GMC Acadia vs Hyundai IONIQ 9

The 2024 GMC Acadia was built on a significantly modified version of its predecessor's platform, resulting in a larger vehicle. It was 27 centimetres longer and 8 centimetres taller than the 2023 model, with styling that emphasized its increased size. The front end was more upright, featuring a broad grille reminiscent of GMC's full-size SUVs and pickup trucks, framed by distinctive LED headlights. The wheel arches and door skins had intricate detailing that added definition to the vehicle's bulk, although this was only visible in certain lighting conditions. At the rear, quad exhaust tips drew inspiration from the C8 Corvette, adding a sporty touch.

The Acadia was available in three trims: the base Elevation, off-road AT4, and luxe Denali. The Elevation trim came standard with 20-inch wheels, while 22-inch wheels were optional on the Elevation and Denali trims. The AT4 featured model-specific 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. The Denali trim was known for its intricate grille detailing inspired by bridge trusswork, while the AT4 had red tow hooks and blacked-out trim. Inside, the Acadia's interior was redesigned to accommodate larger screens and create a spacious feel. The AT4's interior materials were preferred over the Denali's, which, despite its leather seats and unique stitching, did not feel as luxurious as expected.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 presented a distinctive design that divided opinions. Its curved sheet metal drew inspiration from various sources, including smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas, resulting in an aerodynamic shape that comfortably housed seven passengers. 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, making it more aerodynamic than larger SUVs.

The Ioniq 9's design was effective in terms of space efficiency, but its aesthetics were polarizing. The swooping roofline contrasted with a stubby rear end, inspired by a ship's stern, and horizontal character lines added further dissonance. The rear view was the most 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. Inside, it featured a spacious and airy interior with flat floors, multiple cubbies, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior materials included cloth upholstery and leatherette, with some plastic elements that were of high quality.

The 2024 GMC Acadia was powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four and 3.6-litre V6 engines, offering more power than both. Despite the absence of a V6 option, the turbo-four engine provided strong and consistent performance, enabling a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms with an available towing package. The engine note was coarse, which was more noticeable in the high-end Denali trim. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, with the AT4 model featuring a twin-clutch system for off-road driving.

The AT4 also included a 2.5-centimetre ride height lift, special suspension tuning, skid plates, and a Terrain drive mode for low-speed off-road cruise control. While the Acadia AT4 was capable on dirt roads, it was not as capable as other GMC AT4 models. The Denali and AT4 models had different suspension tuning, with the Denali offering a comfortable ride despite its large wheels. However, both models felt larger than they were due to their handling characteristics.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai's e-GMP platform. The base Essential trim had 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 made 303 hp, and the Preferred AWD+ generated 422 hp. The Ioniq 9 demonstrated impressive energy efficiency, often exceeding its estimated range. Its chassis was softly sprung, providing a smooth ride but lacking cornering sophistication. The Ioniq 9 was quiet, with active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing tires.

The Ioniq 9 had a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms for the RWD Essential trim and 2,268 kilograms for AWD models. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with charging times varying based on the charger type. An AC Level 2 home charging port could fully charge the battery in 9 hours and 40 minutes.

The 2024 GMC Acadia offered a spacious interior with more headroom than competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Grand Highlander. It also had more first-row legroom, although the Kia and Toyota offered more legroom in the second and third rows. The Acadia's cargo space was impressive, with 651 litres behind the third row, 1,623 litres with the rear seats folded, and 2,761 litres with both the second and third rows folded. This was an improvement over the 2023 model and provided more cargo space than its competitors. The Acadia also featured an underfloor storage bin and a "presence based" power liftgate for hands-free access.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-SUV practicality, seating seven with a middle-row bench seat or six with the Ultimate Calligraphy Package's captain's chairs. The sliding centre console improved access for middle-row passengers. The Ioniq 9 offered 1,086 millimetres of legroom in the middle row and 813 mm in the third row, comparable to the Hyundai Palisade. The rear doors provided easy access, and dual-zone climate control with air vents in all rows was standard. Cargo space was 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,323 and 2,462 litres with the seats folded. The small front trunk was best used for storing the charging cable and adapter.

The 2024 GMC Acadia featured an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was standard, with a 16-speaker system available. The infotainment system included Google built-in apps, such as Google Maps and Google Assistant. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with logical menu access and high-quality graphics. The instrument cluster offered multiple configurations, although drive-mode icons could be difficult to see.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had dual curved 12.3-inch displays, similar to those in other Hyundai models. SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Ioniq 9 featured six USB-C ports for device charging. The 14-speaker Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality, with balanced tones and clear instrument separation.

The 2024 GMC Acadia received an Acceptable rating from the IIHS for its moderate overlap front test and collision prevention system, with a Marginal score for its headlights. NHTSA ratings were unavailable. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera. The Acadia also offered the Super Cruise driver-assist system as an option.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It included a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, such as collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, driver attention warning, safe-exit assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ trims added a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.