Mazda CX-5 vs Hyundai IONIQ 9

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 presented a polarizing design that some found appealing while others did not. 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 significant interior volume, comparable to larger SUVs. Despite its size, it achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. However, its design, with a swooping roofline and stubby rear end, was not universally considered beautiful. The rear view, with LED taillights wrapping around the tail, was particularly distinctive.

The Ioniq 9 was available in seven paint colours, with options varying by trim. Wheel sizes ranged from 19 to 21 inches, with unique designs for specific trims. Inside, the Ioniq 9 featured a spacious and airy interior, thanks to its EV platform allowing flat floors. The dashboard offered multiple storage options, and higher trims included a panoramic sunroof. Upholstery options varied from cloth to leatherette, with some configurations offering additional colour choices. While the interior featured high-quality plastic, some elements, like the dashboard insert, felt underwhelming. The seats, though soft, lacked thigh support.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 was widely praised for its design, considered one of the best-looking crossovers in its segment. The evolved Kodo design language, known as "Wearable Gear," gave the CX-5 a sculpted and purposeful appearance. The front featured a Signature Wing grille seamlessly integrated with new LED headlights, while the rear had angular lighting that tied it to Mazda's larger models. A new "MAZDA" script badge replaced the traditional logo, giving the vehicle a premium look. However, the wheel designs were underwhelming, with the base 17-inch wheels appearing small and the 19-inch units lacking intricate detailing.

Inside, the CX-5 continued Mazda's tradition of high-quality interiors. The dashboard design was clean, with a prominent central touchscreen and a driver-focused cockpit. The materials used were a step up from the competition, with soft-touch surfaces and a two-tone interior option on upper trims. Leather seating on the GT trim was supple and well-bolstered, creating an upscale ambiance. However, there was a noticeable amount of hard plastic in certain areas, which slightly detracted from the overall premium feel. The dimensional improvements resulted in a larger vehicle that wore its added size well.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 was equipped with a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai's e-GMP platform. The base Essential trim featured a single rear-mounted 160-kW electric motor, producing 215 horsepower. Other trims had a dual-motor AWD system, with the Preferred AWD generating 303 hp and the Preferred AWD+ producing 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 offered a towing capacity of 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 varying charging times depending on the charger type.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 featured a carryover SkyActiv-G 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine felt underpowered for the vehicle's 1,747-kilogram weight, resulting in a 0-96 km/h time of 9.6 seconds, slower than competitors. The six-speed automatic transmission lacked responsiveness compared to eight-speed units in rival models. The absence of the previous generation's turbocharged engine was notable, but a hybrid variant was confirmed for 2027. Despite the power limitations, the CX-5 excelled in handling, with direct steering and well-managed body roll. Ride quality was firm yet comfortable, with improved insulation for reduced noise. Fuel economy ratings were among the highest in the segment, with competitors offering better efficiency.

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 millimetres of legroom in the middle row, comparable to the Hyundai Palisade, 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. Cargo space was generous, with 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,323 and 2,462 litres with seats folded. The small front trunk was best used for storing the charging cable and adapter.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5's dimensional growth resulted in a more spacious interior. The wheelbase stretch improved rear knee clearance to 1,012 millimetres, addressing previous criticisms. Rear headroom was a highlight, with 1,007 mm without the sunroof, leading the class. Front legroom matched the segment, while rear legroom was competitive. Cargo space improved to 954 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,882 litres with seats folded. Larger door openings facilitated entry and exit, and the GT trim's Premium Package added a hands-free power liftgate. Towing capacity decreased to 680 kilograms, aligning with some competitors but trailing others.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured dual curved 12.3-inch displays for its infotainment system, similar to higher-level 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, though the latter struggled to keep up with high-demand devices. Six USB-C ports provided ample charging options. The Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ configurations included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5's infotainment system was significantly upgraded, with a 12.9-inch touchscreen standard on all trims and a 15.6-inch unit available on the GT trim. Google built-in was a standout feature, offering native Google Maps, Google Gemini AI voice assistant, and access to the Google Play Store. A year's free data trial was included, with a subscription required afterward. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless connectivity on higher trims. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster was standard, though its execution was lacking. The removal of the physical volume knob was a drawback, with volume control moved to the touchscreen or steering wheel buttons. Higher trims added a Bose 12-speaker audio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and additional tech features.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS. However, it included a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems as standard, such as collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, driver attention warning, safe-exit assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2. The latter combined lane-keeping assist with adaptive cruise control for supervised hands-free driving. Higher trims added a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 offered an extensive standard safety suite, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitors, and more. The GT trim added an adaptive front-lighting system, while the Premium Package included additional safety features like front cross-traffic alert and a driver monitoring system. Although crash test results were not yet available, the outgoing model had a strong safety record, and expectations were high for the new CX-5.