Buick Encore GX vs Hyundai IONIQ 9

The 2024 Buick Encore GX was a striking addition to Buick's lineup, drawing inspiration from the 2022 Wildcat concept. This refreshed model boasted a new front design with sleek daytime running lights positioned above the grille and angular LED headlamps flanking it. The Avenir trim featured a unique grille and chrome accents, while the rear saw minimal changes except for new LED tail lights on the top trims. The Encore GX offered a range of vibrant colours, including red, blue, maroon, and the distinctive Copper Ice Metallic, with options for a black roof and mirrors on the Sport Touring trim. Inside, the relocation of HVAC vents made way for a 19-inch glass panel housing the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen, giving the interior a premium look despite some cheap-feeling plastics.

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, aimed to house seven passengers comfortably. Measuring 5,060 millimetres in length with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, the Ioniq 9 offered impressive interior volume. Despite its size, it achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. The design featured a swooping roofline and a stubby rear end, with LED taillights wrapping around the rear. The Ioniq 9 came in seven paint colours, with trim-specific options, and offered wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Inside, the spacious and airy cabin featured flat floors, multiple cubbies, and a panoramic sunroof in higher trims, though some plastic elements felt underwhelming.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX retained its powertrain options, offering a 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine in Canada, producing 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Encore GX accelerated to 100 km/h in about nine seconds. While not particularly quick, it provided a responsive city driving experience. However, highway passing required patience due to a delay in downshifting. The selectable AWD system allowed drivers to choose when to engage all-wheel drive, though competitors offered automatic systems. The Encore GX excelled in urban environments with its smooth suspension, but its performance was more staid than sporty.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai's e-GMP platform. The base Essential trim had a rear-wheel-drive setup with a 160-kW motor producing 215 horsepower, while other trims offered dual-motor AWD systems with power outputs ranging from 303 to 422 hp. Despite its weight, the Ioniq 9 delivered impressive energy efficiency, often exceeding its estimated 500-kilometre range. The soft suspension provided a smooth ride, though it compromised cornering agility. The Ioniq 9 was exceptionally quiet, thanks to active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing features. It offered towing capacities of up to 2,268 kilograms for AWD models and supported fast charging options, including Tesla-style NACS superchargers.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX, as a subcompact SUV, offered limited utility but remained competitive. It could tow up to 453 kilograms and featured a hands-free liftgate for easy cargo access. With 665 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 1,422 litres with seats folded, it accommodated longer items like skis. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with options for a Bose audio system and moonroof.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 prioritized family-SUV practicality with seating for seven 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 mm of legroom in the middle row and 813 mm in the third row, comparable to the Hyundai Palisade. Dual-zone climate control, air vents in all rows, and a heat pump were standard. Cargo space ranged from 620 litres behind the third row to 2,462 litres with seats folded, though the front trunk was best for storing charging cables.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX featured an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster under one glass pane. While visually appealing, the screens left much unused space. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a rear camera mirror. The infotainment system was straightforward, focusing on essential features like smartphone mirroring and climate control.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 boasted dual curved 12.3-inch displays, similar to higher-level Hyundai models. While visually appealing, they were 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 and an optional 14-speaker Bose audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Buick Encore GX came with the Driver Confidence package, including lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Rear park assist, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera were optional. Unique features included Teen Driver, which monitored young drivers, and Buckle to Drive, preventing shifting without a fastened seatbelt. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall, while the IIHS rated the 2023 model highly for crashworthiness.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including collision avoidance, lane-guidance, and 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. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available.