Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Hyundai Ioniq 9

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada, with a front-wheel drive option available in the U.S. The Highlander Hybrid's design was bold, with exaggerated forms and a new Cypress Green paint colour for 2023. Inside, the cabin was oversized, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and large climate control knobs. However, the interior quality was questionable, with mismatched textures and tones, and controls that felt inexpensive. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was quiet on the road.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 showcased a distinctive design that divided opinions. Its aerodynamic shape was inspired by smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas, accommodating seven passengers comfortably. The Ioniq 9 measured 5,060 millimetres in length with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, offering excellent interior volume. Its design was effective for space efficiency, though not conventionally beautiful, with a swooping roofline and a stubby rear end. The Ioniq 9 was available in seven paint colours, with trim-specific options. Inside, it featured a spacious and airy cabin with flat floors, a sliding centre console, and a panoramic sunroof in higher trims. The interior had high-quality plastic, though some elements felt underwhelming.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It weighed 2,060 kilograms and could tow up to 1,588 kilograms, though high-speed passing power was limited. The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with AWD and a Trail mode for light off-road use. Its Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but it averaged 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The driving experience was unengaging, with soft suspension and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that made it feel sluggish.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on the e-GMP platform. The base Essential trim had a rear-wheel drive (RWD) setup with a 160-kW motor producing 215 horsepower, while other trims had dual-motor AWD systems. The Preferred AWD generated 303 hp, and the Preferred AWD+ produced 422 hp. The Ioniq 9 impressed with energy efficiency, often exceeding its 500-kilometre range estimate. It offered a smooth ride but lacked cornering sophistication due to its weight and soft suspension. The Ioniq 9 could tow up to 2,268 kilograms with AWD models, and charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most trims featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, and entering it was challenging. The SUV offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Platinum package. The interior had a useful dashboard shelf and rubber-lined cupholders, but storage areas were unlined. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with the second-row seats folded.

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 Ultimate Calligraphy Package. It offered 1,086 millimetres of legroom in the middle row and 813 mm in the third row. The Ioniq 9 featured dual-zone climate control, air vents in all rows, and a heat pump. Cargo space was 620 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,462 litres with seats folded. The small front trunk was best for storing the charging cable and adapter.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim had a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Remote Connect allowed remote access to vehicle functions, and the Drive Connect service plan offered advanced features like natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured dual curved 12.3-inch displays, similar to those in higher-level Hyundai models. It offered SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad. The Ioniq 9 had six USB-C ports for device charging and a 14-speaker Bose audio system in higher trims, providing impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with additional features in higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by the 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. The Preferred AWD’s Luxury package and Preferred AWD+ trims offered a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.