Hyundai Palisade vs Hyundai Ioniq 9

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 presented a bold and distinctive design that divided opinions. 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. Despite its size, it achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, showcasing its aerodynamic efficiency. However, its styling, with a swooping roofline and stubby rear end, was not universally praised. The rear view, with LED taillights wrapping around the tail, was particularly recognizable. The Ioniq 9 was available in seven paint colours, with trim-specific options, and featured 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. The dashboard offered multiple cubbies, and higher trims included a panoramic sunroof. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth and leatherette choices. While the interior featured high-quality plastic, the seats lacked thigh support.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade underwent significant changes, maintaining its unmistakable identity while adopting a more upright and squared-off profile. The standout feature was its front lighting, with rectangular slashes flanking the massive grille, giving it a bold appearance. Inside, the Palisade's interior was softened with flowing shapes and simple lines, inspired by mid-century modern furniture. The oval-shaped theme extended throughout the cabin, creating a refined and relaxing atmosphere. The top-spec Palisade Ultimate Calligraphy model featured high-quality materials with texture variance, while the off-road-oriented XRT Pro model prioritized durability. The 2026 Palisade was 65 millimetres longer than its predecessor, with a 70-millimetre longer wheelbase, accommodating seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 was equipped with a 110.3-kWh battery pack on the e-GMP platform, offering a larger battery than similar models like the Kia EV9 and Tesla Model X. The base Essential trim featured a rear-wheel-drive system with a 160-kW electric motor, producing 215 horsepower. Other trims had dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems, with power outputs ranging from 303 hp to 422 hp. The Ioniq 9 impressed with its energy efficiency, often exceeding the estimated 500-kilometre range. Its chassis provided a smooth ride, though it lacked agility in corners. The Ioniq 9 was quiet, thanks to active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing features. Towing capacity varied, with the RWD model capable of towing 1,587 kilograms and AWD models 2,268 kilograms. Charging options included NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with charging times ranging from 24 to 40 minutes for fast charging and 9 hours 40 minutes for Level 2 home charging.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. While slightly less powerful than its predecessor, it remained competitive in its class. The eight-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the Palisade's ride was comfortable without being floaty. The suspension offered good isolation from road imperfections, and the brakes were upgraded for shorter stopping distances. The Palisade's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, with a factory-installed tow hitch on select trims. The HTRAC AWD system provided power to the front wheels under normal conditions, with options for Eco, Sport, and Terrain Modes. The XRT Pro trim enhanced off-road capability with features like all-terrain tires and improved ground clearance. A hybrid powertrain was also available, combining a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with electric motors for a total output of 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 prioritized family-SUV practicality with its spacious interior. Most configurations seated seven, while the Preferred AWD+ with the Ultimate Calligraphy Package offered seating for six with ventilated captain's chairs. The sliding centre console improved access for middle-row passengers. The Ioniq 9 provided 1,086 millimetres of legroom in the middle row, though the third row felt tight for adults with 813 mm of legroom. The rear doors were large, facilitating easy access. Dual-zone climate control, air vents in all rows, and a heat pump were standard. Heated front seats were standard, with additional heated features available in higher trims. The driver's seat had limited adjustability, and the glove compartment was awkwardly positioned. Cargo space was generous, with 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,323 and 2,462 litres with seats folded. The small front trunk was best for storing charging accessories.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade offered a spacious and comfortable interior. Our test car featured captain's chairs in the middle row, providing ample room and comfort. Access to the third row required some manoeuvring, but the seats were suitable for occasional adult use. USB-C charging ports and cupholders were available for all passengers, along with air vents. The climate-control system was upgraded for 2026 to match the interior's larger proportions. The Palisade allowed for flexible passenger and cargo space with sliding second- and third-row seats. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated second-row seats were standard, with ventilated front seats available on higher trims. The Ultimate Calligraphy model included Relaxation Mode for front and second-row seats. Cargo space was ample, with up to 540 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,310 and 2,455 litres with seats folded.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a familiar infotainment interface with dual curved 12.3-inch displays. While the screens looked good, they were prone to fingerprints and glare. Standard features included SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad was included, though it struggled to keep up with high-demand devices. Six USB-C ports provided ample charging power. The test car's 14-speaker Bose audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with balanced tones and clear instrument separation.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, shielded from glare by the dashboard. A second 12.3-inch touchscreen served as the infotainment hub, with standard onboard navigation and wireless smartphone integration. The Ultimate Calligraphy model offered a 12-inch head-up display. A surround view monitor was available on higher trims, along with integrated dashcams for video recording. An in-car intercom and Rear Seat Quiet Mode facilitated communication. The Palisade also featured a UV-light cleaning system for germ reduction. The Bose audio system provided excellent sound quality, with strong performance across various inputs.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet received crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS. However, it included a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard. Features included collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, driver attention warning, safe-exit assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2. The latter combined lane-keeping assist with adaptive cruise control for supervised hands-free driving. Higher trims added a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous model performed well. The Palisade offered a wide range of driver-assist features, with many standard and additional options available. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and more. The XRT Pro trim added side parking sensors and reverse automatic braking, while the Ultimate Calligraphy included evasive steering assist. Highway Driving Assist I was standard, with an upgraded version on the Ultimate Calligraphy.