Hyundai IONIQ 9 Recognized Worldwide for Safety and Reliability

Hyundai Motor Company reports that the IONIQ 9 electric SUV has received top safety ratings and multiple international awards. Learn what the recognition means.

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 is rapidly establishing itself as one of the most prominent newcomers in the large electric SUV segment. In a short period of time, the brand’s flagship three-row model has accumulated a series of international accolades, with safety, build quality, and family-oriented usability at the center of attention.

A major pillar of this recognition comes from independent crash-test results. In the United States, the IONIQ 9 earned the highest possible IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ award under the institute’s updated and more demanding criteria. IIHS assessments point to a strong and stable body structure in frontal and side impacts, as well as highly effective crash avoidance systems capable of detecting vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in both daytime and nighttime conditions.

In Europe, the model reinforced this reputation by achieving a maximum five-star Euro NCAP rating. Particularly notable was its performance in child occupant protection, where the IONIQ 9 scored 87 percent. Tests involving six- and ten-year-old child dummies showed good protection across all critical body regions, contributing significantly to the overall rating. Evaluators also highlighted the comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems and the integrity of the passenger compartment under severe loads.

These safety credentials have been matched by a growing list of industry awards. The IONIQ 9 was named German Premium Car of the Year 2026, received the Electric SUV of Texas title from the Texas Auto Writers Association, and was crowned EV of the Year by the Hispanic Motor Press. In the Pacific Northwest, it secured both Vehicle of the Year and Best Battery Electric Vehicle honors at the Drive Revolution event, while its electric propulsion system was recognized in the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems list. The model also gained recognition from Auto Focus, where it was highlighted as Vehicle of the Year for its balance of value and practicality.

The technical foundation of the IONIQ 9 plays a crucial role in this success. Built on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform, the SUV is equipped with a 110 kWh battery and supports an 800-volt fast-charging architecture, combining long-range capability with reduced charging times. A spacious three-row interior and flexible seating configurations underline its focus on real-world family use rather than headline figures alone.

Taken together, these achievements position the IONIQ 9 as more than just another electric launch for Hyundai. The model signals the brand’s growing confidence in the upper end of the EV market, where safety performance, advanced technology, and everyday usability increasingly define leadership in the evolving electric SUV landscape.