Acura RDX vs Hyundai Ioniq 9

The 2025 Acura RDX was positioned between the smaller ADX and the larger three-row MDX in Acura's lineup. It was available in a base level of specification, as well as A-Spec or Platinum Elite A-Spec trims. Each RDX came with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices ranged from $57,526 to $66,356, including the $2,595 destination charge and other fees. The U.S. equivalent of the Platinum Elite A-Spec test vehicle had extra-cost paint and carried a Canadian MSRP of $64,756, including destination.

The RDX’s styling had aged gracefully, receiving a few tweaks for 2025. The grille adopted a frameless appearance with a different mesh insert, and revised wheel designs and finishes were available across the lineup. New paint colours, Solar Silver and Urban Grey Pearl, were introduced. The Platinum Elite A-Spec model’s 20-inch multi-spoke wheel design featured a machined surface, contributing to a design that was easy on the eyes, except for the oversized air inlets on the front bumper. The A-Spec treatment gave the test vehicle a sportier look with gloss black exterior accents and a finned rear diffuser panel. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim included full leather upholstery, a standard panoramic glass sunroof, and ambient lighting, enhancing the cabin's quality feel.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 was a distinctive electric crossover with a design that divided opinions. Inspired by smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas, its aerodynamic shape comfortably housed seven passengers. Measuring 5,060 millimetres in length with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, it offered terrific interior volume, despite its size. The Ioniq 9 achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, making it more aerodynamic than larger SUVs like the Rivian.

The Ioniq 9's design was effective in terms of space efficiency, though not universally considered beautiful. Its swooping roofline was offset by a stubby rear end, inspired by a ship's stern, and horizontal character lines above each wheel well added dissonance. The rear view was the most recognizable, with LED taillights wrapping around nearly 75 percent of the tail's circumference. Hyundai offered seven paint colours in Canada, with trim-specific options. Wheels ranged from 19 to 21 inches, with unique designs for higher trims. Inside, the Ioniq 9 was spacious and airy, with flat floors and a sliding centre console. The interior featured high-quality plastic, a panoramic sunroof, and leatherette upholstery in higher trims.

The 2025 Acura RDX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters directed power to all four wheels through Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, capable of sending up to 70 percent of engine output to a single rear wheel. The Integrated Dynamics System (IDS) allowed drivers to choose from Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, adjusting powertrain response and steering effort. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim featured an adaptive-damping suspension.

The RDX's performance was lively, but fuel consumption increased with aggressive driving. The official fuel economy rating was 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres combined for the base trim and 10.3 L/100 km for A-Spec trims. During testing, the RDX averaged 14.6 L/100 km in mountainous terrain. Despite feeling a bit dated initially, the RDX's driving dynamics were enjoyable, with crisp steering, authoritative brakes, and a well-matched adaptive damping suspension. However, the A-Spec badge reflected sporty looks rather than performance, and the RDX lacked the thrill of a true performance model.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai’s e-GMP platform. The base Essential trim had a single rear-mounted 160-kW electric motor, producing 215 horsepower. Other trims had dual-motor AWD systems, with the Preferred AWD making 303 hp and the Preferred AWD+ generating 422 hp. The Ioniq 9 demonstrated impressive energy efficiency, often exceeding the 500-kilometre range estimate.

The Ioniq 9's chassis was softly sprung, providing a smooth ride but lacking cornering sophistication. It was quiet, with active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing tires. The Ioniq 9 had a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms for RWD and 2,268 kilograms for AWD models. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with fast charging times. An AC Level 2 home charger could fully charge the battery in 9 hours 40 minutes.

The 2025 Acura RDX Platinum Elite A-Spec trim offered 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard rear seats. The interior featured soft or padded surfaces, but front seat comfort was compromised for taller drivers. Rear seat comfort was limited by a flat bottom cushion and excessive backrest recline angle. Storage space was generous, with oversized cupholders and a wireless charging pad. The cargo area offered 835 litres of space, expanding to 1,668 litres with the rear seats folded. Three underfloor storage compartments added versatility.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-SUV practicality, seating seven with a middle-row bench or six with captain’s chairs in the Ultimate Calligraphy Package. The sliding centre console improved access for middle-row passengers. The Ioniq 9 offered 1,086 millimetres of legroom in the middle row and 813 mm in the third row. Dual-zone climate control, air vents in all rows, and a heat pump were standard. Heated front seats were standard, with heated second-row seats available in higher trims. The cargo area provided 620 litres of space, expanding to 1,323 and 2,462 litres with the third and second rows folded. The small front trunk was best for storing the charging cable and adapter.

The 2025 Acura RDX featured a 10.2-inch display controlled by the TTI touchpad, which required coordination between the pad and display. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa Built-in were available, reducing the need for the touchpad. The infotainment system included SiriusXM satellite radio, AcuraLink connected services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium sound system with 16 speakers in higher trims.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had dual curved 12.3-inch displays, offering a familiar infotainment interface. SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. Six USB-C ports provided ample charging options. The test car featured a 14-speaker Bose audio system, delivering crisp sound quality.

The 2025 Acura RDX came with the AcuraWatch safety package, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered low-speed braking and a surround-view camera system. The RDX earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It included advanced driver assistance systems, such as collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, driver attention warning, safe-exit assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2. Higher trims featured a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.