Hyundai’s flagship electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, has been named Vehicle of the Year by Auto Focus, the automotive YouTube channel helmed by leading tech reviewers and influencers Marques Brownlee and Miles Somerville.
The announcement was made just ahead of the holiday season as Brownlee and Somerville recounted the favorite vehicles they evaluated in 2025. The Auto Focus Award for Vehicle of the Year reinforces the new IONIQ 9’s growing reputation for innovation, performance, and design.
The Hyundai IONIQ 9 Limited is photographed in California City, Calif., on Nov. 20, 2024.
The Auto Focus Vehicle of the Year award highlights the new model that best combines technology, design, and overall driving experience in a way that feels forward-thinking and impactful for consumers. In their 2025 recap video, Brownlee and Somerville emphasized that the award is not just about specs, it’s about the vehicle that made the biggest impression throughout the year, balancing innovation with real-world usability.
“The IONIQ 9 has all of this space, a really great, solid drivetrain, a good amount of range, good software, good materials, NACS port, just good everything,” said Brownlee during the announcement.
“Hyundai remains committed to delivering world-class electric vehicles that meet the evolving needs of consumers,” said Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. “We’re proud of this recognition from Auto Focus that highlights the IONIQ 9’s ability to combine advanced technology, luxurious interior accommodations, along with exceptional power, range, and ease of charging.”
The Auto Focus Vehicle of the Year award is based on a yearlong evaluation of standout vehicles, weighing factors including technology, design, and real-world usability. By earning this recognition, IONIQ 9 demonstrates how Hyundai’s EVs align with what tech-savvy drivers value most: range, performance, simple charging, and thoughtful innovation.