2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Off-Road Concept

• Co-designed with BigTime’s Jeremiah Burton and Zach Jobe.

• Features lifted suspension, light bar, and rugged tires for off-road terrain.

• Based on Ioniq 9 Calligraphy AWD delivering up to 422 hp and 516 lb-ft torque.

A Bigger, Bolder Take on Electric Utility

Hyundai has used the SEMA stage to push boundaries before, but the 2025 Ioniq 9 Off-Road Concept signals a more adventurous direction for its EV lineup. Revealed in Las Vegas and developed in collaboration with Jeremiah Burton and Zach Jobe — the creative duo behind BigTime — the concept turns Hyundai’s flagship electric SUV into a trail-ready statement.

Displayed in SEMA’s Future Tech Studio, a space dedicated to electric innovation, the Ioniq 9 concept pairs futuristic design with classic off-road cues. The project was photographed in Los Angeles just before the show, and it stands as one of Hyundai’s most personality-driven EV studies to date.

Designed for the Wild

Visually, the concept leaves little doubt about its intentions. A raised suspension system and special wheels with aggressive all-terrain tires allow it to ride higher than the production model. A custom auxiliary light bar crowns the front end, while matte finish accents and widened arches emphasize stance and capability.

According to Hyundai North America’s Chief Marketing Officer Sean Gilpin, the concept captures “innovation and customization — the hallmarks of any successful SEMA concept.” It’s an evolution of the Ioniq design language, now infused with the grit of the off-road community.

Built with BigTime

BigTime — a creative partnership between automotive personalities Burton and Jobe — is known for bringing energy and humor to car culture. For the Ioniq 9 project, they infused a mix of nostalgia and modern tech, drawing partial inspiration from their 1977 vintage cabover truck nicknamed “Bud.”

That blend of “new-tech-meets-vintage” styling gives the concept a unique presence. “We believe all cars are cool, no matter what you drive,” Burton said. “Bringing some elements from the off-road scene to the EV scene can hopefully inspire future off-roaders”.

Performance: Power Meets Purpose

Underneath the rugged visuals lies the Ioniq 9 Calligraphy AWD drivetrain — Hyundai’s most potent production configuration — delivering up to 422 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque through dual motors. The electric setup ensures instant response across varying terrain, reinforcing the concept’s go-anywhere ambition.

Technical Specifications

• Model: Ioniq 9 Off-Road Concept (SEMA 2025)
  
• Powertrain: Dual-motor AWD (based on Ioniq 9 Calligraphy)
  
• Power Output: 422 hp / 516 lb-ft torque
  
• Features: Lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, auxiliary light bar, custom wheels
  
• Collaborators: Jeremiah Burton and Zach Jobe (BigTime)
  
• Display Venue: SEMA Future Tech Studio, Las Vegas

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