Dodge Durango 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 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 a Honda Pilot in length but with a longer wheelbase than a Chevy Tahoe. Despite its size, it achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, making it more aerodynamic than larger SUVs like the Rivian. The design, while effective in space efficiency, was not universally considered beautiful, with a swooping roofline and a stubby rear end inspired by a ship's stern. The rear view, with LED taillights wrapping around 75 percent of the tail's circumference, was its most recognizable angle.

In contrast, the 2026 Dodge Durango maintained a timeless style despite its age. Its design, with chunky fenders and smooth body panels, was refreshed in 2021 with updates to the grille, lighting, and bumpers. The wraparound LED taillight, reminiscent of a racetrack, remained a signature feature. The Durango's stance and front end exuded a tough, no-nonsense attitude, making it a natural fit as a police cruiser. Inside, the Durango showed its age with older switch styles and cheaper plastic grains, but it offered a refreshingly analog experience. The interior featured logical controls, a large touchscreen, and optional leather, carbon fibre, and microsuede materials. Despite its age, the Durango's design was almost timeless, appealing to those who appreciated its classic style.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 was equipped with a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai's e-GMP platform, offering a larger battery 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, while other trims had dual-motor AWD systems with varying power outputs: 303 hp for the Preferred AWD and 422 hp for the Preferred AWD+. The Ioniq 9 impressed with its energy efficiency, often exceeding the estimated 500-kilometre range. Its chassis, though heavy, provided a smooth ride, albeit at the cost of cornering agility. The Ioniq 9 was quiet, with active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing features. Towing capacity ranged from 1,587 kg for the RWD Essential to 2,268 kg for AWD models. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with varying charging times.

The 2026 Dodge Durango, initially available with a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, shifted to a 3.6-litre V6 engine for most trims, producing 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The V6 struggled to move the nearly 5,000-pound Durango, similar to other V6-engined SUVs. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, available on GT and GT Plus models, offered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, increasing towing capacity to 3,945 kg. The SRT Hellcat Jailbreak featured a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 with 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, with a 6.4-litre V8 returning in 2027. The Durango's eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD modes provided smooth performance, while the SRT Hellcat Jailbreak offered thrilling acceleration and handling. However, steering accuracy was poor, and the ride was stiff across trims.

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 mm of legroom in the middle row and 813 mm in the third row, comparable to the Hyundai Palisade. Access was easy with wide-swinging rear doors. Standard features included dual-zone climate control, a heat pump, and heated front seats, with additional options for heated second-row seats. Cargo space was generous, with 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,323 and 2,462 litres with rows folded. The small front trunk was best for storing charging cables.

The 2026 Dodge Durango offered seating for five in two rows (SXT and Hellcat) or seven in three rows (GT and GT Plus), with optional second-row captain's chairs on the GT Plus. The third row was tight, reflecting the Durango's older chassis shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class. Headroom and legroom were good in the first and second rows, though seat padding was firm. A separate climate zone and optional heated second-row seats added comfort. Cargo space was competitive, with 487 litres behind the third row, 1,226 behind the second, and 2,409 litres with both rows folded, comparable to other midsize SUVs.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured dual curved 12.3-inch displays for its infotainment system, similar to higher-level Hyundai models. The screens offered good visuals but were prone to fingerprints and glare. Standard features included SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad, though the latter struggled to keep up with high-demand devices. Six USB-C ports provided ample charging options. The 14-speaker Bose audio system, standard with the Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ configurations, delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Dodge Durango came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, offering navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM 360L, OTA updates, and wireless Apple CarPlay (wired Android Auto). Four USB ports were available up front, with limited options in the second and third rows. The GT Plus and Hellcat featured a nine-speaker Alpine stereo, while a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system was optional. The Durango lacked advanced features like semi-automated driving or rear-seat entertainment but offered performance functions in the Hellcat's infotainment system.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included a comprehensive suite of ADAS features. Standard equipment encompassed collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, driver attention warning, safe-exit assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2, which combined lane-keeping assist with adaptive cruise control for supervised hands-free driving. The Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ versions added a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.

The 2026 Dodge Durango received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with no recent IIHS ratings available. It featured a driver's knee airbag and central side airbag but had an older body structure. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and rear parking sensors, with additional features available in higher trims. The Durango lacked modern driver-assist features like evasive steering assist or semi-automated highway driving.