Lexus RX Hybrid vs Hyundai IONIQ 9

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 presented a polarizing design that drew inspiration from various sources, including smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas. Its aerodynamic shape was crafted to accommodate seven passengers comfortably, with dimensions that offered significant interior volume. Despite its size, the Ioniq 9 achieved a commendable drag coefficient of 0.27, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. However, its design was not universally praised, with some finding the swooping roofline and stubby rear end less appealing. The rear view, with its distinctive LED taillights, was particularly recognizable. The Ioniq 9 was available in a range of 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 storage options, and higher trims included a panoramic sunroof. While the interior featured high-quality plastic, the seats lacked thigh support, and the dashboard insert felt somewhat underwhelming.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid aimed for high style with its RX 500h F Sport Performance model, though its design was sometimes considered excessively flamboyant. The front end featured a large, black trapezoidal grille flanked by slim headlights, creating a bold and over-stylized appearance. The profile was stylish, with flat flares around the wheels and a character line that added a sense of motion. The floating roofline suggested a fastback shape, culminating in a rear spoiler. The RX 500h sat on 21-inch wheels, with a full-width taillight at the rear. Inside, the RX 500h offered a choice of Dark Graphite or Rioja Red leather, with sporty elements like a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum pedals. The driver was surrounded by digital screens and soft-touch materials, creating a comfortable and modern interior.

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 single rear-mounted 160-kW electric motor, producing 215 horsepower, while other trims had dual-motor AWD systems with varying power outputs. The Preferred AWD generated 303 hp, and the Preferred AWD+ delivered 422 hp. Despite its power, the Ioniq 9 demonstrated impressive energy efficiency, often exceeding the estimated 500-kilometre range. The vehicle's weight and soft suspension provided a smooth ride but compromised cornering agility. The Ioniq 9 was notably quiet, with active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing features. It offered towing capacities of 1,587 kg for RWD and 2,268 kg for AWD models. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with varying charging times depending on the charger type.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 500h, achieved 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque through a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system. The engine produced 271 hp, with two electric motors contributing the remaining power. The RX 500h featured AWD, with a front motor between the engine and transmission and a rear motor as part of an eAxle. The vehicle offered a seamless transition between electric and gas propulsion, with a 5.9-second 0-96 km/h time. The RX 500h included adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering, and a firmer suspension, enhancing its performance. However, the steering lacked feel, and the all-season tires offered limited grip. The RX 500h provided a Custom mode for adjusting various settings, but for a truly sporty experience, other models like the BMW X5 or Audi SQ7 were recommended.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-SUV practicality, offering seating for seven with a middle-row bench seat 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 provided 1,086 mm of legroom in the middle row and 813 mm in the third row, comparable to the Hyundai Palisade. The rear doors offered easy access, and dual-zone climate control with air vents in all rows was standard. Heated front seats were standard, with additional heating options 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 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a comfortable interior with eight-way power-adjustable sport seats, standard heating and cooling, and a heated steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof was standard, and rear seats provided good legroom. The RX 500h had 838 litres of cargo space with the second row up, expanding to 1,308 litres with seats folded. The interior was designed for comfort, though fitting three adults in the rear was tight.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured dual curved 12.3-inch displays for its infotainment system, similar to other Hyundai models. The screens offered good visuals but were prone to fingerprints and glare. Standard features included SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad. The charging pad struggled to keep up with high-demand devices and lacked ventilation. The Ioniq 9 included six USB-C ports for device charging. The test car had a 14-speaker Bose audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch touchscreen, and a standard head-up display. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Lexus Intelligent Assist for voice commands. The touchscreen was driver-oriented and responsive, but the steering wheel's touch-sensitive pads were frustrating to use. Lexus offered a three-year Drive Connect subscription with real-time traffic information.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS but included a comprehensive suite of ADAS features. Standard equipment included collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, driver attention warning, safe-exit assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2. Higher trims added a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and more. It received a five-star rating from NHTSA but scored poorly in the updated moderate front overlap test by IIHS. The RX included standard parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, with optional advanced parking features.