Buick Enclave vs Hyundai IONIQ 9

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 presented a polarizing design that some found appealing while others did not. Its aerodynamic shape, inspired by various elements like 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 significant interior volume, comparable to larger SUVs. Despite its size, it achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. However, its design was not universally praised, with a swooping roofline and a stubby rear end that some found dissonant. The rear view, with LED taillights wrapping around the tail, was particularly distinctive.

The Ioniq 9 was available in seven paint colours in Canada, with options varying by trim. Wheel sizes ranged from 19 to 21 inches, with unique designs for specific trims. Inside, the Ioniq 9 boasted a spacious and airy interior, thanks to its EV platform allowing for flat floors. The dashboard featured multiple cubbies, and higher trims offered a panoramic sunroof. Upholstery options included cloth and leatherette, with the latter available in various colour combinations. While the interior featured high-quality plastic, some elements, like the dashboard insert, felt underwhelming. The seats, though soft, lacked thigh support.

The 2026 Buick Enclave, sharing its underpinnings with other GM vehicles, offered a distinct personality with graceful exterior lines and an inviting cabin. Its streamlined look was accentuated by a swooping hood and narrow accent lights, while an oversized grille dominated the front fascia. The Enclave's design was likened to a well-fitting grey suit, favouring quiet refinement over excitement. The interior featured a classy horizontal dashboard with a modern curved digital display, offering a more luxurious feel than its GM counterparts. However, some driver ergonomics were off, with a low-mounted dashboard giving the impression of sitting too high.

The Enclave's cabin was as appealing as other entry-level luxury brands, with premium leather upholstery and upgraded ambient lighting in the top Avenir trim. While non-luxury SUVs offered similar experiences, the Enclave's focus on comfort was evident. The top trim's adaptive dampers improved handling and comfort, though the Enclave's power and handling were merely adequate. The Enclave's cabin remained quiet at highway speeds, with only minor road noise on coarser surfaces. Overall, the Enclave prioritized comfort, making it a suitable choice for those valuing a refined ride.

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, producing 215 horsepower. Other trims had dual-motor AWD systems, with the Preferred AWD generating 303 hp and the Preferred AWD+ producing 422 hp. Despite its power, the Ioniq 9 demonstrated impressive energy efficiency, often exceeding its estimated 500-kilometre range.

The Ioniq 9's chassis was softly sprung, providing a smooth ride but lacking cornering sophistication. It was quiet at highway speeds, thanks to active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing features. The RWD Essential trim had a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms, while AWD models could tow 2,268 kilograms. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with varying charging times depending on the charger type.

The 2026 Buick Enclave was powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD in Canada, the Enclave accelerated to 100 km/h in just over seven seconds. However, the transmission response was dull, and the engine noise was loud when driven hard. The brakes were predictable and easy to modulate, while the suspension prioritized ride quality over handling.

The Enclave's adaptive dampers in the top Avenir trim improved handling and comfort. Manual shifting of the automatic gearbox was useful for mountain driving, though the process was cumbersome. At highway speeds, the cabin remained quiet, with only minor road noise on coarser surfaces. The Enclave offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms with an optional trailering package, focusing on comfort over performance.

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 Preferred AWD+ 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, though the third row's 813 mm felt tight for adults. The rear doors provided easy access, and dual-zone climate control with air vents in all rows was standard. Cargo space was generous, with 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,462 litres with seats folded.

The 2026 Buick Enclave came standard with second-row captain's chairs, seating seven. The Power package included one-touch folding for easier third-row access. Middle-row seats offered ample space for taller passengers, while the third row accommodated adults up to 5'10". Tri-zone automatic climate control and dual USB-C ports were standard. Cargo capacity was 648 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,761 litres with seats folded. The Power package added power-folding third-row seatbacks and a hands-free power liftgate. Front seats provided ample storage, with a wireless charging pad and large cupholders.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured dual curved 12.3-inch displays for infotainment, with standard SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad was included, though it struggled to keep up with high-demand devices. Six USB-C ports provided ample charging options. The 14-speaker Bose audio system offered impressive sound quality, though not as highly regarded as other premium systems.

The 2026 Buick Enclave boasted a 30-inch curved digital display with a Google Built-in operating system, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was praised for its graphics and response times, with physical climate controls for convenience. The Power package added a head-up display, while voice commands offered natural speech functionality. The Bose audio system lacked punch but provided decent clarity.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS but included a comprehensive suite of ADAS features. Standard equipment included collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, driver attention warning, safe-exit assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Preferred AWD's Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ trims added a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.

The 2026 Buick Enclave received a "Good" rating from IIHS and was named a Top Safety Pick+ for 2025. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitor, lane departure warning, and a surround-view camera system. The Power package added a digital rearview mirror and GM's Super Cruise for hands-free highway driving.