Lincoln Aviator 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 rivaled larger SUVs. Despite its size, the Ioniq 9 achieved a remarkable 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 Ioniq 9 offered a range of paint colours, with trim-specific options, and featured unique wheel designs for different packages. Inside, the Ioniq 9 boasted a spacious and airy interior, thanks to its EV platform, with flat floors and a sliding centre console. While the interior featured high-quality plastic and leatherette upholstery, the seats lacked thigh support, and the dashboard insert felt somewhat underwhelming.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator, on the other hand, exuded a premium feel with its elegant exterior design, characterized by a long dash-to-axle ratio, restrained character lines, and large wheels. The reverse-horseshoe grille, LED headlights, and subtle body sculpting added to its sophisticated appearance. Inside, the Aviator's interior was its main attraction, offering a range of luxurious features. The base Premiere trim included synthetic leather upholstery, while the Reserve trim upgraded to leather upholstery in various colours. The Aviator's interior was designed for comfort, with power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated options, and advanced climate control systems. The second-row captain's chairs provided additional comfort, and the third row, while suitable for short trips, was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was generous, although not as spacious as some competitors.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 was equipped with a 110.3-kWh battery pack on the e-GMP platform, offering a range of power outputs depending on the trim. The base Essential trim featured a single rear-mounted motor with 215 horsepower, while the Preferred AWD and Preferred AWD+ trims offered 303 and 422 horsepower, respectively. Despite its weight, the Ioniq 9 delivered impressive energy efficiency and a smooth, quiet ride. It had a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms for AWD models and supported fast charging options, including Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 383 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Aviator prioritized ride quality over handling, with a smooth and forgiving suspension. It could accelerate to 100 km/h in under six seconds and offered a Class III trailer tow package with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The optional Air Glide suspension added further control and adaptability for different driving conditions.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-SUV practicality, with seating for seven or six, depending on the configuration. The interior offered ample legroom, especially in the middle row, and easy access through wide rear doors. Dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a sliding centre console enhanced comfort. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,462 litres available when the second and third rows were folded.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator provided a luxurious interior with power-adjustable seats, climate control, and advanced seating options. The second-row captain's chairs offered comfort and adjustability, while the third row was less accommodating for adults. Cargo space was accessible, with up to 2,149 litres available when the second and third rows were folded.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured dual curved 12.3-inch displays for its infotainment system, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad and six USB-C ports ensured device connectivity. The 14-speaker Bose audio system provided impressive sound quality, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator's tech suite included a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5.8-inch second-row touchscreen. The Lincoln Digital Experience offered access to apps and features like a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, remote start, and a head-up display. The Reserve trim added ambient lighting and a Revel 14-speaker audio system, with an optional 28-speaker system available.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including collision avoidance, lane guidance, and Highway Driving Assist 2. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the Ioniq 9 offered features like a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor on higher trims.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator included the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 system, offering a range of safety features such as forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Aviator performed well in crash tests, earning high scores from the NHTSA and IIHS, although it lacked a Top Safety Pick award due to incomplete ratings.