Subaru Forester vs Hyundai IONIQ 9

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 presented a bold and distinctive design that divided opinions. While some appreciated its unique aesthetic, others found it less appealing. The design drew inspiration from various sources, including smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas, aiming to create an aerodynamic shape that comfortably accommodated seven passengers. Measuring 5,060 millimetres in length with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, the Ioniq 9 offered impressive interior volume, comparable to larger SUVs. Despite its size, it achieved a remarkable 0.27 drag coefficient, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. However, the design's effectiveness in space utilization did not necessarily translate to beauty, with its swooping roofline and stubby rear end creating a somewhat dissonant appearance.

In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness model embraced a rugged and functional design, appealing to those who valued utility over aesthetics. The Wilderness-spec Forester featured a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, exclusive wheel designs, and anodized copper accents, giving it a distinctive look. While the design was an acquired taste, it appeared more natural on the Forester Wilderness than on other Subaru models. The interior was designed for easy cleanup after adventures, with water-resistant artificial leather and all-weather floor mats. The Forester's classic two-box design maximized passenger room and cargo space, with tall windows ensuring excellent visibility. The focus on practicality and sensibility made the Forester a reliable choice for those prioritizing function over form.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 was equipped with a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai's e-GMP platform, offering a range of power outputs depending on the trim. The base Essential trim featured a single rear-mounted 160-kW electric motor, delivering 215 horsepower with rear-wheel drive. Other trims boasted a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, with the Preferred AWD producing 303 hp and the Preferred AWD+ generating 422 hp. Despite its weight, the Ioniq 9 offered a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its softly sprung chassis and advanced noise cancellation features. It had a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms for AWD models, although towing reduced the driving range. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers, with fast charging times on compatible stations.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness, on the other hand, was powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. While lacking the turbocharged option available in the Outback Wilderness, the Forester's lighter weight and shorter final-drive ratio improved low-speed responsiveness. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a smooth driving experience, with paddle shifters for manual control. The Forester Wilderness excelled off-road, with increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and Subaru's Active Torque Split AWD system with X-Mode Dual Mode traction settings. It offered a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms, making it a capable choice for outdoor adventures.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 prioritized family-SUV practicality with its spacious interior. Most configurations seated seven, while the Preferred AWD+ with the Ultimate Calligraphy Package offered seating for six with ventilated captain's chairs. The sliding centre console improved access for middle-row passengers. The Ioniq 9 provided 1,086 millimetres of legroom in the middle row, although the third row felt tight for adults with 813 mm of legroom. The rear doors swung out wide, facilitating easy access. Cargo space was generous, with 620 litres behind the third row, expanding 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, enhancing comfort.

The 2026 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality with its classic two-box design, maximizing passenger room and cargo space. The Forester Wilderness model featured comfortable heated front seats, with the driver's seat offering 10-way power adjustment. Rear seat comfort was commendable, with ample legroom, air conditioning vents, and charging ports. The Forester's cargo space measured 779 litres, expanding to 1,957 litres with the rear seats folded. The boxy design optimized cargo capacity, and the full-size spare tire under the load floor added practicality. Subaru offered numerous accessories to enhance the Forester's cargo-carrying capabilities, making it a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a dual curved 12.3-inch display infotainment system, offering a familiar interface found in other Hyundai models. It included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and a wireless charging pad. However, the charging pad struggled to keep up with high-demand devices and lacked ventilation. The Ioniq 9 came with six USB-C ports, providing ample charging options. The test car's 14-speaker Bose audio system delivered impressive sound quality, rivaling higher-end systems. The infotainment system was user-friendly, although prone to fingerprints and glare.

The 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness was equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Subaru Multimedia Plus software. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a three-year subscription to MySubaru connected services. The system's voice recognition capabilities were limited, and the interface appeared cluttered. Pairing a smartphone allowed users to bypass the native technology. The Forester Wilderness also featured a Harman Kardon premium audio system and a 180-degree forward view camera system for improved trail visibility. However, the camera's distorted view made it less reliable for off-roading.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 came with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard equipment. It included collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, driver attention warning, safe-exit assist, and Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist 2. The latter combined lane-keeping assist with adaptive cruise control for supervised hands-free driving. Higher trims received a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor, enhancing safety during lane changes and parking.

The 2026 Subaru Forester featured Subaru's EyeSight package of camera-based ADAS, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. Additional safety features included active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering. Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection provided added safety during adaptive cruise control use. The Forester's rear seatbelts were improved for enhanced occupant safety. The 2025 Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, and Subaru aimed to improve its score with the 2026 model.