2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs 2026 Jeep Cherokee

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 presented a bold and distinctive design that divided opinions. Its aerodynamic shape, inspired by smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas, was crafted to house seven passengers comfortably. Measuring 5,060 millimetres in length with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, the Ioniq 9 offered impressive interior volume, akin to a Honda Pilot in length but with a wheelbase longer than a Chevy Tahoe. Despite its size, it achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, making it more aerodynamic than larger SUVs like the Rivian. However, its design was not universally praised, with a swooping roofline and a stubby rear end inspired by a ship's stern, creating a polarizing aesthetic. The rear view, with LED taillights wrapping around the tail's circumference, was particularly recognizable.

In contrast, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee adopted a more traditional boxy shape reminiscent of the classic XJ Cherokee from the 1980s and 1990s. This design was less polarizing than its predecessor, the KL model, but it also appeared somewhat generic amidst the rugged look trend in crossovers. The rear-end design was more successful, combining an XJ-like profile with aerodynamic surfacing and distinctive "X" pattern taillights. Sharing the Stellantis STLA Large platform with other models, the Cherokee maintained good proportions for a compact SUV. The appearance remained consistent across trim levels, with the Overland trim featuring 20-inch wheels as a notable distinction. Inside, the Cherokee's interior exceeded expectations with its style, featuring a concave dashboard and a rotary shifter reminiscent of the Grand Wagoneer.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 was equipped with a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai's e-GMP platform, offering a larger capacity than similar models like the Kia EV9 and Tesla Model X. The base Essential trim featured a single rear-mounted 160-kW electric motor, delivering 215 horsepower with rear-wheel drive. Other trims boasted a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, with the Preferred AWD producing 303 hp and the Preferred AWD+ generating 422 hp. Despite its power, the Ioniq 9 demonstrated impressive energy efficiency, often exceeding the estimated 500-kilometre range. The vehicle's weight and soft suspension provided a smooth ride, though it lacked agility in corners. The Ioniq 9 was notably quiet, with active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing features. Towing capacity varied from 1,587 kilograms for the RWD model to 2,268 kilograms for AWD models. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with varying charging times depending on the charger type.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee launched with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a two-motor hybrid system, producing 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. The standard all-wheel-drive system featured a clutch-based rear-axle disconnect for improved fuel economy but lacked the capability of traditional 4WD systems. Jeep's Selec-Terrain drive modes and best-in-class approach and departure angles enhanced its off-road potential, though the test drive didn't include off-roading. The hybrid system delivered smooth power transitions, and the Cherokee was quiet and comfortable, though not particularly agile in corners. The steering had some play, and regenerative braking was limited. The Cherokee's towing capacity matched the Ioniq 9's RWD model at 1,587 kilograms.

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-SUV practicality, offering seating for seven with a middle-row bench or six with captain's chairs in the Preferred AWD+ Ultimate Calligraphy Package. The sliding centre console improved access for middle-row passengers. The Ioniq 9 provided 1,086 millimetres of legroom in the middle row, though the third row's 813 mm felt tight for adults. The rear doors facilitated easy access, and dual-zone climate control with air vents in all rows was standard. Cargo space ranged from 620 litres behind the third row to 2,462 litres with seats folded. However, the front trunk was small, suitable for storing charging cables.

The Jeep Cherokee offered comparable headroom and legroom to competitors, with comfortable seats despite a deep dashboard and steep windshield affecting visibility. Power-adjustable seats were available on higher trims, and heated front seats were standard in Canada. Rear-seat legroom was less than some rivals, and cargo space was 951 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,934 litres with seats folded. The Cherokee's towing capacity was 1,587 kilograms. The dashboard maintained important analog controls, though some buttons were hard to find, and touch sensors for climate controls lacked feedback.

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured dual curved 12.3-inch displays with a familiar infotainment interface, offering SiriusXM, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad was standard, though it struggled to keep up with high-demand devices. Six USB-C ports provided ample charging options. The 14-speaker Bose audio system delivered impressive sound quality, rivaling higher-end systems.

The Jeep Cherokee came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, running the Uconnect 5 system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging available on higher trims. Uconnect 5 offered stability and OTA updates, though the digital cluster's graphics were plain. The native navigation system was laggy, and the audio system showed little difference between trim levels.

The Hyundai Ioniq 9 included a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, such as collision avoidance, lane guidance, driver attention warning, and Highway Driving Assist 2. The latter combined lane-keeping assist with adaptive cruise control for supervised hands-free driving. Higher trims added a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.

The Jeep Cherokee offered standard driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Active Driving Assist was also standard, with traffic sign recognition on the Overland model. A surround-view camera system was optional. Crash test ratings were unavailable for both vehicles.