Hyundai IONIQ 9 trim comparison
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 SE vs Performance Calligraphy Design
The IONIQ 9 SE starts at $62,765 while the Performance Calligraphy Design is $76,490. That $13,725 gap buys 4 meaningful differences.
You are paying $13,725 for styling and convenience. The driving experience is identical.
Stay with the SE if keeping roughly $242/month in your budget matters. Step up to the Performance Calligraphy Design only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty. That is the real decision hiding inside this $13,725 trim jump.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $242/month more over 60 months, or roughly $14,520 extra all-in once interest is included.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
Both the SE and Performance Calligraphy Design share the same 1-speed direct drive transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $13,725 for 3 measurable differences, which works out to about $4,575 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 4 specification differences, 2 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | SE | Performance Calligraphy Design |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $62,765 | $76,490 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | electric | electric |
| Horsepower | 303 hp | 422 hp |
| Torque | 446 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 5,745 lbs | 6,008 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 123.2" | 123.2" |
| Length | 199.2" | 199.2" |
| Width | 78.0" | 78.0" |
| Height | 70.5" | 70.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 SE vs Performance Calligraphy Design Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Hyundai IONIQ 9 lineup, the Hyundai brand hub, the Midsize SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 IONIQ 9 Performance Calligraphy Design cost than the SE?
The Performance Calligraphy Design starts at $76,490 compared to $62,765 for the SE. That is a $13,725 difference, or approximately $242/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 SE and Performance Calligraphy Design have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the electric producing 303 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do the 2026 IONIQ 9 SE and Performance Calligraphy Design have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2026 IONIQ 9 SE or Performance Calligraphy Design safer?
Both share the same Hyundai IONIQ 9 platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 come with?
All 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 trims, including both the SE and Performance Calligraphy Design, come with Hyundai's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the IONIQ 9 Performance Calligraphy Design Worth $13,725 More?
The IONIQ 9 Performance Calligraphy Design costs $13,725 more than the SE. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value horsepower and torque. These features matter to some buyers daily and barely at all to others. Weigh them against your priorities.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
119 more horsepower in the Performance Calligraphy Design. A jump this size changes how the IONIQ 9 feels on the highway. 70 more lb-ft for the Performance Calligraphy Design. A noticeable difference in low-end acceleration.
Bottom Line
$13,725 more for the IONIQ 9 Performance Calligraphy Design gets you 3 real differences. At $242/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Hyundai IONIQ 9 SE
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the SE best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Hyundai IONIQ 9 Performance Calligraphy Design
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Performance Calligraphy Design when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.