GMC Terrain vs Hyundai Ioniq 9

The 2022 GMC Terrain underwent a series of updates, including refreshed front styling, new wheel designs, and updated taillights and interior trim. The introduction of the AT4 trim level brought a bolder grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and AT4 badges, along with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. Our test vehicle featured Ebony Twilight metallic paint and a black leather interior, complemented by a suite of packages including the Tech Package and Infotainment Package II. Despite these enhancements, the Terrain's interior materials and design did not fully meet expectations for a vehicle priced over $40,000. The pushbutton transmission controls were not intuitive, and the storage tray was too narrow for a smartphone, highlighting some design oversights.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 showcased a distinctive design that divided opinions. Inspired by smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas, the Ioniq 9 aimed for an aerodynamic shape to house seven passengers comfortably. Measuring 5,060 millimetres in length with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, it offered impressive interior volume and a 0.27 drag coefficient. However, its design, with a swooping roofline and stubby rear end, was not universally appealing. The Ioniq 9 was available in various paint colours, with trim-specific options, and featured wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Inside, it boasted a spacious and airy cabin with flat floors, multiple cubbies, and a panoramic sunroof in higher trims. Despite some plastic elements, the interior was high quality, though the seats lacked thigh support.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. While the engine's power was adequate, it required learning to ride the torque swell for satisfaction. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the torque band, but the absence of the previously available turbocharged 2.0-litre engine was felt. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control. However, torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The AT4's 20.1 centimetres of ground clearance was less than some competitors, and its off-road capabilities were limited. The Terrain's ride was smooth on highways, but off-road, it struggled with scraping the front end. Fuel economy was reasonable, with a combined rating of 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on the e-GMP platform. The base Essential trim had a single 160-kW motor with 215 horsepower, while other trims had dual-motor AWD systems with varying power outputs. The Preferred AWD produced 303 hp, and the Preferred AWD+ generated 422 hp. Despite its weight, the Ioniq 9 offered impressive energy efficiency, often exceeding the 500-kilometre range estimate. The ride was smooth and quiet, thanks to the soft suspension and noise-cancelling features. Towing capacity was 1,587 kilograms for RWD and 2,268 kilograms for AWD models. Charging options included NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with fast charging times. The Ioniq 9's performance was more about comfort and efficiency than sporty handling.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered a roomy interior with power-adjustable front seats, heated features, and dual-zone climate control. The AT4 trim included perforated leather upholstery with caramel-colour stitching. The back seat was spacious, with ample legroom and a rear USB charging port. Storage solutions were plentiful, though the storage tray was disappointingly narrow. Cargo space was 838 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,792 litres with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat could also fold down for longer items.

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 Ultimate Calligraphy Package. The sliding centre console improved access for middle-row passengers. The Ioniq 9 offered 1,086 millimetres of legroom in the middle row, though the third row was tighter. Dual-zone climate control was standard, with air vents in all rows. Cargo space was 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,462 litres with seats folded. The front trunk was small, suitable for charging cables.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured two infotainment systems, with the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims having an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and OnStar services. The Infotainment Package II added connected navigation and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was excellent, though the Bose speakers were less impressive. The Tech Package included a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera. The Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine start were practical features.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had dual curved 12.3-inch displays, similar to other Hyundai models. Standard features included SiriusXM, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad. The charging pad struggled to keep up with high-demand devices. Six USB-C ports provided ample charging options. The 14-speaker Bose audio system offered a crisp soundstage. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the screens were prone to fingerprints and glare.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came with the GMC Pro Safety Package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The IIHS awarded the Terrain mostly "Good" crash-test scores, though it received a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the Terrain's crashworthiness.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 included advanced driver assistance systems as standard, such as collision avoidance and lane-guidance technologies. Highway Driving Assist 2 provided supervised hands-free driving. The Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ trims added a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available.