Nissan Kicks vs Hyundai Ioniq 9

The 2025 Nissan Kicks was designed with young consumers and first-time car buyers in mind, drawing inspiration from sneaker culture to create a vehicle that exuded comfort, agility, and style. The Kicks designers aimed to make the vehicle appear tougher than other small crossovers without crossing into sporty territory. Built on the new CMF-B platform, the Kicks was slightly larger with increased ground clearance, distinguishing it from its peers. It offered eight colour options, with two-tone configurations available on higher trims, and featured thoughtful details like the Kicks logo on side-mirror supports and sneaker-tread-like rocker panel trim. These elements contributed to a premium feel despite its affordability.

Inside, the Kicks showcased a variety of textures, with some cost-saving measures evident in less visible areas. The vehicle featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats, providing comfort and support with standard cloth or optional synthetic leather upholstery. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, though adjustments were manual. The Kicks also boasted LED exterior lighting and a range of wheel options, enhancing its overall appeal.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 presented a distinctive design that polarized opinions, drawing inspiration from smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas to create an aerodynamic shape capable of housing seven passengers. Measuring 5,060 millimetres in length with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, the Ioniq 9 offered impressive interior volume while maintaining a 0.27 drag coefficient. Its design, though effective in space efficiency, was not universally considered beautiful, with a swooping roofline and stubby rear end inspired by a ship’s stern. The rear view was particularly recognizable, featuring LED taillights wrapping around the tail’s circumference.

Available in seven paint colours, the Ioniq 9 offered trim-specific options, with wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Inside, the vehicle provided a spacious and airy environment, with flat floors and minimal clutter. The dashboard featured multiple cubbies, and higher trims included a panoramic sunroof. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth and leatherette available. Despite some plastic elements, the interior maintained a high-quality feel, though the seats lacked thigh support.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks addressed previous generation flaws, offering a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a new CVT, producing 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. This marked a significant improvement over the previous 1.6-litre engine, enhancing performance and maintaining good fuel economy. AWD was available, featuring torque vectoring and a multi-link suspension for a balanced driving experience. Noise control was improved with added insulation, though acceleration was occasionally sluggish. Sport mode offered a peppier feel, and a new Snow mode aided traction in slippery conditions. Fuel efficiency was rated at 8.1 L/100 km city and 6.6 highway for FWD, with slightly higher numbers for AWD.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery on the e-GMP platform, with the base trim offering RWD and 215 horsepower. AWD trims varied in power, with the Preferred AWD producing 303 hp and the Preferred AWD+ generating 422 hp. Despite its weight, the Ioniq 9 delivered impressive energy efficiency, often exceeding its estimated range. The vehicle offered a smooth ride, though its weight and soft suspension limited cornering agility. It was exceptionally quiet, with active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing features. Towing capacity ranged from 1,587 kg for RWD to 2,268 kg for AWD, with charging options including NACS and CCS-port chargers.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks provided a good road view, though the seating position was low and manually adjustable. The proximity lock feature was available from the SV trim, and the redesign improved passenger space, particularly in the second row. The panoramic moonroof added an airy feel, and the vehicle accommodated a 65-inch TV with the rear seats folded. Cargo space varied with drivetrain, offering up to 1,699 litres with FWD. However, wind buffeting was an issue with only the driver’s window down.

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, and legroom was generous in the middle row. Dual-zone climate control and a heat pump were standard, with additional heating features available on higher trims. The driver’s seat offered limited adjustability, and the glove compartment was awkwardly positioned. Cargo space ranged from 620 litres behind the third row to 2,462 litres with seats folded, though the front trunk was minimal.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model included a four-speaker stereo and USB-C ports, while higher trims added more speakers and a wireless charging pad. The SR trim boasted dual 12.3-inch screens and a Bose audio system with headrest speakers, enhancing the driving experience with crisp sound and easy-to-use controls.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 shared a dual curved 12.3-inch display setup with other Hyundai models, offering SiriusXM, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad was standard, though it struggled to keep up with high-demand devices. Six USB-C ports provided ample charging options, and the 14-speaker Bose audio system delivered impressive sound quality, rivaling more prestigious brands.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks came with Safety Shield 360, including features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist was standard from the SR trim, offering advanced driver assistance features. A 360-degree monitor was available, providing a detailed view of the vehicle’s surroundings. The Kicks received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 included a comprehensive suite of ADAS, with features like driver attention warning and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ trims added a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Crash-test ratings were not yet available.