Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Hyundai Ioniq 9

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was a striking presence on the road, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, which lent it a traditional SUV aesthetic. Its tall hood, broad shoulders, and trapezoidal wheel arches contributed to its upright profile, reminiscent of the smaller 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof and unique hood, front fascia, and grille. The grille leaned forward slightly, featuring laser-etched knurling in the slots, while the wheel centre caps were protected by acrylic glass, showcasing the “Wagoneer” logo. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture, shared with the Wagoneer, allowed for independent suspension and incorporated lightweight materials like an aluminum hood and doors.

Inside, the Grand Wagoneer shared styling cues with the Wagoneer, such as an integrated infotainment touchscreen and a two-spoke steering wheel. However, it elevated the experience with 24-way power front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, and optional Palermo leather. The interior boasted aluminum and American Walnut wood trim, with seat controls positioned high on the doors, akin to Mercedes. The Grand Wagoneer also featured heated first- and second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and optional ventilated second-row seats, ensuring a luxurious ride.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, on the other hand, presented a bold and distinctive design that polarized opinions. Its aerodynamic shape, inspired by smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas, aimed to house seven passengers comfortably. Measuring 5,060 millimetres in length with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, it offered impressive interior volume, comparable to a Honda Pilot in length but with a longer wheelbase than a Chevy Tahoe. Despite its size, the Ioniq 9 achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. The design featured a swooping roofline and a stubby rear end, with LED taillights wrapping around the tail's circumference.

Hyundai offered the Ioniq 9 in seven paint colours, with trim-specific options. The interior was spacious and airy, with flat floors and a sliding centre console. The dashboard featured multiple cubbies, and a panoramic sunroof was available in higher trims. The Ioniq 9's interior included cloth upholstery in base trims, with leatherette available in higher configurations. While the interior featured some plastic elements, they were of high quality. The seats, though soft, lacked thigh support, and the dashboard insert had a hammered aluminum look that felt underwhelming.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a robust 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured cylinder deactivation for improved fuel efficiency and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Wagoneer could accelerate from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in approximately six seconds, a commendable feat for its 2,900-kilogram weight. It came standard with a Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, including a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing traction. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system, standard on the Grand Wagoneer, allowed for adjustable ride height, providing 25.4 centimetres of ground clearance and enabling off-road capabilities.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai's e-GMP platform. The base Essential trim offered rear-wheel drive with a 160-kW electric motor, producing 215 horsepower. Other trims featured dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems, with power outputs ranging from 303 to 422 horsepower. The Ioniq 9 impressed with its energy efficiency, often exceeding the estimated 500-kilometre range. Its chassis was softly sprung, providing a smooth ride, though it lacked agility in corners. The Ioniq 9 was exceptionally quiet, with active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing tires. It offered towing capacities of 1,587 kilograms for RWD and 2,268 kilograms for AWD models. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with fast charging capabilities.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain’s chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. However, front-row space was more limited compared to these rivals. The Grand Wagoneer provided 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. Its maximum towing capacity was 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its additional weight. The vehicle featured a standard sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and ample storage bins.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-friendly practicality, seating seven with a middle-row bench seat or six with the Ultimate Calligraphy Package's ventilated captain’s chairs. The sliding centre console enhanced accessibility for middle-row passengers. The Ioniq 9 offered 1,086 millimetres of legroom in the middle row, though the third row felt tight for adults. The rear doors provided easy access, and dual-zone climate control with air vents in all rows ensured comfort. Cargo space measured 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,323 and 2,462 litres with seats folded. The small front trunk was best suited for storing charging cables.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. It supported simultaneous Bluetooth pairing for two phones and offered a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch touchscreen for climate control, with an optional rear-seat entertainment system. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system, though occasionally slow to respond, provided over-the-air updates and screen sharing capabilities.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 boasted dual curved 12.3-inch displays, similar to those in higher-level Hyundai models. It included SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad. The Ioniq 9 featured six USB-C ports for device charging and a 14-speaker Bose audio system in higher trims, delivering impressive sound quality. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though prone to fingerprints and glare.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional features included intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, and traffic-sign recognition. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centring, with plans for a hands-free version.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 came equipped with advanced driver assistance systems, including collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, driver attention warning, and safe-exit assist. The Highway Driving Assist 2 provided supervised hands-free driving. Higher trims featured a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor, enhancing safety during manoeuvres.