Hyundai IONIQ 9 Hailed as World’s Best Large SUV at 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year Awards

• Hyundai Motor’s all-electric SUV IONIQ 9 was praised for its innovation, performance and luxurious features
• Selected by 84 female automotive journalists from 54 countries across five continents
• IONIQ 9 is now a contender for the WWCOTY Supreme Winner title, set to be announced in March

Hyundai Motor Company’s all-electric SUV IONIQ 9 has received the prestigious title of World’s Best Large SUV at the 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) Awards. This accolade underscores Hyundai Motor’s continued commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainability within the large SUV market.

A panel of 84 female automotive journalists from 54 countries rigorously evaluated vehicles across all categories, assessing criteria such as safety, quality, design, performance, ease of driving, environmental impact and value for money. IONIQ 9 distinguished itself from nearly 20 other competitors, standing out as an exemplary model in its category.

“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. 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.” —Marta García, Executive President at Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year

What Makes IONIQ 9 a World-Leading SUV?

IONIQ 9, the flagship model of Hyundai Motor’s acclaimed IONIQ lineup, represents the pinnacle of the company’s innovation and engineering:

• Design Excellence: Combining aerodynamic sophistication with futuristic aesthetics, IONIQ 9 delivers a striking visual presence.
• Spacious Comfort: The three-row interior, configurable for six or seven passengers, offers a lounge-like environment with ample cargo capacity for family needs.
• Sustainability and Efficiency: Built on Hyundai Motor’s award-winning E-GMP platform, IONIQ 9 features cutting-edge 800-volt technology, enabling ultra-fast charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 24 minutes at compatible stations.
• Smart Technology: The model is equipped with the latest generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), integrating AI-supported voice recognition and advanced digital connectivity.

IONIQ 9 has won multiple awards since its launch in late 2024, including:

• 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)

What Makes the WWCOTY Awards a Global Benchmark for Automotive Excellence?

The WWCOTY Awards, the only global car awards judged exclusively by female motoring journalists, is recognized as a benchmark for automotive excellence and has a global audience of 500 million. The awards celebrate vehicles that cater to diverse perspectives, highlighting models that meet the evolving needs of drivers worldwide.

The six categories for the 2026 WWCOTY awards include:

• Compact Car
• Compact SUV
• Large Car
• Large SUV
• 4×4 & Pickup
• Performance Car

Alongside five other category winners, IONIQ 9 is now a contender for the coveted WWCOTY Supreme Winner title. The final announcement will take place in March.