The new Hyundai three-row electric SUV finally becomes a reality for the 2026 model year. Let’s see how the Hyundai Ioniq 9 stacks up against the Tesla Model X.
The new Ioniq 9 is fully modern in ever respect. It brings design cues from the Hyundai Seven concept and puts them into a midsize SUV. This isn’t simply an electrified version of the Palisade, but the two are similarly sized. The Ioniq 9 uses the Hyundai-Kia E-GMP platform to give this SUV the bold and futuristic styling that makes it look great.
Going inside for quality
Why would a Hyundai EV be compared to a Tesla? The Ioniq 9 has an interior that might put it on par with the Tesla brand. The lounge-like atmosphere gives the Hyundai an open and airy feeling, much like the Model X. You can configure this new electric SUV with six or seven seats to make sure you have the comfort desired and qualities you want to enjoy when you take it for a drive.
When it first arrives, this new Hyundai EV will have three powertrains. These include a RWD single-motor setup and two AWD dual-motor variations. The driving range figures are still pending, but the brand is targeting 335 miles for the RWD single-motor version.
How does the power stack up?
The Tesla Model X is much more powerful than the Hyundai Ioniq 9. In its base form, the new Ioniq 9 should generate 215 horsepower. The power figures for the AWD models are still pending, but don’t expect them to reach the power offered in the base Model X. The base model is an AWD version that sends 670 horsepower to the wheels, while the Plaid model delivers 1,020 horsepower. These insane figures make it hard to see how the Hyundai could stack up to the Tesla.
Despite the lack of power for the Ioniq 9, the driving range of the two base models appears to be equal at 335 miles. That could be a deciding factor for shoppers, considering the Hyundai is expected to be nearly $20,000 cheaper than the Tesla in every regard. The pricing difference makes the Ioniq 9 a much more affordable option, especially for drivers searching for value in their electric SUV.
How fast will the Ioniq 9 be?
Hyundai gets things exciting with this new electric SUV. Can you imagine driving a three-row SUV that can hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds? That will be the Performance AWD model, which can make the run in 4.9 seconds when equipped with 21-inch wheels. The Long-Range AWD model is a bit slower, reaching 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, or 6.2 seconds with the 19-inch wheels. As you would expect, the RWD model is a pokey SUV that takes 9.4 seconds to reach 60 mph, or 8.4 seconds with the 19-inch wheels. If you’re looking for great off-the-line speed, the Performance AWD is pretty good.
Still not in Tesla’s ballpark
By comparison, driving the Tesla Model X means you can sprint to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds using the base powertrain or 2.5 seconds when you drive the tri-motor Plaid version. This is a huge difference when compared to the new Hyundai Ioniq 9.
Going inside
The dashboard and front seat area in the new Ioniq 9 look similar to the Model X, but Hyundai maintains a steering wheel and has a more traditional setup with gauges, buttons, and a center screen. This layout could be much more appealing to many drivers. From the front seat, the large windshield, narrow A-pillars, and large side windows provide excellent visibility in both vehicles. The Ioniq 9 also maintains the traditional connections that many drivers enjoy through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The front seats in this Hyundai EV are brand-new Relaxation seats with dynamic massage. The second-row seats can swivel to face the third row, but that feature might be reserved for foreign markets. The center console can slide back to allow second-row passengers to access it and utilize this storage space. Behind the third-row seat, you’ll find 22 cubic feet of space for stuff in the Ioniq 9. It also has a small three-cubic-foot frunk for additional storage.
Which EV should you drive?
If you want incredible sprint speeds and power, the Tesla Model X is a clear choice, but when you have a family to haul around, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is much more affordable and can be enjoyable to drive. This new Hyundai EV should hit the market later this year as a 2026 model.
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