Hyundai’s electric SUV looks mean as an off-roader [Images]

Hyundai’s new electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, looks like a beast as an off-roader. The IONIQ 9 off-road concept is more than up for the adventure with a few “BigTime” upgrades.

Meet the Hyundai IONIQ 9 off-road electric SUV concept

We knew Hyundai was up to something after an IONIQ 9 prototype was caught rocking a rugged new look earlier this month.

Although it was camouflaged, you could clearly see it had a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and other added features, suggesting an off-road variant was in the works.

Now, we are getting our first official look at the off-roader. Hyundai revealed the IONIQ 9 off-road concept for the first time ahead of the SEMA Show 2025.

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As we expected, the concept features a similar look to the prototype spotted earlier this month with a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and unique wheels. One thing we did not see was the custom auxiliary light bar on the roof.

Based on the range-topping IONIQ 9 Calligraphy, the off-roader delivers up to 422 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque with an AWD powertrain.

Hyundai is working with BigTime content creators, Jeremiah Burton and Zach Jobe, to bring the off-road electric SUV to life. The concept will be showcased in SEMA’s Future Tech Studio, a dedicated section at the event to emerging EV tech.

The off-road electric SUV is “more than up for the adventure,” Hyundai Motor North America’s marketing boss, Sean Gilpin, said after unveiling the concept for the first time.

Hyundai drew inspiration from “Bud,” its 1977-vintage cabover, to give the electric SUV a modern twist on the vintage classic.

The IONIQ 9 off-road concept will be showcased at the SEMA Show, starting on November 4. Check back next week for more photos and details.

Although Hyundai didn’t say, the rugged concept could hint that an IONIQ 9 XRT is in the works, similar to the IONIQ 5 XRT.

Given that the IONIQ 5 XRT starts at $55,400 in the US, sitting below the Limited AWD trim, the IONIQ 9 XRT would likely see a similar pricing structure. The current range-topping IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy Design trim starts at $78,090.

Hyundai has the 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT listed for lease starting at just $379 per month right now with the 2026 models arriving. The 2026 model year is available to lease for $419 per month. Hyundai’s three-row IONIQ 9 is listed with monthly leases starting at $419.

Interested in test driving Hyundai’s electric SUVs for yourself? You can use our links below to find models in your area.