Mitsubishi Outlander vs Hyundai Ioniq 9

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has driven a sales surge in Canada in recent years, but the rest of the company’s line-up doesn’t get as much attention. Take, for example, the gas-only Mitsubishi Outlander. The PHEV sold more than 14,000 units and is the best-selling plug-in hybrid in the country, but the internal combustion engine (ICE) Outlander sold just over 9,000 units.

For 2025, this midsize crossover gets a refresh. While the lower trim levels won’t likely stress your pocketbook, it’s a little tough to find the value in the top-most trim. The most obvious changes are inside, with some new tech and a bumping new sound system. However, those with a keen eye will find some differences in the exterior styling as well. Mitsubishi also improves the suspension tuning for 2025, but neglects the powertrain.

Verdict: The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander still isn’t the best-driving crossover you can buy, and the front fascia might turn you off. But the small improvements and excellent sound system might inspire some buyers to visit the dealership.

Although the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 isn’t the first three-row electric SUV through the door, it may be the best choice for most shoppers. With a starting price of $59,999 before fees and qualifying for EV rebates where they still exist, it’s much more affordable than a Tesla Model X or a Rivian R1S. And its standard 110.3-kWh battery pack provides a long range compared to a base-model Kia EV9.

Verdict: The Hyundai Ioniq 9 isn’t a perfect vehicle, but it offers terrific passenger space, good tech, and family-friendly features. Shoppers may find its design polarizing — you could easily say the same about the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Ioniq 6 — but families interested in electric vehicles will do well to test drive this new option.