7 Ways the IONIQ 9's Interior Redefines the Canadian Road Trip
August 30 2025,
The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 transforms how Pictou County families approach long-distance travel. Built on Hyundai's innovative E-GMP platform, this three-row electric SUV creates an interior environment that goes far beyond traditional vehicle design. From exploring Cape Breton's coastal highways to venturing toward Halifax and beyond, the IONIQ 9's cabin becomes your family's mobile headquarters.
Extended journeys through Nova Scotia's varied landscape demand more than just comfortable seats and entertainment systems. The IONIQ 9 addresses every aspect of regional travel, turning charging stops into opportunities for relaxation and scenic breaks along the Northumberland Shore into genuine comfort experiences. Here's how this electric SUV redefines the Atlantic Canadian road trip experience.
Flat Floor Design Creates Open-Concept Living
The E-GMP platform's flat floor design eliminates the traditional drivetrain tunnel that runs through most vehicles. This engineering approach creates an open, spacious environment that feels more like a living room than a vehicle interior. Passengers can move freely between the second and third rows, while the open floor space allows for creative seating arrangements during extended stops.
The flat design also provides practical storage solutions underneath the floor. Small items, charging cables, and travel essentials fit neatly out of sight, keeping the cabin organized during multi-day journeys.
Relaxation Seats Transform Charging Time
Available relaxation seats with leg-rests turn charging stops into genuine rest periods. The front driver and passenger relaxation seats, included in the Luxury Package, extend to support your entire leg while reclining to a comfortable angle. The Ultimate Calligraphy Package adds second-row captain chairs with the same relaxation functionality.
During the 24-minute charge time from 10 to 80 percent, these seats provide the comfort of a premium airline seat. Parents can truly relax while kids stretch out in the spacious cabin, making fast-charging stops feel like planned rest breaks rather than necessary delays.
Sliding Centre Console Creates Shared Storage
The Ultimate Calligraphy Package includes a clever sliding centre console drawer that transforms how families share storage space. When the front armrest console opens, items can drop down to the vehicle floor - but here's the smart part: second-row passengers can slide this drawer toward themselves to access shared storage, then slide it back when finished.
This design eliminates the awkward reach-around that happens in most vehicles when rear passengers need something from the front console. During road trips, kids can access snacks, chargers, or entertainment items without disturbing the driver, while parents can easily share items back to the second row when needed.
At a Glance: IONIQ 9 Interior Features
|
Feature |
Benefit for Road Trips |
|---|---|
|
Flat floor design |
Open cabin movement, hidden storage |
|
Relaxation seats |
Comfortable charging stops, reduced fatigue |
|
Sliding console |
Flexible seating arrangements |
|
Three-row seating |
Up to 7-8 passengers depending on configuration |
|
USB-C ports (7 total) |
Keep all devices charged |
|
Dual-zone climate |
Individual comfort preferences |
Premium Materials Handle Canadian Conditions
The IONIQ 9's interior materials handle the demands of Atlantic Canadian travel. Leatherette seating surfaces, available on Preferred trims and higher, resist wear from outdoor gear and are easy to clean after hiking trails around Antigonish or beach visits to Singing Sands. The Premium Calligraphy Package adds quilted leatherette surfaces that provide both luxury and durability.
Heated front seats come standard across all trim levels, while the Luxury Package adds heated second-row seats. These features prove essential during shoulder season travel when temperatures can vary dramatically between New Glasgow's inland climate and the coastal areas along the Northumberland Shore.
Technology Keeps Everyone Connected
Seven USB-C charging ports ensure every passenger can maintain their devices throughout extended journeys. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen provides navigation and entertainment, while wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay keep connectivity simple and cable-free.
The Bose 14-speaker premium audio system, available on the Preferred AWD+ and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, creates an immersive sound environment that enhances both music and audiobooks during long stretches of highway driving.
Cargo Flexibility Accommodates Adventure Gear
The IONIQ 9's cargo area adapts to different travel needs through power-folding third-row seats (available on Luxury Package and higher trims). Whether you're carrying camping gear for a weekend at Caribou-Munroe Provincial Park or sports equipment for a family ski trip to Wentworth Valley, the flexible cargo configuration handles varying load requirements.
The smart power liftgate provides hands-free access when your arms are full of gear, while the available luggage net keeps smaller items organized and secure during travel.
Which Configuration is Right for Your Family?
Essential RWD offers the core road trip features with heated front seats, three-row seating, and the full suite of charging ports. This trim provides 539 kilometres of range, ideal for most Maritime travel needs.
Preferred AWD trims add all-wheel drive capability and leatherette seating, while the Luxury Package brings the front relaxation seats that transform charging stops. The Ultimate Calligraphy Package provides the complete road trip experience with second-row captain chairs, relaxation seats, and the sliding centre console.
Experience the IONIQ 9 at Central Nova Hyundai
The 2026 IONIQ 9 is offered at Central Nova Hyundai in New Glasgow, bringing this innovative electric SUV to Nova Scotia families. Visit our showroom to experience how the E-GMP platform and thoughtful interior design can transform your next Canadian road trip adventure.
