2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Ioniq 9

For families residing in the Phoenix metropolitan area in search of a roomy and adaptable three-row sport utility vehicle, Hyundai presents appealing choices. The newly introduced 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 emerges as a fully electric competitor, offering advanced technological features and a contemporary driving feel.

Conversely, the well-established Hyundai Palisade remains a favored selection, recognized for its comfortable driving dynamics, extensive array of features, and dependable gasoline engine. Although both vehicles bear the Hyundai brand and address comparable requirements for passenger and cargo capacity, they embody different philosophies in family transportation.

This comparison will examine the primary distinctions between these three-row SUVs to aid in your purchasing considerations. Earnhardt Hyundai, located in North Scottsdale, Arizona, is your local Ioniq dealer.  

Which One is the Largest?

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 rides on Hyundai's dedicated electric vehicle platform, the E-GMP. This wheelbase is longer compared to vehicles built on traditional internal combustion engine platforms, and it’s the reason that the Ioniq 9 is able to offer 163.5 cubic feet of passenger space.

Meanwhile, the Palisade -- an SUV known for its spaciousness -- offers a generous 155.3 cubic feet. So technically the Ioniq 9 is the largest, but no one will ever call the Palisade “small”.  

What may make the most difference to shoppers is that the two differ on seating. If you know you need 8, then the Palisade is the only choice. Both can seat 7, and the Ioniq 9 can reduce seating.  

The front rows feature power-adjustable, power-heated seats. Power-ventilation, which is available on the Palisade, is standard on the Ioniq 9. Both SUVs allow you to step up to two rows of ventilated seats with the center captain’s chairs.  

Does Electric Power Slow Down Travel?

A key distinction between these Hyundai SUVs lies in their powertrains. The Hyundai Palisade relies on a proven 3.8-liter V6 engine, delivering sufficient power for typical daily driving and highway cruising. This engine works in conjunction with an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is propelled by an all-electric powertrain, representing a significant departure from traditional combustion engines. While rear-wheel drive (RWD) models of the Ioniq 9 are engineered for optimal energy efficiency, the all-wheel drive (AWD) variants are designed to provide the highest levels of power output.  

Electric power definitely will not slow down the Ioniq 9 driver when compared to the Palisade driver. Furthermore, a substantial electric range makes the Ioniq 9 competitive with the longer gas range of the Palisade. Ioniq electric architecture also ensures compatibility with ultra-fast charging infrastructure. For those prioritizing environmentally friendly transportation, the Ioniq 9 offers the benefit of emissions-free driving. More comprehensive information can be found in this 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 Review.

Cabin Connectivity and Features

The Hyundai Palisade has earned significant acclaim for its thoughtfully designed and intuitive interior, prioritizing practicality and ease of use. A prominent 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen serves as the central hub, providing seamless integration with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. For enhanced auditory experiences, a premium Harman Kardon sound system is available, and occupants in all three rows benefit from multiple USB ports. A wireless charging pad further adds to the convenience.

Moving up the trim levels of the Palisade reveals increasingly luxurious appointments. These include refined leather upholstery, a convenient head-up display that projects essential information within the driver's line of sight, and modern digital instrumentation. Learn more in this 2025 Hyundai Palisade Review.

Shifting focus to the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, the interior design takes a decidedly modern and lounge-like approach. Inspired by recent Hyundai electric vehicles, the cabin embraces a minimalist aesthetic, heavily emphasizing passenger well-being. Key anticipated features include relaxation seats in the front and potentially the second row, specifically designed to maximize comfort during charging stops or longer journeys.  

A unique "Universal Island" sliding center console is expected, offering adaptable storage solutions and convenient access for both front and rear passengers. Furthermore, depending on the market, the second-row seats of the Ioniq 9 might offer a swiveling function, providing occupants with the flexibility to face each other or interact more easily with those in the third row.  

Ioniq dashboards are dominated by a striking panoramic curved display, seamlessly integrating the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen, providing access to a wide array of connected services and vehicle information. The anticipated Hyundai AI Assistant suggests sophisticated voice control capabilities and personalized features, further enhancing the technologically advanced feel of the Ioniq 9's interior.  

Driver Assist and Crash Avoidance Tech Tools

Drivers of both the Palisade and the Ioniq 9 can expect to benefit from systems aimed at preventing collisions, such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, which includes the ability to detect pedestrians and cyclists. Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist work to help drivers maintain their intended path within lane markings, while Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist provides crucial alerts regarding vehicles in adjacent lanes.

To ease the demands of daily driving, both SUVs incorporate intelligent features like Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, which automatically adjusts speed to maintain a set distance from leading vehicles and can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop and resume in stop-and-go traffic. High Beam Assist automatically toggles between high and low beams for optimal visibility without blinding oncoming drivers.  

Parking is also made less stressful thanks to front and rear distance warnings, coupled with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, which alerts drivers to approaching vehicles while backing up. Furthermore, features like Exit Assist enhance passenger safety by warning occupants that immediate traffic makes it unsafe to open their doors.  

Looking ahead, the all-electric Ioniq 9, with its cutting-edge platform and advanced sensor technology, has the potential to introduce even more sophisticated iterations of these safety and assistance systems.  

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

Both SUVs offer compelling advantages and cater to the needs of growing families. Exploring each model further will allow you to discern which best aligns with your specific requirements and preferences for your next three-row SUV.

The Palisade presents a reliable choice for those who value traditional SUV characteristics and a strong track record. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 represents a step into the future of family transportation, offering a fully electric driving experience with cutting-edge technology and a focus on sustainability. Its spacious interior and anticipated long electric range could be particularly appealing to those seeking an environmentally conscious vehicle without compromising on space or versatility.  

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