Nissan Armada 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 impressive interior volume, comparable to larger SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe. Despite its size, it achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. The design featured a swooping roofline and a distinctive rear end, with LED taillights wrapping around the tail's circumference. The Ioniq 9 was available in various paint colours, with trim-specific options, and offered wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Inside, the Ioniq 9 boasted a spacious and airy interior, with flat floors and a sliding centre console. The dashboard featured multiple cubbies, and higher trims included a panoramic sunroof. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth and leatherette 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 Nissan Armada, on the other hand, combined the sportier look of Nissan's crossovers with the traditional boxy SUV design. It featured softer curves on the bumpers and fenders, along with imposing double-bracketed running lights and wide chrome bars on the grille. The Armada was a tall, XL-size vehicle, yet it appeared svelte compared to American SUVs like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. The NISMO version added a unique Tokyo street style, with red accent lines and a lowered body. The 22-inch wheels showcased red brake calipers, and NISMO badges adorned the vehicle. Inside, the Armada featured a red and black theme with microsuede accents, metal pedal covers, and a NISMO tachometer. The interior design and quality were impressive, with fine analog controls and a well-integrated centre stack. The Platinum Reserve trim added quilted leather upholstery, massaging front seats, and ambient lighting. Overall, the Armada's design and quality stood out in the non-luxury SUV segment.

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 power outputs ranging from 303 hp to 422 hp. The Ioniq 9 demonstrated impressive energy efficiency, often exceeding the estimated 500-kilometre range. Its chassis provided a smooth ride, though it lacked cornering sophistication. The Ioniq 9 offered a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms for RWD models and 2,268 kilograms for AWD models. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with varying charging times.

The 2026 Nissan Armada featured a twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The NISMO version increased output to 460 hp with premium fuel. The Armada's air suspension, available on select trims, provided excellent body control and ride quality. The vehicle's steering was retuned for the NISMO, though it lacked precision. The Armada's towing capacity was 3,850 kilograms, and it featured a part-time 4WD system with a low-range transfer case. Fuel economy was estimated at 14.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.4 on the highway.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-SUV practicality, seating seven with a middle-row bench seat or six with captain's chairs in the Preferred AWD+ 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 and 813 mm in the third row. It featured dual-zone climate control, air vents in all rows, and a heat pump. Cargo space was 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,323 and 2,462 litres with the third and second rows folded, respectively.

The 2026 Nissan Armada offered seven- or eight-passenger seating, with the Platinum Reserve featuring Captain's Chairs. Headroom was generous in all rows, though legroom was less than American SUVs. The Armada's "Zero Gravity" cushioning reduced fatigue, and the front seats offered heating, cooling, and massaging functions. Visibility was good, aided by 360-degree cameras. Cargo capacity was 578 litres behind the third row, 1,594 litres behind the second row, and 2,750 litres with both rows folded. Air suspension-equipped trims had buttons for adjusting vehicle height.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured dual curved 12.3-inch displays, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad. Six USB-C ports provided ample charging options. The Luxury package included a 14-speaker Bose audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Nissan Armada came with two 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Klipsch stereo. Higher trims had larger 14.3-inch displays. ProPilot Assist 2.1 was available on the Platinum Reserve trims. The Armada also featured a digital rearview mirror, integrated trailer brake controller, and built-in dash cam on select trims.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 included advanced driver assistance systems, such as collision avoidance, lane-guidance, driver attention warning, and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Preferred AWD's Luxury package added a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.

The 2026 Nissan Armada offered standard driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, driver attention monitoring, parking sensors, surround-view camera system, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. It also came with multiple airbags for added safety.