Hyundai Motor Company’s flagship three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, has secured top recognition across safety, quality and reliability, underlining the brand’s leadership in delivering dependable electric mobility in the premium SUV segment.
The IONIQ 9 has achieved leading safety ratings in major global markets, including the United States and Europe, while also earning accolades from respected automotive authorities. These achievements reflect Hyundai Motor’s rigorous focus on structural integrity, advanced driver assistance technologies, high-quality materials and real-world usability.
Designed to meet the expectations of families and long-distance EV users alike, the IONIQ 9 combines comprehensive safety systems with refined comfort and long-term reliability, positioning it as a benchmark in the global three-row electric SUV space.
Advanced Safety Performance Recognized Globally
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 its TOP SAFETY PICK+, the highest safety designation under the institute’s latest and more stringent evaluation criteria. The SUV earned ‘Good’ ratings across all major crashworthiness and crash avoidance categories, reflecting strong occupant protection, effective pedestrian detection and high-performing lighting systems.
IIHS testing confirmed that IONIQ 9 maintains a stable occupant survival space in frontal and side impacts, with airbags and restraint systems working together to minimize injury risk for both front and rear occupants. The SUV’s front crash prevention system demonstrated the ability to avoid or significantly mitigate collisions with vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, both during the day and at night.
Meanwhile, the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) awarded IONIQ 9 the highest five-star rating, emphasizing its comprehensive protection for passengers of all ages, advanced safety assistance features and robust structural safety.
The three-row all-electric SUV delivered particularly strong results in child occupant protection, where it achieved an 87 percent score. In both frontal offset and side barrier tests, all critical body areas of six- and ten-year-old child dummies were well protected, earning maximum points and contributing significantly to the vehicle’s overall five-star result.
Global Market Recognition Reflects Premium Quality, Usability and EV Leadership
Beyond safety performance, IONIQ 9 has earned broad recognition from leading automotive media and independent award juries, reflecting its balanced strengths in design, usability, technology and family-focused electric mobility. These honors include:
- Auto Focus Vehicle of the Year: Praised for its value and three-row practicality, reflecting Hyundai Motor’s family-focused engineering.
- German Premium Car of the Year 2026: Awarded for its aerodynamic design, spacious interior, and fast-charging capabilities.
- AUTO ZEITUNG: Ranked at the top in a comparison test, outperforming a strong field of German and Swedish Premium competitors, and praised for its exceptionally spacious and versatile interior, intuitive connectivity, refined ergonomics and outstanding cargo practicality.
- Electric SUV of Texas: Recognized for interior quality, performance and versatility by the Texas Auto Writers Association.
- Hispanic Motor Press’s EV of the Year: Honored for best meeting the needs of modern families through safety, technology, value and real-world driving satisfaction.
- Northwest Vehicle of the Year & Best BEV at Drive Revolution: Acknowledged for exceptional EV innovation.
- Wards’ 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems: Celebrated as a benchmark for battery and electric drivetrain technology.
Flagship Innovation for the Electric Era
Built on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), IONIQ 9 offers a blend of safety, premium comfort and advanced EV technology. With industry-leading features like 800-volt ultra-fast charging, long-range capabilities, and a spacious interior accommodating up to seven passengers, it meets the diverse needs of modern families.
Backed by rigorous safety validations, innovative engineering and an ever-expanding collection of prestigious awards, IONIQ 9 established a new benchmark in the electric SUV market, reaffirming Hyundai Motor’s leadership in the evolving mobility landscape.
