Hyundai IONIQ 9 Named to Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion System List

• Hyundai Receives 19^th Engine & Propulsion System Award by Wards  

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 24, 2025 -- Hyundai's newest electric vehicle, the IONIQ 9, has been named one of Wards' 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems for 2025. This prestigious recognition marks Hyundai's 19^th powertrain honor from Wards since the awards program began in 1995. Among this year's winners, four electric vehicles were selected, with the IONIQ 9 earning its place among the top ten for its innovation and performance.

"The propulsion system in the IONIQ 9 gives the SUV some pop off the line — even in Normal drive mode. The Sport gear just takes it up another notch," says Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsions Systems' Judge Dave Zoia. "And it's not just the off-the-line power that impresses; it also has plenty of punch left when accelerating at speeds beyond 85 mph. It also boasts a range that's among the best, and it ran true in our testing."

The focus of the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems competition is to identify those products that standout with improved performance in range, fuel economy and advanced technologies with compelling powertrain advancements that are all-new or significantly improved.

"Hyundai remains dedicated to advancing electrification, as demonstrated by our acclaimed EV portfolio, which includes the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 5 N, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 9 models," stated Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. "Hyundai's Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) platform utilized in our electric vehicles supports ultra-fast 800V charging capabilities, addressing the demands of today's consumers. Furthermore, the IONIQ 9 achieves an EPA-estimated range exceeding 300 miles,¹ with the IONIQ 9 RWD S trim reaching up to 335 miles per charge. The IONIQ 9 is also manufactured domestically at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia."

Evaluations of nominated vehicles for the 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems took place during the summer 2025, with judges experiencing vehicles during their daily driving. Judges rate new or heavily refreshed engines or propulsion systems in vehicles on horsepower, torque, NVH management, observed efficiency and new technology onboard. There is no price cap, but overall value is a consideration. This marks the 31st year for Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems, a competition created to recognize outstanding powertrain achievement and highlight the teams that create them. This year, 28 nominees competed for the prestigious awards. All-new or significantly updated propulsion systems qualify for consideration, along with winners from the 2024 class.

The 2025 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems awards ceremony will be held on October 23, 2025, at Lovett Hall in Dearborn, MI.

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Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

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