Ford Mustang Mach-E 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 impressive interior volume, akin to a Honda Pilot in length but with a wheelbase longer than a Chevy Tahoe. Despite its size, it achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, making it more aerodynamic than larger SUVs like the Rivian. However, its design, with a swooping roofline and stubby rear end, was not universally considered beautiful. The rear view, with LED taillights wrapping around the tail, was its most distinctive angle.

In contrast, the 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E stood out with its Mustang-inspired design, featuring a familiar grille insert and squinting headlights. Its sculpted sides diverged from the traditional Mustang coupe and convertible, adopting an SUV-like two-box shape with a sloped roofline reminiscent of the BMW X6. The rear boasted a roof spoiler and the iconic Mustang sequential three-bar taillights. Most Mach-E models came with 19-inch alloy wheels, while the GT trim sported 20-inch wheels. The Rally trim added a black roof, wheel arches, and side cladding, with dish-style wheels inspired by Ford rally cars. The Mach-E's design was sporty and distinctive, appealing to those seeking a unique electric SUV.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai's e-GMP platform, larger than those in the Kia EV9 and Tesla Model X but smaller than Rivian and GM's offerings. The base Essential trim had a single rear-mounted 160-kW motor producing 215 horsepower, while other trims boasted dual-motor AWD systems. The Preferred AWD generated 303 hp, and the Preferred AWD+ delivered 422 hp. Despite its power, the Ioniq 9 impressed with energy efficiency, often exceeding its 500-kilometre range estimate. Its soft suspension provided a smooth ride, though it lacked agility in corners. The Ioniq 9 could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and offered versatile charging options, including Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E offered a range of powertrains, starting with a dual-motor AWD system and a 73-kWh battery, delivering 325 hp and 380 kilometres of range. The Extended Range battery increased range to 483 kilometres. The Mach-E GT produced 480 hp with 451 km of range, while the Rally had 410 km. The Premium model with dual motors and extended-range battery offered 370 hp and 483 km of range. The Mach-E's electric motors provided immediate torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in under five seconds. The GT's 480 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque enabled a 3.8-second 0-96 km/h time, with a Performance Upgrade boosting torque to 700 lb-ft. The Mach-E's handling was agile, with a rear-drive bias and electronic torque vectoring, though the ride could be improved, especially in the rear.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 prioritized family-SUV practicality with seating for seven, or six with the Ultimate Calligraphy Package's captain's chairs. The sliding centre console enhanced access for middle-row passengers. The Ioniq 9 offered 1,086 mm of middle-row legroom, comparable to the Hyundai Palisade, 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. However, the front trunk was best for storing charging cables.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E's longer wheelbase provided ample interior space, suitable for couples or families. It offered good headroom and legroom in both rows, though three across in the second row was tight. The Select trim qualified for a federal rebate but lacked features like heated front seats, which were standard on the Premium trim. Cargo space was 841 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,691 litres with seats folded. The sloping roof limited space compared to rivals, but a 135-litre front trunk offered additional storage.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured dual curved 12.3-inch displays, similar to those in higher-level Hyundai models. While the screens were visually appealing, they collected fingerprints and glare. Standard features included SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad, though it struggled to keep up with high-demand devices. Six USB-C ports provided ample charging options. The 14-speaker Bose audio system impressed with its balanced soundstage.

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E borrowed from Tesla with a 15.5-inch portrait-style touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The Sync 4A software was user-friendly but slow to load. The Ford Connectivity package offered a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, real-time navigation, and more. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad and power outlets optional. The audio system ranged from a standard six-speaker setup to a 10-speaker B&O system.

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

The 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E featured Ford's Co-Pilot 360 Assist+ suite, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and more. BlueCruise, a Level 2 driver assistance system, was optional, offering hands-free driving on mapped highways. The Mach-E earned a Top Safety Pick award from IIHS and five stars from NHTSA.