Chevrolet Equinox vs Hyundai IONIQ 9

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 presented a polarizing design that drew inspiration from various sources, including smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas. Its aerodynamic shape was crafted to accommodate seven passengers comfortably, with dimensions that rivaled larger SUVs. Despite its size, the Ioniq 9 achieved a commendable drag coefficient of 0.27, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. However, its design was not universally praised, with some finding the swooping roofline and stubby rear end less appealing. The rear view, with its distinctive LED taillights, was particularly recognizable. The Ioniq 9 offered a range of paint colours, with trim-specific options, and featured wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Inside, the Ioniq 9 boasted a spacious and airy interior, thanks to its EV platform, which allowed for flat floors and a sliding centre console. The interior materials included high-quality plastics and leatherette upholstery, although the seats lacked thigh support.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, on the other hand, embraced a more traditional SUV design with broad fenders, a squat roofline, and a tall grille. Its styling was well-received, offering a successful blend of car and SUV elements without resorting to clichés. The Equinox was available in LT, Activ, and RS trims, each with unique styling features. Inside, the Equinox featured a well-assembled cabin with some neat details, such as large air vents and a spear-like trim piece. The Activ model offered microfibre and Evotex seats, while the RS featured Evotex upholstery with red stitching. The Equinox's interior was practical, with ample storage space and a spacious centre console. However, the flat hood and deep dashboard limited forward visibility, necessitating the use of the surround-view camera system.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 was equipped with a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai's e-GMP platform. The base Essential trim featured a single rear-mounted 160-kW electric motor, producing 215 horsepower, while other trims had dual-motor AWD systems with varying power outputs. The Preferred AWD generated 303 hp, and the Preferred AWD+ delivered 422 hp. The Ioniq 9 impressed with its energy efficiency, often exceeding the estimated 500-kilometre range. Its chassis provided a smooth ride, though it lacked agility in corners. The Ioniq 9 offered towing capacities of 1,587 kg for RWD and 2,268 kg for AWD models. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with fast charging times. The Ioniq 9's quiet cabin was enhanced by active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing features.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre inline-four engine producing 175 horsepower. It was paired with a CVT in FWD models and an eight-speed automatic in AWD models, which offered 203 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox's engine provided adequate performance, though the transmission occasionally hesitated to downshift. The Equinox's suspension offered a comfortable ride but lacked body control in corners. It excelled as a highway cruiser, with standard active noise cancellation. The Equinox's AWD models had a towing capacity of 680 kg, and the Activ trim featured all-terrain tires for off-road capability.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 prioritized family-SUV practicality with its spacious interior. Most configurations seated seven, while the Preferred AWD+ with the Ultimate Calligraphy Package offered seating for six with ventilated captain's chairs. The sliding centre console improved access for middle-row passengers. The Ioniq 9 provided 1,086 mm of legroom in the middle row and 813 mm in the third row. Its rear doors swung wide, facilitating easy access. Dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a heat pump were standard, with additional features available in higher trims. Cargo space measured 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,462 litres with seats folded.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered competitive headroom and first-row legroom, though rear-seat legroom was slightly less than some rivals. The seats were supportive but under-cushioned. The Equinox Activ test car featured a Convenience Package with power-adjustable front seats and heated rear seats. The driver's elevated position provided an SUV-like feel, though forward visibility was limited. The Equinox offered ample storage space, including a wireless phone charger and a spacious centre console. Cargo capacity was 844 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,798 litres with seats folded. The Equinox's towing capacity was 680 kg for AWD models.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured dual curved 12.3-inch displays for its infotainment system, offering a familiar interface. It included SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad was standard, though it struggled to keep up with high-demand devices. The Ioniq 9 offered six USB-C ports for charging, and the Luxury package included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox provided good value with its tech offerings. It featured an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch touchscreen with an Android-based infotainment system. Google built-in apps, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were included. The system was user-friendly, with easy-to-identify icons and a shallow menu structure. The Equinox's screen size was larger than some competitors, providing clear visuals. While it lacked options for a head-up display or premium audio system, it covered the basics for most users.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet received crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including 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 Chevrolet Equinox offered standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. GM-specific features included a vibrating driver's seat and the Teen Driver system. The Safety and Technology Package added a surround-view camera system and other advanced features. The Equinox received mixed safety ratings from IIHS, with Good ratings in some tests and Acceptable ratings in others. NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of writing.