2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs 2025 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban was a testament to Chevrolet's ability to balance tradition with modernity. With its long-standing reputation as a full-size SUV, the Suburban maintained its iconic profile while introducing a refreshed front fascia and rear end, giving it a contemporary edge. The new lighting signatures added a dramatic flair, yet the overall exterior remained familiar to loyal customers. Inside, the Suburban saw significant upgrades, with a sophisticated dashboard design and a stunning 17.7-inch touchscreen display, replacing the outdated 10.2-inch screen. The interior enhancements elevated the Suburban's appeal, making even the base model feel luxurious.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 embraced a bold and distinctive design that polarized opinions. Its aerodynamic shape, inspired by smooth pebbles and midcentury modern aesthetics, housed a spacious seven-passenger interior. The Ioniq 9's dimensions, with a length of 5,060 mm and a wheelbase of 3,130 mm, provided ample interior volume, rivaling larger SUVs. Despite its size, the Ioniq 9 achieved a remarkable 0.27 drag coefficient. The interior was a masterpiece of space efficiency, featuring flat floors and a sliding centre console, although some design choices, like the stubby rear end, were less universally appealing.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban offered a robust performance lineup, starting with a 5.3-litre V8 engine delivering 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking more power, the 6.2-litre V8 provided 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, standard on the High Country trim. The standout option was the turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six Duramax diesel engine, which saw a power boost to 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. This engine was praised for its quiet operation and impressive fuel efficiency. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Suburban's recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control suspension offered a smoother ride, especially on the Premier and High Country trims.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on its e-GMP platform, with the base Essential trim offering 215 horsepower from a single rear-mounted motor. The dual-motor AWD system on higher trims delivered 303 hp on the Preferred AWD and 422 hp on the Preferred AWD+. Despite its weight, the Ioniq 9 impressed with its energy efficiency, often exceeding its estimated 500-kilometre range. The ride was smooth and quiet, thanks to its softly sprung chassis and advanced noise cancellation features. However, its handling was more akin to a minivan than a sporty SUV, prioritizing comfort over agility.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, offering 1,175 litres of cargo capacity behind the third row, expanding to 2,656 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 4,092 litres with all seats down. It could seat up to six passengers with the three-across front row option. The Suburban also boasted a towing capacity of up to 3,765 kilograms with the Max Trailering Package. The diesel engine's fuel efficiency allowed for nearly 1,000 kilometres of highway driving on a single tank, making it a practical choice for long-distance travel.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-friendly practicality, seating seven with a middle-row bench or six with captain's chairs in the Ultimate Calligraphy Package. The sliding centre console and generous legroom in the middle row enhanced passenger comfort. However, the third row's 813 mm of legroom felt tight for adults. Cargo space was competitive for a crossover, with 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,462 litres with all seats folded. The Ioniq 9's design facilitated easy access, with wide-swinging rear doors and ample headroom.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban made significant strides in technology, featuring a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by an 11-inch driver information display and an optional 15-inch HUD. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google Built-in were standard, offering seamless connectivity. However, the new steering wheel controls were less intuitive, and the Bose stereo system left room for improvement compared to competitors.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9's infotainment system comprised dual 12.3-inch displays, offering a familiar interface with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While the screens were visually appealing, they were prone to fingerprints and glare. The Ioniq 9 included a wireless charging pad, although it struggled to keep up with high-demand devices. The 14-speaker Bose audio system impressed with its balanced sound quality, providing an enjoyable listening experience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review, but it included a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind zone monitoring. GM's Super Cruise technology was available on most trims, offering hands-free driving capabilities.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 also lacked crash-test ratings but came equipped with an extensive array of ADAS features, including Highway Driving Assist 2 for supervised hands-free driving. The Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ trims added a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor, enhancing safety and convenience.