Hyundai Tucson Hybrid vs Hyundai Ioniq 9

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid was a bold departure from its predecessors, showcasing a dramatic new design that was both longer and wider. Its sharp, angular cues and distinctive grille set it apart from previous models, making it unmistakable on the road. The Tucson's exterior was a gamble, with its hard creases and futuristic lighting elements, but it aimed to capture attention and stand out in a crowded market. Inside, the Tucson offered a spacious and airy cabin, with standard heated front seats and a range of tech features, including a 10.25-inch digital driver display on higher trims. The interior design was open, with a nearly unobstructed view thanks to the integrated infotainment display and hoodless driver information display.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, on the other hand, embraced a distinctive design that divided opinions. Its aerodynamic shape, inspired by smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas, was crafted to house seven passengers comfortably. The Ioniq 9's dimensions provided ample interior space, with a long wheelbase contributing to its roomy cabin. However, its swooping roofline and stubby rear end made it a polarizing design choice. Inside, the Ioniq 9 offered a spacious and airy environment, with flat floors and a sliding centre console for added convenience. The interior featured high-quality materials, although some elements, like the dashboard insert, felt underwhelming. Despite its size, the Ioniq 9 managed to maintain a low drag coefficient, enhancing its efficiency.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided a noticeably quicker performance compared to the gas-powered Tucson. The hybrid's steering was responsive, and its six-speed automatic transmission handled shifts admirably. The suspension was a standout feature, offering a smooth ride while maintaining balance through corners. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the hybrid achieving 6.4 L/100 km combined, a significant improvement over the gas model. For those seeking even greater efficiency, the plug-in hybrid variant offered an all-electric range of 53 kilometres and a rating of 2.9 Le/100 km.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on the e-GMP platform, providing impressive energy efficiency. The base Essential trim offered rear-wheel drive with a 160-kW motor producing 215 horsepower, while higher trims featured dual-motor all-wheel drive systems with power outputs ranging from 303 to 422 horsepower. Despite its weight, the Ioniq 9 delivered a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its softly sprung chassis and advanced noise cancellation features. Towing capacity varied from 1,587 kg for the RWD model to 2,268 kg for AWD versions. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with fast charging capabilities reducing downtime significantly.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. Its dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options. The Tucson provided ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, with reclining rear seats adding to passenger comfort. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including cupholders and bottle holders, while ambient lighting added a touch of flair.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-friendly practicality, seating seven with a middle-row bench or six with captain's chairs in the Ultimate Calligraphy Package. The sliding centre console enhanced accessibility for middle-row passengers. The Ioniq 9 offered generous legroom in the middle row, although the third row felt tight for adults. Dual-zone climate control and air vents in all rows ensured passenger comfort. Cargo space was ample, with 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,462 litres with seats folded. The small front trunk was best suited for storing charging accessories.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with native software, although Android Auto and Apple CarPlay required a wired connection and utilized a smaller portion of the screen. Touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls were less user-friendly, but steering-wheel controls provided an alternative. The Tucson offered multiple USB ports and a Bose premium audio system on higher trims.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 boasted dual curved 12.3-inch displays, offering a familiar and effective infotainment interface. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, along with a wireless charging pad, although it struggled to keep up with high-demand devices. Six USB-C ports provided ample charging options, and the 14-speaker Bose audio system delivered impressive sound quality, rivaling more prestigious brands.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot collision avoidance. Higher trims added advanced features like a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 offered a robust array of advanced driver assistance systems, including Highway Driving Assist 2 for supervised hands-free driving. The Preferred AWD's Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ trims included a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Crash-test ratings were not yet available.