Kia Carnival Hybrid vs Hyundai Ioniq 9

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid underwent a significant design overhaul, adopting a more rugged appearance reminiscent of the 2025 Kia Sorento. The front fascia featured a larger grille, giving it an SUV-like presence, while the headlights were repositioned to accommodate this change. Daytime running lights extended from the corners of the front end onto the hood, adding a unique touch. Despite these updates, the Carnival Hybrid retained its van-like appearance, which some found less appealing than its predecessor. The rear end was tidied up by relocating the license plate housing, and LED taillights became standard on higher trims. In Canada, the Carnival Hybrid offered three trims: LX+, EX, and SX+, with the LX+ featuring 17-inch wheels and higher trims offering 19-inch options. The interior, largely unchanged from the 2024 model, boasted a premium feel with high-quality materials and a distinctive cross-hatch pattern on the Bose audio system's speaker grilles.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 presented a bold and distinctive design that divided opinions. Inspired by smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas, the Ioniq 9 aimed for an aerodynamic shape while accommodating seven passengers. Measuring 5,060 millimetres in length with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, it offered impressive interior volume. 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 most of the tail's circumference. In Canada, the Ioniq 9 was available in seven paint colours, with trim-specific options. Wheel sizes ranged from 19 to 21 inches, with unique designs for higher trims. Inside, the Ioniq 9 provided a spacious and airy cabin, with flat floors and a sliding centre console. The interior featured high-quality plastic and a panoramic sunroof on select packages, although the seats lacked thigh support.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid shared its powertrain with the Kia Sorento Hybrid, featuring a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor. This combination delivered a total system output of 242 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the non-hybrid Carnival's V6 engine produced 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both hybrid and non-hybrid models were front-wheel drive. The Carnival Hybrid offered three levels of regenerative braking, allowing drivers to recharge the battery on long descents. The vehicle's steering and suspension provided a comfortable ride, with minimal body roll on twisty roads. However, the four-cylinder engine's exhaust note was less pleasant than the V6's.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai's e-GMP platform. The base Essential trim had a rear-wheel-drive setup with a 160-kW electric motor, producing 215 horsepower. Other trims offered dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems, with power outputs ranging from 303 to 422 horsepower. The Ioniq 9 demonstrated impressive energy efficiency, often exceeding its estimated 500-kilometre range. The vehicle's soft suspension provided a smooth ride, although it lacked agility in corners. The Ioniq 9's towing capacity varied by trim, with the RWD Essential capable of towing 1,587 kilograms and AWD models handling up to 2,268 kilograms. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with varying charging times depending on the charger type.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid offered eight-passenger seating with sliding and removable second-row seats. Fold-flat third-row seats were standard, and VIP Lounge Seats were available for a more luxurious experience. However, these seats were not removable, making access to the third row challenging. The Carnival Hybrid's interior dimensions remained consistent with the non-hybrid model, providing ample headroom and legroom across all three rows. Cargo space was generous, with 1,138 litres behind the third row and 4,108 litres with both the second and third rows folded. The interior featured a rotary shifter and a functional centre console layout, with easy-to-reach controls and a wireless charging pad.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-SUV practicality, offering seating for seven with a middle-row bench seat. The Preferred AWD+ with the Ultimate Calligraphy Package replaced the bench with ventilated captain's chairs, reducing seating to six. The sliding centre console improved access for middle-row passengers. The Ioniq 9 provided 1,086 millimetres of legroom in the middle row, although the third row felt tight for adults. The vehicle's large rear doors facilitated easy access, and dual-zone climate control with air vents in all rows ensured passenger comfort. Cargo space was competitive, with 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,462 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX+ trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and Bluetooth connectivity. The infotainment system supported over-the-air updates and offered a voice recognition system. USB ports were available in all rows, and the SX+ trim added a power outlet in the cargo area. Optional tech features included an 11-inch head-up display, digital key functionality, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and an in-cabin camera and intercom.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 boasted dual curved 12.3-inch displays for its infotainment interface, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad was standard, although it struggled to keep up with high-demand devices. The Ioniq 9 included six USB-C ports capable of charging laptops. The Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ configurations featured a 14-speaker Bose audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. The infotainment system was user-friendly, but the screens were prone to fingerprints and glare.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid's safety ratings were not available at the time of publication. The 2024 model received mixed ratings from the IIHS and was unrated by the NHTSA. The Carnival Hybrid retained its comprehensive suite of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The SX+ trim added a 360-degree camera system and a blind-spot camera system.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came equipped with an extensive array of advanced driver assistance systems, including collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, driver attention warning, and safe-exit assist. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist 2 provided supervised hands-free driving. The Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ trims included a surround-view monitor and a blind-spot view monitor.