Audi Q7 vs Hyundai IONIQ 9

The 2025 Audi Q7 showcased a refined exterior with a new front fascia, featuring standard Matrix-design LED headlamps and distinctive daytime running lights. The front spoiler and rear diffuser were subtly adjusted, and the grille was updated with vertical inlays within its octagon frame, resulting in a more cohesive look. Customization options allowed buyers to choose different finishes for the front bumper, door trim, and rear diffuser, while the Black Optic package added black accents and Anthracite Gray Audi rings. The laser-etched badging on the B-pillar was a unique touch, and the Q7 was available in nine colours, including the new Sakhir Gold. The interior, however, saw minimal updates, with limited choices for wood and carbon trim inlays and standard interior colours of black, gray, brown, or beige. Despite the lack of variety, the interior maintained a sleek appearance with stacked infotainment screens and extensive HVAC vents.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 presented a distinctive design that divided opinions, drawing inspiration from smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas. Its aerodynamic shape housed seven passengers comfortably, with dimensions slightly shorter than a Honda Pilot but with a longer wheelbase than a Chevy Tahoe. This resulted in excellent interior volume, despite a 0.27 drag coefficient. The design featured a swooping roofline and a stubby rear end, with horizontal character lines adding to its unique styling. The rear view was particularly recognizable, with LED taillights wrapping around the tail's circumference. The Ioniq 9 was offered in seven paint colours, with trim-specific options, and wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Inside, the Ioniq 9 boasted a spacious and airy interior, with flat floors and a sliding centre console. The interior featured cloth upholstery in black and grey, with leatherette options available in higher trims. Despite some plastic elements, the interior maintained a high-quality feel, although the seats lacked thigh support.

The 2025 Audi Q7 offered two engine choices: the 45 TFSI with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, and the 55 TFSI with a 3.0-litre turbo V6 delivering 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The top Technik trim featured the larger engine, providing smooth power delivery through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. While Comfort mode prioritized efficiency, Dynamic mode aimed for sportiness but fell short in steering feedback and transmission responsiveness. The Q7 excelled in handling, thanks to available all-wheel steering, with minimal body roll in tight turns. Drive modes included Individual, All Road, and Off Road, catering to various driving conditions. Fuel economy for the 55 TFSI was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 10.0 highway, and 11.7 combined, while the 45 TFSI offered slightly better figures.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on the e-GMP platform, with the base Essential trim offering rear-wheel drive and a 160-kW electric motor producing 215 horsepower. Other trims received dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems, with power outputs of 303 hp for the Preferred AWD and 422 hp for the Preferred AWD+. The Ioniq 9 impressed with energy efficiency, often exceeding the 500-kilometre range estimate. The chassis was softly sprung, providing a smooth ride but lacking cornering sophistication. The Ioniq 9 was exceptionally quiet, with active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing features. Towing capacity was 1,587 kilograms for the RWD Essential and 2,268 kilograms for AWD models. Charging options included NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with charging times of 40 minutes on a NACS V3 Supercharger and 24 minutes on a 350-kW CCS-port DC Fast Charger.

The 2025 Audi Q7 featured heated front seats, with additional amenities like a 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats in higher trims. The top Technik trim included a Bang & Olufsen stereo system and rear door sunshades, while the Luxury package added massage functions and air quality features. The Q7's three-row seating was best suited for children, with limited space in the third row. Cargo space measured 402 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,011 and 1,970 litres with seats folded. Small storage was limited, with a shallow centre console and door pockets.

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 and air vents in all rows were standard, with heated front seats and additional heating options in higher trims. Cargo space was 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,323 and 2,462 litres with seats folded.

The 2025 Audi Q7 featured the Multi Media Interface (MMI) infotainment system with a 10.1-inch centre screen and a smaller screen for HVAC controls. The digital gauge cluster was configurable, and the menu structure was user-friendly, though the screen required a firm touch. Google Maps was integrated into the navigation system, and the Audi App Store offered third-party downloads. Online navigation and traffic light information were included for a trial period.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 boasted dual curved 12.3-inch displays, similar to those in higher-level Hyundai models. The screens were visually appealing but prone to fingerprints and glare. Standard features included SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad. The Ioniq 9 offered six USB-C ports for device charging. The 14-speaker Bose audio system provided impressive sound quality, with balanced tones and clear instrument separation.

The 2025 Audi Q7 included advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. However, the lane-centring system was less robust than competitors. The Q7 received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top marks in side crash tests. The IIHS awarded the 2024 model top marks in crashworthiness.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 came with a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including collision avoidance, lane-guidance, and Highway Driving Assist 2. The system provided supervised hands-free driving without a subscription. Higher trims included a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.