2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 SE: Lakeland Buyers Guide

Two motors, one clear reason to pick this trim

The jump from S to SE is entirely about the drivetrain. A second motor at the front axle brings HTRAC all-wheel drive and pushes combined output to 303 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque — a real step up from the S's 215 hp single motor — and Hyundai backs it with a dedicated Terrain Mode offering Snow, Mud, and Sand settings for whatever a Central Florida afternoon throws at it, whether that's a flooded parking lot after a summer downpour or a soft boat-ramp shoulder. The tradeoff is 15 miles of EPA range versus the S (320 vs. 335), which is a fair trade for most households that value the added grip and the peace of mind that comes with it.

What else the SE picks up

Beyond the AWD system, the SE adds a power passenger seat to match the driver's — meaning both front-row occupants get 8-way adjustment — plus 2-way power lumbar support on both sides. The 19-inch wheels, 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluelink+, and the full SmartSense safety suite all carry over unchanged from the S, since none of that is trim-gated on the Ioniq 9. Seven-passenger seating with the second-row bench stays standard as well; the switch to captain's chairs doesn't happen until Limited.

SE vs. SEL: same powertrain, different cabin

SE and SEL share the identical 303-hp AWD powertrain and 320-mile range — the difference between them is entirely comfort and camera equipment, not how the vehicle drives or how far it goes. SEL adds 20-inch wheels, H-Tex leatherette in place of cloth, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Surround View Monitor for roughly $3,555 more. A buyer cross-shopping the two should think of it as a cabin-tech decision, not a performance one.

Why Lakeland Hyundai buyers pick the AWD trims

Donald B. described his own purchase of a Hyundai EV on the AWD side of the lineup: "Recently had the pleasure of purchasing a 2026 Ioniq 5 with the assistance of Sales Rep Carlos Maysonet. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and provided updates during every step of the car buying experience. Highly recommend Lakeland Automall, great customer lounge and friendly, no-pressure staff. Will be back." Carlos Maysonet remains on the dealership's current Hyundai sales team, and the same no-pressure approach reviewers describe applies whether the deal in question is an S or a fully-loaded SE.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the 2026 Ioniq 9 SE?

$62,765 MSRP plus the $1,600 destination charge, before Florida sales tax, tag, and title fees.

Does the SE have all-wheel drive?

Yes — SE is the first Ioniq 9 trim with standard HTRAC AWD, a dual-motor system producing 303 hp combined.

What's the range difference between S and SE?

The S is EPA-rated for 335 miles; the SE (and SEL) are rated for 320 miles. The 15-mile gap reflects the added weight and energy draw of the second motor and AWD system.

Is the SE worth it over the S?

If all-wheel-drive traction and Terrain Mode matter for how or where you drive, yes. If range is the priority and front- or rear-wheel drive is fine, the S covers the same safety and tech features for less and goes farther on a charge.

The bottom line

The SE is the Ioniq 9 for buyers who want the added confidence of all-wheel drive without paying for SEL's leatherette and camera package — a straightforward traction upgrade over the S, nothing more, nothing less.