Six seats, 422 horsepower and a long list of second-row upgrades distinguish the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Preferred AWD+ with Ultimate Calligraphy Package. It sits at the top of the Canadian range, but the cheaper Preferred AWD+ already offers the same quoted output. The extra money buys a different cabin and equipment package rather than another increase in power.
This guide covers the Canadian Ultimate Calligraphy configuration identified in our video, including its seating, electric powertrain, charging requirements, driver assistance and model-year launch pricing.
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Canada’s 2026 lineup starts with Essential RWD, followed by Preferred AWD, Preferred AWD+, Preferred AWD with Luxury Package and Preferred AWD+ with Ultimate Calligraphy Package. The package names matter: Luxury uses the 303-hp AWD powertrain, while Ultimate Calligraphy combines the higher-output AWD+ system with six-passenger seating.
Canadian trim comparison
These are Hyundai Auto Canada’s launch MSRPs dated May 13, 2025, in Canadian dollars. The announcement excludes $2,050 in delivery and destination charges. Taxes, applicable fees and extra-cost choices are outside this comparison. These are historical launch figures, not current dealer quotes or a final price for the video vehicle.
| Canadian configuration | Launch MSRP (CAD) | Difference vs Ultimate Calligraphy | Standard equipment and distinctions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential RWD | $59,999 | $21,500 less | 215 hp; seven seats, 19-inch wheels; 539-km rated range. |
| Preferred AWD | $64,999 | $16,500 less | 303 hp; seven seats, AWD, heated steering wheel and Digital Key; 515 km. |
| Preferred AWD+ | $64,999 | $16,500 less | 422 hp; seven seats, 21-inch wheels, Bose audio and surround/blind-view cameras; 500 km. |
| Preferred AWD with Luxury Package | $76,499 | $5,000 less | 303 hp; seven seats, 20-inch wheels, panoramic roof and front relaxation seats; 515 km. |
| Preferred AWD+ with Ultimate Calligraphy Package — featured configuration | $81,499 | Reference | 422 hp; six seats, second-row relaxation/ventilation, 21-inch wheels, head-up display and digital rearview mirror; 500 km. |
The two $64,999 versions are not a simple equipment ladder. Hyundai’s product card builds Preferred AWD+ from Essential, whereas Ultimate Calligraphy incorporates the Luxury package before adding its own features. The $16,500 gap between base AWD+ and Ultimate Calligraphy is therefore mostly a cabin-and-equipment decision. Sources: Canadian launch pricing and 2026 trim specification card.
Electric powertrain
The featured configuration has dual-motor HTRAC all-wheel drive, a 110.3-kWh battery and an 800-volt charging architecture. Hyundai publishes 422 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque for the highest-output version. The lower-priced Preferred AWD+ has the same quoted horsepower; Luxury’s regular AWD powertrain is rated at 303 hp.
Ultimate Calligraphy includes terrain modes for Snow, Mud and Sand through its Luxury-package equipment. Hyundai also lists a self-leveling rear suspension on its 2026 showroom page. Source: Hyundai Canada’s 2026 IONIQ 9 overview.
Range and electricity consumption
Natural Resources Canada’s 2026 guide lists the IONIQ 9 AWD Performance at 500 km of range, with electricity consumption of 23.2 kWh/100 km city, 26.5 highway and 24.7 combined. The standard AWD model is rated at 515 km and Essential RWD at 539 km. These are standardized ratings rather than winter, towing or individual-owner results. Source: NRCan’s 2026 Fuel Consumption Guide.
Compared with the seven-seat Luxury configuration, Ultimate Calligraphy trades 15 km of rated range for the higher-output drivetrain and its equipment changes. Compared with base Preferred AWD+, its published range and horsepower are unchanged. The extra purchase price should therefore be judged mainly against the seating and convenience upgrades.
Charging
Hyundai quotes approximately 24 minutes from 10 to 80 percent using a suitable 350-kW, 800-volt DC fast charger and the included CCS adapter. The vehicle has a native NACS port for compatible charging locations, including eligible Tesla Supercharger sites.
