Hyundai’s IONIQ 9 has been named Best Winter EV of New England by the New England Motor Press Association, an organization whose members evaluate more than 100 model-year 2026 vehicles across a full winter test cycle. The three-row IONIQ 9 outperformed competing electric SUVs on charging speed, driving range, and comfort, according to Hyundai. NEMPA selects winners based on cold-climate-specific features and options alongside the dynamic qualities that support safe and capable all-weather driving.
Highlights
- NEMPA members evaluate more than 100 new vehicles over the course of each winter
- The IONIQ 9 carries up to 335 miles of EPA-estimated range from a 110.3-kWh battery
- A 10–80% recharge takes approximately 24 minutes on a 350-kW, 800-volt DC fast charger
- Winter equipment includes a standard heat pump, a dedicated Snow drive setting, and heated seats available in all three rows
How NEMPA Evaluates Winter Vehicles
The association’s winter program runs across the six New England states, with members assessing vehicles on the equipment that matters in cold climates and on how they behave in real winter conditions rather than on specification sheets alone. NEMPA describes itself as a guild of automotive journalists, opinion leaders, and content creators whose combined coverage reaches more than 250 million readers, listeners, and viewers monthly.
“The NEMPA Winter Vehicle Awards recognize vehicles that can brave the worst New England weather personally tested by our members across the region,” said Zane Merva, NEMPA President. “The Hyundai IONIQ 9 exceeded those expectations — an EV praised by NEMPA members for its design, capability, and confidence-inspiring performance when the going gets tough.”
Range and Charging Specifications
Every version of the three-row IONIQ 9 uses a 110.3-kWh long-range battery, with three motor configurations available. Hyundai reports EPA-estimated range figures that vary by drivetrain and trim:
- RWD S: 335 miles
- AWD SE and AWD SEL: 320 miles
- AWD Performance Limited and AWD Performance Calligraphy Design: 311 miles
The company states that a 10% to 80% recharge takes roughly 24 minutes on a 350-kW, 800-volt DC ultra-fast charger using the CCS adapter included with the 2026 model. Actual charging times vary with battery state of charge, charger output, and ambient temperature. Vehicle-to-load capability is also included.
Which Winter Features Are Standard?
Hyundai lists a heat pump and heated side mirrors as standard equipment, along with a dedicated Snow setting within Drive Mode Select. Heated seats are available in all three rows. The heat pump is the component most directly tied to cold-weather range, recycling waste heat rather than drawing on the battery for cabin warmth.
“Testing vehicles to perform in all weather conditions is essential to delivering the peace of mind and safety consumers expect,” said Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. “We’re proud that our IONIQ 9 three-row SUV has been named Best Winter EV, a recognition that helps address misconceptions about EV performance in the harshest of elements.”
A Second Consecutive NEMPA Winter EV Award
The IONIQ 9 result extends Hyundai’s run in NEMPA’s winter EV categories. In 2025, the association named the IONIQ 5 N Official Winter EV of New England. Back-to-back wins in the same category give Hyundai a consistent regional data point in a market segment where cold-weather range loss remains a central purchase objection.
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