Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Hyundai IONIQ 9

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle was a top-tier Platinum trim with all-wheel drive, priced at $54,718. Changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint option and standard power-folding mirrors on Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was criticized for being overly styled, with exaggerated features and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was spacious but lacked quality, with mismatched textures and inexpensive-feeling controls. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was praised for its quiet ride, especially on rough pavement, thanks to acoustic front window glass in higher trims.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a distinctive design that divided opinions. Inspired by smooth pebbles and midcentury modern sofas, the Ioniq 9 prioritized aerodynamics and interior space, comfortably seating seven passengers. Measuring 199.2 inches in length with a 123.2-inch wheelbase, it offered impressive interior volume and a low drag coefficient of 0.27. The design was effective but not universally considered beautiful, with a swooping roofline and a stubby rear end. The Ioniq 9 was available in nine paint colors, with trim-specific options and wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Inside, the Ioniq 9 boasted a spacious and airy cabin with flat floors, multiple storage options, and a panoramic sunroof on higher trims. The interior featured high-quality plastics and a premium H-Tex upholstery in the Calligraphy trim, though the seats lacked thigh support.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing a total of 243 horsepower. The AWD version added a third electric motor for the rear wheels. The Highlander Hybrid was designed for fuel efficiency, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system learning driving habits to maximize efficiency. However, the test vehicle averaged only 28.7 mpg, below the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The Highlander Hybrid's performance was lackluster, with limited high-speed passing power and a soft suspension that made it feel unengaging to drive. It was best suited for city and suburban driving, offering a quiet and smooth ride but lacking excitement.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai's e-GMP platform. The base S trim had a single rear-mounted motor with 215 horsepower, while other trims had dual-motor AWD systems with power outputs ranging from 303 to 422 horsepower. The Ioniq 9 impressed with energy efficiency, achieving 3 to 3.2 miles per kilowatt hour, aligning with Hyundai's range estimates. The ride was smooth and quiet, thanks to a softly sprung chassis and active noise cancellation. The Ioniq 9 offered towing capacities of 3,500 pounds for RWD and 5,000 pounds for AWD models, with charging options including Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port chargers.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim and configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row suitable only for occasional use. The interior offered three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and power-adjustable front seats. However, the third-row access was tight, and the seats were uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander Hybrid provided 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. Storage areas were unlined, and the center console design was unnecessarily complex.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-SUV practicality, seating seven in lower trims and six in higher trims with captain's chairs. The interior offered 42.8 inches of middle-row legroom and 32 inches in the third row. The Ioniq 9 featured dual-zone climate control, a heat pump, and a heated steering wheel on higher trims. Cargo space measured 21.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The Ioniq 9's rear doors provided easy access, and the interior was spacious and well-designed, though the driver's seat adjustability was limited.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The infotainment system offered over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect service plan provided 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, which delivered decent sound quality. Overall, the technology was user-friendly, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured dual 12.3-inch displays for its infotainment interface, offering SiriusXM Satellite Radio, OTA updates, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, along with a wireless charging pad, though it struggled to keep up with high-demand devices. The Ioniq 9 included six USB-C ports for charging, and the test vehicle had a 14-speaker Bose audio system, which provided impressive sound quality. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the screens were prone to fingerprints and glare.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Highlander Hybrid also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors with automatic braking on higher trims. The ADAS performed well, though it occasionally struggled with lane markings. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it included a comprehensive array of ADAS features, such as collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, and Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist 2 for supervised hands-free driving. The SEL trim and above offered a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor, enhancing safety and convenience.