The 24-minute figure is tied to that specified charging setup, not a promise for every NACS or CCS station. Charger output, battery temperature, starting charge and other conditions affect the result. A station’s advertised power is also different from the power the vehicle accepts throughout a charging session. Hyundai’s launch announcement and charging footnote explain the conditions behind the estimate.
Interior, seating and cargo
Ultimate Calligraphy has a 2+2+2 six-seat layout. The second row uses captain’s chairs with relaxation-seat leg rests, wing-out headrests, one-touch walk-in access and ventilation. These seats are a major reason to select this configuration, and they replace the three-place second row available in the seven-seat versions.
Quilted leatherette upholstery, a driver Ergo-Motion seat, a sliding centre console, a microfiber suede headliner and aluminum dashboard trim are included. The package also includes front relaxation seats with leg rests, front ventilation, second-row heating and power folding for the third row through its Luxury content.
The panoramic sunroof, rear door sunshades and power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel are also inherited from Luxury. With six passengers aboard, the third row remains raised; folding it for more luggage removes those seating positions. Buyers who need seven places should focus on the lower configurations rather than assuming the top package has the greatest passenger capacity.
Infotainment and connectivity
A 12.3-inch instrument display and a separate 12.3-inch navigation touchscreen form the main display pair. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging and seven USB-C ports are listed. Ultimate Calligraphy also receives the 14-speaker Bose system, active road-noise cancellation and an interior vehicle-to-load outlet through its Luxury specification.
The package adds a 10-inch head-up display and a full-display digital rearview mirror. These are useful distinctions from the lower AWD+ configuration, which already includes Bose audio and the surround/blind-view camera systems. Phone-dependent features and connected services remain subject to compatible devices and service terms. Source: the Canadian 2026 product card.
Towing
Hyundai lists a maximum 5,000-lb towing capacity for the AWD configurations, compared with 3,500 lb for Essential RWD. Trailer prewiring is included in the equipment inherited by Ultimate Calligraphy. That should not be described as proof that the vehicle in the video has a complete installed towing setup.
The appropriate hitch and equipment, loaded trailer weight and the vehicle’s load limits still apply. The 500-km range rating is not a towing-range estimate.
Safety and driver assistance
Standard equipment includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Highway Driving Assist 2, adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, blind-spot collision-avoidance assistance and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assistance. Surround View and Blind View monitors are included in this package.
Ultimate Calligraphy adds Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, forward/side/reverse parking collision-avoidance assistance and Forward Attention Warning with a driver-facing camera. These systems have operating limits and require appropriate driver supervision; they do not make the IONIQ 9 autonomous.
Pricing and buying decision
The $81,499 launch MSRP places Ultimate Calligraphy $5,000 above Luxury and $16,500 above base Preferred AWD+. Luxury is the relevant comparison for a buyer who wants a well-equipped seven-seat cabin. Ultimate Calligraphy adds the more powerful drivetrain, six-seat arrangement and second-row relaxation features, along with the head-up display and digital mirror.
If power, Bose audio and surround-view cameras are the priorities, base Preferred AWD+ offers those at a substantially lower launch price. The top package makes its stronger case through passenger equipment. Delivery, fees, taxes, paint and accessories must be kept separate when comparing an actual quotation with these launch MSRPs.
Related reviews
For another three-row Hyundai with a different powertrain and seating arrangement, read our 2026 Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy review. It focuses on the seven-seat V6 configuration and identifies the hybrid separately; neither requires the IONIQ 9’s plug-in charging routine.
Frequently asked questions
Does Ultimate Calligraphy seat seven?
No. This Canadian package has six seats with second-row captain’s chairs. The other listed configurations have seven seats.
Does it have more horsepower than the base Preferred AWD+?
No. Both are rated at 422 hp. Ultimate Calligraphy adds its seating, finish and technology package.
Is the 24-minute charge claim valid at every charger?
No. Hyundai specifies a suitable 350-kW, 800-volt DC charger and the CCS adapter for that 10–80% estimate. Actual charging time varies with conditions.