Lincoln Navigator vs Hyundai Ioniq 9

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator presented a more refined aesthetic, moving away from its previous flashy design to embrace a subtler elegance. The Black Label Special Edition package added a sophisticated touch with blacked-out wheels and details, allowing the illuminated star logo and light bars to stand out. The overall design was simpler and more cohesive, with new 24-inch wheel designs and a striking Sunrise Copper paint option exclusive to Black Label models. Inside, the Navigator adopted a minimalist cabin design, enhancing the perception of quality despite some ergonomic challenges. The 48-inch panoramic display and Revel speaker grilles added a touch of modernity, though some interior elements like the tweeter speaker housings and door defogger vents appeared less refined.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 showcased a distinctive design that polarized opinions. Inspired by smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas, its aerodynamic shape housed seven passengers comfortably. Measuring 5,060 mm 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 the rear. Available in seven paint colours, the Ioniq 9 offered trim-specific options, with wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Inside, the spacious and airy cabin featured flat floors and a sliding centre console, with leatherette upholstery available in higher trims.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it offered a towing capacity of up to 3,950 kilograms with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. The Navigator's 4WD system and 22.6 cm ground clearance provided versatility, while various driving modes adjusted powertrain response and suspension firmness. Despite its weight, the Navigator moved swiftly, though the 24-inch wheels contributed to a rough ride. The steering wheel's size and shape were unconventional, but the SUV excelled on smooth highways, offering a quiet and composed ride with BlueCruise for hands-free driving.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai's e-GMP platform. The base Essential trim offered RWD with a 160-kW motor producing 215 horsepower, while AWD trims varied in power output, with the Preferred AWD+ reaching 422 hp. The Ioniq 9 impressed with energy efficiency, often exceeding its estimated 500-kilometre range. Its soft suspension provided a smooth ride, though it lacked agility in corners. The Ioniq 9's towing capacity ranged from 1,587 kg for RWD to 2,268 kg for AWD models. Charging options included NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with fast charging times on compatible stations.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator excelled in interior space and luxury, though taller passengers found the rear seats less accommodating. The Navigator offered Perfect Position seats with up to 24-way power adjustment, heated and ventilated, with massage functionality in Black Label models. The Lincoln Rejuvenate system provided stress relief through scent, sound, imagery, and massage. Second-row captain's chairs and a dual-touchscreen entertainment system enhanced comfort, though knee room was limited. The Navigator L offered expanded cargo space, with a new Split Gate tailgate design for easier access. Cargo volumes ranged from 611 to 3,443 litres, depending on the configuration.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-friendly 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, while 1,086 mm of legroom in the middle row impressed. The Ioniq 9 offered dual-zone climate control, a heat pump, and heated seats in higher trims. Cargo space ranged from 620 to 2,462 litres, with a small front trunk for charging accessories. The Ioniq 9's interior was spacious, with easy access and ample headroom, though the driver's seat adjustability was limited.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator featured the Lincoln Digital Experience infotainment system with a 48-inch panoramic display and an 11.1-inch touchscreen. It integrated Google Built-in and Alexa Built-in, offering an intuitive interface. However, some controls required navigating the touchscreen, which could be distracting. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system provided a satisfying listening experience. Additional tech included Phone As A Key, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and various trailering technologies. The Navigator lacked a head-up display and digital rearview mirror, which could be useful for a vehicle of its size.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 came with dual curved 12.3-inch displays, offering a familiar infotainment interface. SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Ioniq 9 featured six USB-C ports for device charging, and the 14-speaker Bose audio system impressed with its sound quality. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the screens were prone to fingerprints and glare.

The 2025 Lincoln Navigator boasted an extensive list of standard ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Unique features included intersection assist, evasive steering assist, and Turn Signal View. BlueCruise provided hands-free driving on approved roads, with the latest version offering improved functionality. Crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 also offered a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, including collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, and Highway Driving Assist 2 for supervised hands-free driving. The Preferred AWD's Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ trims included a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were pending.