Hyundai Motor Company’s all-electric Ioniq 9 has been named World’s Best Large SUV at the 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) Awards, as the manufacturer continues to build momentum in the global electric vehicle market.
The flagship SUV was selected by a jury of 84 female automotive journalists from 54 countries, who assessed vehicles on criteria including safety, quality, design, performance, ease of driving, environmental impact and value for money. The Ioniq 9 prevailed against nearly 20 competitors in the large SUV category and will now advance to compete for the overall WWCOTY Supreme Winner title, to be announced in March.
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Built on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the Ioniq 9 features an 800-volt electrical architecture that allows rapid charging, with the battery capable of replenishing from 10% to 80% in about 24 minutes at compatible fast-charging stations. The three-row SUV is offered with seating configurations for six or seven passengers and is positioned as the flagship model of Hyundai’s Ioniq electric lineup.
Marta García, executive president of Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year, said the model illustrates how advanced technology can be combined with everyday practicality. “The Ioniq 9 demonstrates how advanced technology and everyday usability complement each other,” García said, citing its charging capability, interior space and overall build quality as setting “a new benchmark in the large electric SUV segment.”
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Since its market launch in late 2024, the Ioniq 9 has accumulated a series of international design and industry awards, including recognition from TopGear.com, Carwow and major design competitions such as Red Dot and iF Design. Hyundai said the latest WWCOTY accolade reinforces its strategy of expanding its global electric vehicle portfolio with models targeting higher-volume and premium segments.
