ioniq 6 sedan—designed in part to go head-to-head with the Tesla Model 3. Now, the Ioniq 9 arrives as a large three-row family SUV, going directly up against other “9” badged competitors from Kia and VinFast.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Preferred AWD+ | Photo: Germain GoyerUp to 539 km of Range
Natural Resources Canada rates the RWD Ioniq 9 at a maximum range of 539 km. While that’s impressive, Quebec drivers will likely favour the added confidence of all-wheel drive, which brings the range down to 515 km. The version we tested, the Preferred AWD+, delivers 500 km—still solid, especially with the added bonus of 422 horsepower from its dual 160-kW motors. That level of power feels like overkill for a family-oriented SUV, but it’s there if you want it. Interestingly, our dash displayed 552 km of range after a full charge of the 110.3-kWh battery, which is standard across all trims.
For context, the 2026 Kia EV9 offers between 370 and 491 km, while the 2025 VinFast VF 9 delivers 462 km in Plus trim and 518 km in Eco configuration.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Preferred AWD+ | Photo: Germain Goyer234 km Gained in One Hour
We stopped for a fast charge using a 50-kW public station during our road test. At arrival, we had just 15% state of charge and 63 km of range left. After a full hour of charging, the battery was up to 59% and the estimated range jumped to 297 km—a 234 km gain for just $18.39. The Ioniq 9 now features the NACS (North American Charging Standard) port. We used an included adapter to plug into Hydro-Québec’s Circuit Électrique.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Preferred AWD+ | Photo: Germain GoyerSix or Seven Seats Available
The Ioniq 9 is similar in size to Hyundai’s Palisade and comes with either six or seven seats depending on configuration. Base models like the Essential RWD and both Preferred AWD trims come with a second-row bench for seven-passenger capacity. Adding the Ultimate Calligraphy package replaces the bench with captain’s chairs, reducing capacity to six but improving third-row access. Personally, we prefer the bench setup—it gives you room for five passengers with the third row folded flat, maximizing cargo space.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Kia EV9: Comparing South Korea’s Flagship Three-Row Electric SUVs
Potential Rebates
All Ioniq 9 trims qualify for a $4,000 Quebec government rebate, no matter the version. BC no longer has an incentive program. That said, we’ve confirmed the federal EV rebate will return soon, and new criteria will be announced shortly. This has slowed deliveries slightly as buyers wait to see if they’ll qualify.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Preferred AWD+ | Photo: Germain GoyerIn Summary
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 has everything it needs to seriously challenge the Kia EV9 and VinFast VF 9. Its electric drivetrain is well-executed, the cabin is spacious, and the range is highly competitive. The only thing you’ll need to come to terms with is its styling—definitely a matter of taste.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Preferred AWD+ | Photo: Germain Goyer
