Subaru Ascent vs Hyundai IONIQ 9

The 2024 Subaru Ascent struggled with its styling, as Subaru's design team made some questionable choices. The vehicle's appearance was marred by visually offensive tusks and a boldly obnoxious spear running across the grille into the headlights. Despite these design missteps, the Ascent offered a range of trim levels in Canada, from Convenience to Premier, with prices ranging from $44,674 to $57,674. The Premier trim, which we tested, included premium features like Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a surround-view camera. The interior materials were of good quality, but the design felt modular and lacked sophistication.

In contrast, 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 house seven passengers comfortably. Measuring 5,060 millimetres in length with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, it offered impressive interior volume. However, its styling, with a swooping roofline and stubby rear end, was not universally appealing. The Ioniq 9 was available in various paint colours, with trim-specific options, and featured unique wheel designs. Inside, it boasted a spacious and airy cabin with flat floors and a sliding centre console, although the seats lacked thigh support.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. It featured a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive with active torque vectoring. The Ascent could tow up to 2,270 kilograms, making it versatile for various driving conditions. It handled well on different terrains, from city streets to off-road trails, but struggled on twisty mountain roads due to its weight and suspension. Fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 12.3 L/100 km in the city and 9.4 on the highway.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on the e-GMP platform. The base Essential trim had a single rear-mounted 160-kW motor producing 215 horsepower, while other trims had dual-motor AWD systems with varying power outputs. The Preferred AWD made 303 hp, and the Preferred AWD+ generated 422 hp. Despite its weight, the Ioniq 9 offered impressive energy efficiency and a smooth, quiet ride. It had a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms for AWD models. Charging options included NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with fast charging times.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent prioritized function over form, with practical features like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and backpack pegs. The Premier trim offered comfortable Nappa leather seats, although the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear doors opened wide, making it easy to load children, and the third-row seat was suitable for short trips. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,140 litres available when the second-row seats were folded.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-friendly dimensions, seating seven with a middle-row bench or six with captain's chairs. It offered 1,086 mm of legroom in the middle row and 813 mm in the third row. The rear doors were large, providing easy access, and dual-zone climate control was standard. Cargo space was ample, with 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,462 litres with seats folded. The small front trunk was best for storing charging cables.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent featured the Starlink infotainment system with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included a navigation system and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. While the system worked well, the display washed out in sunlight, and the voice-recognition system was subpar. Physical buttons and knobs controlled essential functions, and a surround-view camera was available on the Premier trim.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had dual curved 12.3-inch displays, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad was standard, but it struggled to keep up with high-demand devices. Six USB-C ports provided ample charging options. The test car featured a 14-speaker Bose audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. The system was user-friendly, though prone to fingerprints and glare.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was synonymous with safety, earning five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. It featured the EyeSight package with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, the lane-centring assist was problematic, causing steering issues. Blind-spot monitoring and other advanced features were available on higher trims.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It included a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, such as collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Preferred AWD's Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ trims offered a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor, enhancing safety.