Lexus RX vs Hyundai IONIQ 9

The 2024 Lexus RX, following its recent redesign, presented a polarizing exterior design. The front end was characterized by an oversized trapezoidal grille, which, starting in the bodywork, appeared awkward, especially in lighter colours. The hood's large bump added to the bulky appearance, contrasting with the sleek designs of previous RX models. The sides featured bulging body panels, and a swooping chrome accent strip suggested a floating-roof design, which seemed slightly out of place. However, the rear end was more cohesive, with a tidy design connecting the taillights with a single light strip. Inside, the RX offered a more conventional and inviting cabin, especially in higher-priced packages with faux suede inserts. The large 14-inch infotainment touchscreen was well-placed, and the climate controls were user-friendly. The centre console's simulated woodgrain felt less convincing, but the rest of the cabin boasted premium leather and well-grained plastics.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 showcased a distinctive design that divided opinions. Inspired by smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas, the Ioniq 9 aimed for an aerodynamic shape to accommodate seven passengers. Measuring 5,060 mm in length with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, it offered impressive interior volume. Despite its size, it achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. The design featured a swooping roofline and a stubby rear end, with horizontal character lines adding dissonance. The rear view was notable for its LED taillights wrapping around the tail's circumference. Available in seven paint colours, the Ioniq 9 offered trim-specific options. Inside, it provided a spacious and airy environment, with flat floors and a sliding centre console. The interior featured high-quality plastics and a panoramic sunroof in higher trims. However, the seats lacked thigh support, and the dashboard insert felt underwhelming.

The 2024 Lexus RX offered four distinct models, starting with the base RX 350, powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, all models came standard with all-wheel drive. The RX 350h hybrid version featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, using a continuously variable transmission. The RX 500h F Sport Performance combined a turbo 2.4-litre inline-four with a hybrid powertrain, delivering 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed automatic transmission. The plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ increased power to 304 hp with an 18.1-kWh battery pack, offering up to 60 kilometres of electric range. The RX 450h+ was quicker, reaching 96 km/h in 6.2 seconds, but the RX 350 and RX 350h felt underpowered. The RX prioritized comfort with a soft suspension, resulting in noticeable body roll but a smooth ride.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on the e-GMP platform. The base Essential trim had rear-wheel drive with a 160-kW electric motor, producing 215 horsepower. Other trims had dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems, with the Preferred AWD making 303 hp and the Preferred AWD+ generating 422 hp. The Ioniq 9 impressed with energy efficiency, often exceeding the 500-kilometre range estimate. Its chassis was softly sprung, providing a smooth ride but lacking cornering sophistication. The Ioniq 9 was quiet, with active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing features. It offered 1,587 kg of towing capacity for RWD and 2,268 kg for AWD models. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with fast charging times. The Ioniq 9's ride was smooth, but its weight and suspension limited its agility.

The 2024 Lexus RX provided ample front seat space with power adjustments, standard heating and ventilation, and a comfortable design for long trips. A wireless charging pad, USB ports, and versatile cupholders enhanced convenience. The rear seats offered good legroom and visibility, with standard rear climate controls and USB ports. The RX had 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres with folded seats, though the load floor was slightly taller than competitors.

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 Ultimate Calligraphy Package. The sliding centre console improved access for middle-row passengers. The Ioniq 9 offered 1,086 mm of middle-row legroom and 813 mm in the third row, with easy access and headroom. Dual-zone climate control, air vents in all rows, and a heat pump were standard. Heated front seats were standard, with heated second-row seats available in higher trims. The driver’s seat had limited adjustability, and the glove compartment was awkwardly positioned. The Ioniq 9 provided 620 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,462 litres with folded seats, but the front trunk was small.

The 2024 Lexus RX featured a new infotainment system with a touchscreen, available in 9.8-inch or 14-inch sizes. The system had logical menus, sharp graphics, and quick responses. It accepted natural speech commands and included multi-function pads on the steering wheel. A cloud-based navigation system was standard, though prone to connectivity issues. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless and reliable. The available 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system offered excellent audio quality.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had dual curved 12.3-inch displays, similar to other Hyundai models. The screens were visually appealing but prone to fingerprints and glare. SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Ioniq 9 had six USB-C ports for device charging. The 14-speaker Bose audio system, standard in higher trims, delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Lexus RX earned five stars in overall and side collision protection from NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick by IIHS. It included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Some features were overly sensitive, but they could be adjusted or disabled.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS. It included advanced driver assistance systems, such as collision avoidance, lane-guidance, driver attention warning, and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ trims added a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.