Nissan Murano vs Hyundai Ioniq 9

The 2025 Nissan Murano showcased a completely revamped front design, featuring a next-gen lighting signature with a wing motif of horizontal lines that seamlessly integrated into the grille's slats. This new face bore little resemblance to its predecessor, appearing wider due to both its horizontal design elements and an actual increase in width by nearly seven and a half centimetres. The model also boasted an additional 3.5 centimetres of ground clearance, totalling 21 centimetres, surpassing competitors like the Toyota Crown Signia, Chevy Blazer, and Honda Passport. The Murano's side profile was accentuated by a chrome arch lining the window tops, intersecting with black trim at the rear. While the winged LEDs and chrome strip were not original, having been introduced by the Hyundai Tucson in 2022, the Murano's design was more cohesive and sophisticated. Standard 20-inch wheels were offered, with the Platinum trim featuring 21-inch wheels.

Inside, the Murano's updates were less dramatic but still modern, with a sleeker, horizontally oriented dash layout replacing the previous bulkier design. The infotainment screen was now part of a single housing with the driver information display, taking up less space despite standing up from the dash. Buttons were fewer and more efficiently arranged, and the steering wheel featured a bar across the middle instead of a three-spoke design. The gear selector was now a push-button system, freeing up space for a wireless charging pad. The interior materials included a new "Murano glass-inspired" treatment on the dash and door cards, adding an ombre effect to visible trim pieces. This aesthetic was particularly effective with the Aurora Blue Pearl test car, although the SL trim's leather seating surfaces were downgraded to leatherette for 2025.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 presented a distinctive design that divided opinions. Inspired by smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas, the Ioniq 9 aimed for an aerodynamic shape to accommodate seven passengers. Measuring 5,060 millimetres in length with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, it offered impressive interior volume, comparable to a Honda Pilot in length but with a longer wheelbase than a Chevy Tahoe. Despite its size, the Ioniq 9 achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, surpassing larger SUVs like the Rivian. However, its design was not universally praised, with a swooping roofline and stubby rear end inspired by a ship's stern, and horizontal character lines adding dissonance. The rear view was the most recognizable, with LED taillights wrapping around 75 percent of the tail's circumference.

The Ioniq 9 was available in seven paint colours in Canada, with options varying by trim. The base Essential RWD trim defaulted to Sunset Brown, while the Preferred AWD offered black, white, and grey. The Luxury package added Biophilic Blue, Ionosphere Green, and additional grey finishes. Wheels ranged from 19 to 21 inches, with unique designs for higher trims. Inside, the Ioniq 9 was spacious and airy, with flat floors and minimal clutter. The dashboard featured multiple cubbies, and the Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy packages included a panoramic sunroof. The sliding centre console improved access for middle-row passengers. Cloth upholstery was standard on lower trims, with leatherette available on higher configurations. The interior featured high-quality plastic, though some elements felt underwhelming, and the seats lacked thigh support.

The 2025 Nissan Murano introduced a new powertrain, featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with Nissan's variable compression ratio system, known as VC-Turbo. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, this engine produced 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, offering improved acceleration compared to the previous V6. The nine-speed automatic was a significant improvement over the old CVT, enhancing highway passing capabilities. Standard all-wheel drive in Canada provided added traction. Visibility was generally good, though the narrow rear windshield posed challenges. Active noise cancellation was standard, with an enhanced version available with the Bose audio system.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai's e-GMP platform. The base Essential trim had a single rear-mounted 160-kW electric motor, producing 215 horsepower. Other trims featured dual-motor AWD systems, with the Preferred AWD generating 303 hp and the Preferred AWD+ producing 422 hp. The Ioniq 9 demonstrated impressive energy efficiency, often exceeding the estimated 500-kilometre range. The chassis was softly sprung, providing a smooth ride but lacking cornering sophistication. The Ioniq 9 was quiet, with active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing tires. Towing capacity was 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 charge times depending on the charger type.

The 2025 Nissan Murano continued to offer impressive comfort features, with standard heated and power-adjustable front seats. The Platinum trim added massage functionality, easily accessible via a button near the seat-adjustment controls. Heated seat settings were screen-accessible, but Google Built-In allowed voice commands for adjustments. Both front and second rows featured Nissan's Zero Gravity seats, providing comfort despite their deep design. Rear-seat heating was available from the SL trim. Interior dimensions improved in the front, with increased leg and headroom, but the second row lost 6 cm of legroom. Cargo volume was competitive, with 931 litres behind the rear seats and 1,798 litres with seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with foot activation on the Platinum trim.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-SUV practicality, seating seven with a middle-row bench or six with the Ultimate Calligraphy Package's ventilated captain's chairs. The sliding centre console improved access for middle-row passengers. Middle-row legroom was superb at 1,086 millimetres, though the third row's 813 mm felt tight for adults. The Ioniq 9's interior space was comparable to the Hyundai Palisade, with easy access and ample headroom. Dual-zone climate control was standard, with air vents in all rows and a heat pump for energy efficiency. Heated front seats were standard, with heated second-row seats available in higher trims. The driver's seat offered limited adjustability, and the glove compartment's low position was inconvenient. 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 for storing the charging cable and adapter.

The 2025 Nissan Murano was well-equipped with tech features, including wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A monolith-style display housed dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and driver information. Four USB-C ports were standard. The SL trim added Google Built-In, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, and a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The Platinum trim included a head-up display.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured dual curved 12.3-inch displays, similar to those in higher-level Hyundai models. SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. However, the pad struggled to keep up with high-demand devices and lacked ventilation. Six USB-C ports provided ample charging power. The 14-speaker Bose audio system, standard with the Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ configurations, delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Nissan Murano came standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, including lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. ProPILOT Assist was added, with advanced features on higher trims. The third-gen Murano earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and the new model included additional airbags and reinforced seating. SL and Platinum trims featured a 3D Intelligent Around View Monitor and Transparent Hood View.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS. However, it included a comprehensive array of ADAS features, such as collision avoidance, lane-guidance, driver attention warning, safe-exit assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ trims added a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.