Subaru Crosstrek vs Hyundai Ioniq 9

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek retained much of its predecessor's design, yet introduced new sheet metal, a fresh chassis, and additional colour options like Sun Blaze, Offshore Blue, and Sapphire Blue. While its wheelbase and overall length remained nearly unchanged, the Crosstrek boasted a steeper departure angle, though cargo space was slightly reduced. The base trim featured 17-inch alloy wheels and 22 centimetres of ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures. In Canada, standard roof rails added to its outdoorsy appeal, although crossbars were sold separately. The Crosstrek's LED headlights seamlessly integrated with the new wing bar, giving the front fascia a distinctive, smiling appearance. Black plastic cladding protected the wheel arches, with aerodynamic air inlets and outlets enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. The split taillight design from the second generation continued, allowing for wider trunk access. The Wilderness trim introduced unique design elements, including a hexagonal front grille, larger cladding, and increased ground clearance. Inside, StarTex synthetic leather upholstery and copper accents added flair, while all-weather floormats and an LED light in the cargo area improved functionality. Despite minimal changes in exterior dimensions, the interior remained spacious, with a new 11.6-inch touchscreen display enhancing the cabin's cohesiveness.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 showcased a distinctive design that divided opinions, drawing inspiration from smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas. Its aerodynamic shape comfortably accommodated seven passengers, with a length of 5,060 millimetres and a 3,130 mm wheelbase, offering impressive interior volume. Despite its size, the Ioniq 9 achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, surpassing larger SUVs in aerodynamics. The design featured a swooping roofline and a stubby rear end, with horizontal character lines adding dissonance. The rear view was notable for LED taillights wrapping around 75 percent of the tail's circumference. In Canada, the Ioniq 9 offered seven paint colours, with trim-specific options. Wheel sizes ranged from 19 to 21 inches, with unique designs for higher trims. Inside, the Ioniq 9 boasted a spacious and airy interior, with flat floors and minimal clutter. The dashboard featured multiple cubbies, and higher trims included a panoramic sunroof. Cloth upholstery was standard, with leatherette available in higher configurations. While the interior featured high-quality plastic, some elements felt underwhelming. The seats, though soft, lacked thigh support.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offered a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine on the Onyx and Limited trims, delivering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, now standard on the Wilderness trim. The Touring trim, however, featured a smaller 2.0-litre engine with 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While not particularly quick, the CVT provided smooth power delivery with simulated shift points. The Wilderness trim had different gearing for tackling uphill terrain and a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The updated 2.0-litre powertrain reduced vibration, enhancing comfort. The Crosstrek's steering, aided by a dual-pinion rack, felt light yet precise. Standard all-wheel drive and Subaru's X-Mode traction management system improved off-road capability. Fuel economy was decent for a subcompact crossover, with estimates of 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 7.1 on the highway for the 2.0-litre engine.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on the e-GMP platform, larger than similar models but smaller than Rivian and GM's offerings. The base Essential trim had a rear-wheel-drive setup with a 160-kW motor producing 215 horsepower. Other trims featured dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems, with power outputs of 303 hp for the Preferred AWD and 422 hp for the Preferred AWD+. Despite its weight, the Ioniq 9 demonstrated impressive energy efficiency, often exceeding the estimated 500-kilometre range. The chassis provided a smooth ride, though cornering was less sophisticated. The Ioniq 9 excelled in noise reduction, with active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing features. Towing capacity ranged from 1,587 kilograms for RWD to 2,268 kilograms for AWD models. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with fast charging times. Level 2 home charging took approximately 9 hours and 40 minutes.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, built on the Subaru Impreza platform, offered competitive cargo space and utility for a subcompact SUV. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were adequate, though taller passengers might prefer the front seat. The trunk provided 564 litres of space, expanding to 1,549 litres with the second-row seats folded. The interior featured durable materials, with a protective cargo tray standard on higher trims. A heated steering wheel was available on all trims except the Convenience, and cupholders were plentiful. The centre console bin accommodated two 32-ounce Nalgene water bottles, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-SUV practicality, with most configurations seating seven. The Preferred AWD+ with the Ultimate Calligraphy Package offered ventilated captain's chairs and seating for six, along with a sliding centre console. Middle-row legroom was excellent at 1,086 millimetres, though the third row felt tight for adults with 813 mm. The Ioniq 9's interior passenger space rivalled the Hyundai Palisade, with easy access and ample headroom. Dual-zone climate control and air vents in all rows ensured comfort, while a heat pump minimized energy loss in colder months. 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 placement posed a potential inconvenience. Cargo space ranged from 620 litres behind the third row to 2,462 litres with all seats folded, though the front trunk was best suited for storing charging accessories.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek featured an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, previously seen in the Subaru Ascent and Outback. The display offered crisp graphics and retained physical controls for essential functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on all but the Convenience trim, with a wireless charger included on higher trims. The Limited trim boasted a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Subaru Starlink technology impressed, though glare and menu navigation posed challenges.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 incorporated dual curved 12.3-inch displays, similar to those in higher-level Hyundai models. While visually appealing, the screens were prone to fingerprints and glare. Standard features included SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad was standard, though it struggled to keep up with demanding devices. Six USB-C ports provided ample charging options. The 14-speaker Bose audio system, available with the Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ configurations, delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek had consistently received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS since 2013, and the 2023 model earned five stars from the NHTSA. While the 2024 model had not yet been reviewed, expectations were high. Subaru's EyeSight driver assist technology, standard on all trims, included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 2024 update featured a wider-angle lens and automatic emergency steering for enhanced safety.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it offered a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems as standard. These included collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, driver attention warning, safe-exit assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2. The latter combined lane-keeping assist with adaptive cruise control for supervised hands-free driving. Higher trims featured a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor, enhancing safety.