2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Named Electric SUV of Texas by TAWA

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 earned the “Electric SUV of Texas” title at the Texas Auto Writers Association Truck Rodeo, praised for its range, comfort, and advanced design.

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 has earned the title of “Electric SUV of Texas” at the annual Texas Auto Writers Association Truck Rodeo, held on September 25–26, 2025, at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur. Forty-one journalists evaluated twenty-eight vehicles in on- and off-road conditions to determine the year’s best performers.

Standing out in the Electric SUV category, the IONIQ 9 impressed judges with its spacious three-row cabin, composed handling, and confident capability both on highways and rough terrain. TAWA members called it “the next generation of family vehicle for Texas drivers,” recognizing its blend of performance, practicality, and technology.

Built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the model uses a 110.3 kWh battery and supports 350 kW DC charging, enabling a 10-to-80 percent recharge in about twenty-four minutes. Depending on configuration, its EPA range reaches up to 335 miles. Every U.S.-market IONIQ 9 is assembled at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Bryan County, Georgia.

For Hyundai, the TAWA award reinforces its focus on electrification and local manufacturing. In a competitive field that includes the Kia EV9, Rivian R1S, and Tesla Model X, the IONIQ 9’s recognition underscores the company’s growing influence in America’s large-electric-SUV segment.