Ford Expedition vs Hyundai IONIQ 9

The 2025 Ford Expedition was a testament to the form-over-function design ethos, reminiscent of a modern school bus but with a more attractive flair. Its slab sides and rectilinear silhouette ensured ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, making it clear that this vehicle was designed for transporting people comfortably. Despite its utilitarian design, Ford's designers did not completely abandon styling. The Expedition featured horseshoe-shaped daytime running lights framing a bold grille that spanned the entire width of the fascia. Integrated headlights and off-roading lamps on the Tremor trim added to its full-width appearance. The blacked-out B-, C-, and D-pillars gave the glass a wraparound look, while a distinct character line ran from the headlights to the taillights. The rear of the vehicle sported a two-tone paint job, thanks to a black tailgate, and introduced a split-gate design for added convenience.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 presented a distinctive design that divided opinions. Inspired by smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas, the Ioniq 9 aimed to create a slippery, aerodynamic shape that could comfortably house seven passengers. Measuring 5,060 millimetres in length with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, it offered impressive interior volume. Despite its size, the Ioniq 9 achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, making it more aerodynamic than larger SUVs. Its design featured a swooping roofline offset by a stubby rear end, with horizontal character lines above each wheel well. The rear view was particularly recognizable, with LED taillights wrapping around 75 percent of the tail's circumference. The Ioniq 9 was available in seven paint colours, with trim-specific options, and offered 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, although it featured a fair amount of plastic.

The 2025 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged “EcoBoost” 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. The Tremor trim offered a high-output version with 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Despite its 2,628-kilogram curb weight, the Expedition's powertrain excelled on highways, providing a comfortable and quiet ride. The ten-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts, and the multi-link rear suspension handled rough roads well. The Tremor trim, with its increased ground clearance and off-road enhancements, performed admirably on challenging terrains. However, the Expedition's fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 15.4 L/100 km in the city and 10.7 on the highway.

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