Hyundai Ioniq 9 gets WWCOTY’s 2026 ‘World’s Best Large SUV’ accolade

MANILA: The Hyundai Ioniq 9 was hailed as the World’s Best Large SUV for 2026 by the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY).

The aforementioned title was bestowed upon the said model as it has met the 84 WWCOTY judges’ evaluation criteria for safety, quality, design, performance, environmental friendliness, and value for money.

“Hyundai IONIQ 9 clearly demonstrates how advanced technology and everyday usability can go hand in hand. Its fast and efficient charging capability, outstanding interior space, and high overall quality set a new benchmark in the large electric SUV segment,” WWCOTY Executive President Marta Garcia said.

“This award also confirms that Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and excellence is consistent, as this is not the first time the brand has been recognized by our jury,” Garcia added.

The aforementioned award from WWCOTY, Hyundai says, exemplifies its commitment to producing sustainable SUV nameplates without compromising innovation.

Per the car manufacturer, further proof of the all-electric nameplate’s prowess is evident from the awards it garnered since its initial global introduction in 2024:

• 2025 TopGear.com Electric Awards
• German Premium Car of the Year 2026 by German Car of the Year (GCOTY)
• Comfortable Cruiser of the Year at Carwow Car of the Year Awards 2026
• Gold Winner at 2025 Australian Good Design Awards (Automotive category), with Best Exterior Design Commendation
• Red Dot Award (Car and Motorcycle category)
• 2025 iF Design Awards (Automobile category)

Apart from being hailed as the 2026 WWCOTY World’s Best Large SUV, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 is also a contender for the said awarding body’s “Supreme Winner” title, which will be announced in March 2026. 

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Hyundai Ioniq 9 in PH

In the global market as well as the Philippines, the Ioniq 9 is the South Korean brand’s flagship all-electric SUV

Appearance-wise, it has a futuristic design with aerodynamic elements. Per the brand, the aforementioned gives the EV model a striking appearance with plenty of road presence.

Notable exterior equipment available to the Philippine-spec Ioniq 9 includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• LED intelligent front lighting system
• LED lighting fixtures
• Automatic door handles with ambient lighting
• Roof rails
• Panoramic sunroof
• 21-inch alloy wheels
• Smart power tailgate

Inside the Hyundai Ioniq 9, a three-row layout offers a lounge-like environment with ample room for up to six occupants. 

Notable interior amenities in the Philippine-spec Ioniq 9 include a dual zone automatic air conditioning system, leather upholstery, power relaxation front and second row seats with power adjustment and ventilation/heating, a 50:50 split third row, active noise cancelling, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a 14-piece Bose speaker seat, and rear curtains - among others. 

The driver, meanwhile, is provided with a heads-up display, drive mode selector, electronic parking brake, smart key, push-to-start button, paddle shifters, an electronic tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and an electrochromic rearview mirror with a digital display. 

The model’s central screen is a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This screen also has voice recognition. 

For its powertrain, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 for the local market uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor capable of producing up to 303 horsepower and 605 Newton-meters of torque. It also has a 110.3-kilowatt-hour battery, providing a range of 600 kilometers from a single full charge. 

Other mechanical and electric vehicle (EV) components of the Ioniq 9 are a regenerative braking system, a vehicle-to-load feature, an all-wheel-drive system, and a single-speed reduction gear transmission.

Safety-wise, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 comes with a comprehensive basic safety kit that’s reinforced with the following advanced driver assist systems: 

• Smart cruise control
• Reverse parking collision avoidance assist
• Lane-keep assist
• Lane following assist
• Blind spot view monitor
• Forward collision avoidance assist
• Parking distance warning
• Surround view monitor

As of this writing, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 Calligraphy AWD Long Range retails at P4.58 million.

Also read:

Hyundai introduces Staria Electric

Hyundai Motor PH, Knowell donates school bags to local communities

Hyundai Motor PH raffles off Santa Fe for latest promo

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