Lexus NX Hybrid 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, akin to a Honda Pilot in length but with a wheelbase longer than a Chevy Tahoe. Despite its size, it achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, showcasing its aerodynamic efficiency. However, its design was not universally praised, with a swooping roofline and a stubby rear end inspired by a ship's stern, creating a unique but polarizing aesthetic. The rear view, with LED taillights wrapping around the tail's circumference, was particularly recognizable.

Inside, the Ioniq 9 was a spacious and airy masterpiece, thanks to its EV platform allowing for flat floors and minimal clutter. The dashboard featured multiple cubbies, and the panoramic sunroof in the Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy packages added to the open feel. The interior offered a mix of cloth and leatherette upholstery, with high-quality plastics and a hammered aluminum dashboard insert. However, the seats lacked thigh support, and the driver's seat adjustability was limited. The Ioniq 9's interior was practical, with a sliding centre console and ample legroom, although the third row felt tight for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,462 litres with seats folded.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, showcased an over-stylized design typical of Lexus models. Its aggressive front featured a large, intricately patterned spindle grille, flanked by squinting LED headlights and blacked-out air intakes. The profile was sporty yet less extroverted, with rounded edges and body-coloured fender flares. F Sport elements included dark trim and 20-inch wheels, while the fastback roof shape echoed coupe-like crossovers. Inside, the NX combined a sporty look with modern technology, featuring a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled toward the driver. The F Sport 3 model boasted dark graphite aluminum trim, metal pedals, and Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery, adding to its sporty appeal.

The NX's interior offered comfort and convenience, with power seat and steering wheel adjustments, heated and ventilated front seats, and dual-zone climate control. The rear seat provided enough room for average-sized adults, though legroom was limited for taller passengers. Cargo space was relatively low for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,328 litres with seats folded. The NX's roof shape limited cargo capacity compared to competitors, but it remained practical for everyday use.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 was equipped with a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai's e-GMP platform, offering a larger capacity 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 the Preferred AWD generating 303 hp and the Preferred AWD+ delivering 422 hp. Despite its power, the Ioniq 9 impressed with energy efficiency, often exceeding the estimated 500-kilometre range. The vehicle's weight and soft suspension provided a smooth ride, though it lacked agility in corners. The Ioniq 9 was quiet, with active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing features. Towing capacity was 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 times.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors for standard all-wheel drive. The system produced 240 horsepower, with a 0 to 96 km/h time of 7.2 seconds. The NX's handling was controlled but not sporty, with a firm suspension and adaptive dampers. The ride was comfortable, though busy on rough surfaces. Power delivery was adequate but not exhilarating, with a slushy drivetrain feel. Steering wheel paddles allowed for simulated downshifts, but they didn't mimic regular automatic transmission gear ratios. The NX 450h plug-in hybrid offered more power at 340 hp.

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 Preferred AWD+ 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's 813 mm felt tight for adults. The rear doors provided easy access, and dual-zone climate control with air vents in all rows was standard. Heated front seats were standard, with heated second-row seats available in higher trims. The driver's seat adjustability was limited, and the glove compartment was awkwardly positioned. Cargo space was generous, with 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,462 litres with seats folded.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's F Sport 3 model offered comfortable front seats with good bolstering and power adjustments. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control enhanced comfort. The rear seat accommodated average-sized adults, though legroom was limited for taller passengers. Cargo space was relatively low for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,328 litres with seats folded. The NX's roof shape limited cargo capacity compared to competitors, but it remained practical for everyday use.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured dual curved 12.3-inch displays for its infotainment system, offering a familiar interface found in other Hyundai models. The screens were visually appealing but prone to fingerprints and glare. Standard features included SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad. However, the charging pad struggled to keep up with high-demand devices and lacked ventilation. Six USB-C ports provided ample charging options. The test car's 14-speaker Bose audio system delivered impressive sound quality, rivaling higher-end systems.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came standard with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a programmable head-up display were standard. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was optional. The NX offered a three-year Remote Connect subscription with remote starting and vehicle status alerts. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick responses and physical controls for volume and temperature. Navigation required a subscription.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard. These included collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, driver attention warning, safe-exit assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2 for supervised hands-free driving. The Preferred AWD's Luxury package and all Preferred AWD+ versions added a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and received four out of five stars in the NHTSA's frontal crash test and five stars in the side crash test. The NX 350h came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane keep assist, and more. Optional features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system. The safety systems performed well during testing.