Nissan Pathfinder vs Hyundai Ioniq 9

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 presented a bold and distinctive design that divided opinions. 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, it offered impressive interior volume. Despite its size, the Ioniq 9 achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, showcasing its aerodynamic efficiency. However, its design was not universally praised, with some finding the swooping roofline and stubby rear end less appealing. The rear view, with LED taillights wrapping around the tail, was particularly recognizable.

In contrast, the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder combined smooth and chunky elements, featuring a restyled front bumper and a grille with a thin chrome line. The Pathfinder's design updates included new wheel designs, a Baltic Teal paint colour, and satin-coloured badges. Inside, the Pathfinder underwent more noticeable changes, with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and a redesigned steering wheel. The interior was simple yet modern, with good materials for the price. The semi-aniline leather on the Platinum trim added a touch of luxury, bringing the Pathfinder closer to Infiniti levels of refinement.

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 rear-wheel-drive system with a 160-kW electric motor, producing 215 horsepower. Other trims offered dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems, with power outputs ranging from 303 to 422 horsepower. The Ioniq 9 impressed with its energy efficiency, often exceeding the estimated 500-kilometre range. It provided a smooth and quiet ride, though its weight and soft suspension limited its cornering capabilities. Towing capacity varied from 1,587 kilograms for RWD models to 2,268 kilograms for AWD models. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with fast charging times.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder retained its naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque. The Rock Creek trim offered slightly higher power with premium fuel. Both trims could tow up to 2,720 kilograms. The Pathfinder's nine-speed automatic transmission provided leisurely acceleration, and its fuel economy was average for the segment. The Rock Creek trim, with its all-terrain tires, was noisy and lacked off-road capabilities. The Pathfinder's suspension was soft, resulting in more body lean and less precise steering compared to competitors.

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 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, though the third row felt tight for adults. Cargo space ranged from 620 litres behind the third row to 2,462 litres with the second and third rows folded. Dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a heat pump were standard features.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder featured "Latch and Glide" second-row seats, accommodating families with young children. It seated eight passengers by default or seven with captain's chairs in the Platinum trim. The Pathfinder offered generous headroom and legroom in the first and second rows, though the third row was tight for taller passengers. Cargo space ranged from 470 litres behind the third row to 2,279 litres with the second and third rows folded. Standard features included three-zone climate control, multiple USB-C ports, and a power liftgate.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured dual curved 12.3-inch displays with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad was standard, though it struggled to keep up with high-demand devices. The Ioniq 9 included six USB-C ports for charging, and the Luxury package added a 14-speaker Bose audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new infotainment system was user-friendly and responsive. The Pathfinder introduced Qi2 wireless charging, using magnets for secure phone placement. The Platinum trim offered a head-up display and a 13-speaker Bose audio system, while other models had a basic six-speaker setup.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS. It included a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, such as collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, and Highway Driving Assist 2 for supervised hands-free driving. The Preferred AWD's Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ trims added a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.

The 2026 Nissan Pathfinder earned five stars from NHTSA but only four stars in the frontal crash test. It featured a range of standard driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitors. The ProPilot Assist highway driving aid was standard, though it lacked hands-free capability. The Pathfinder received top "Good" ratings in IIHS side impact and small overlap front crash tests.