Hyundai Ioniq 9 Named Best Electric SUV of 2026 by Kelley Blue Book
SUVs continue to dominate the automotive market, accounting for over half of the top 25 best-selling vehicles in the United States in 2025. As the industry shifts towards electric vehicles, electric SUVs are poised to become even more prevalent. According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is the top pick for electric SUVs in 2026.
Ioniq 9: Kelley Blue Book’s Top EV SUV
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a new model for 2026, quickly establishing itself as the South Korean automaker’s flagship SUV. Kelley Blue Book awarded it a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, surpassing all other electric SUV models. Kelley Blue Book highlights the Ioniq 9’s impressive range, with all six trim levels achieving over 300 miles on a single charge. Its three-row seating configuration is also a notable feature, relatively uncommon in the electric SUV segment.
The Ioniq 9’s pricing starts at $58,955 for the base model. Although, Kelley Blue Book recommends opting for the Ioniq 9 SE, which starts at $62,765, as it offers better performance with its 303-hp engine. (Both prices include a $1,600 destination charge).
Other Top Electric SUV Contenders
Several other electric SUVs closely follow the Ioniq 9 in Kelley Blue Book’s rankings.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 5 N
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 5 N, compact crossover counterparts to the midsize Ioniq 9, both earned a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from Kelley Blue Book. The base Ioniq 5 is praised for its value, starting at $35,000 (plus a $1,600 freight fee), while the Ioniq 5 N stands out for its power and technology.
Kia EV9
The 2026 Kia EV9 also received a 4.7-star rating. Given that Hyundai and Kia are both subsidiaries of Hyundai Motor Group, and share the E-MPG platform and are built in the same factory, the similarities between the Ioniq 9 and EV9 are unsurprising. The Kia EV9 is slightly more affordable, starting at $54,900 plus a $1,645 destination fee.
The Growing Electric SUV Market
The increasing popularity of SUVs, combined with the push for electric vehicles, suggests a bright future for electric SUVs. As manufacturers continue to innovate and offer more options, consumers will have an expanding range of choices to meet their needs.