Compare the2025 Toyota Grand HighlanderVS 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9

The Grand Highlander has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Ioniq 9 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To deliver safety and visibility under dusty conditions the Toyota Grand Highlander’s backup monitor has a standard rear washer to keep the view clear. A camera washer system is only offered on some models of the Hyundai Ioniq 9.

Both the Grand Highlander and the Ioniq 9 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

There are over 45 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Hyundai dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Grand Highlander’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota second in reliability, above the industry average. With 51 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is ranked 13th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota third in overall reliability. Hyundai is ranked 10th.

The Grand Highlander has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Ioniq 9; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better maneuverability, the Grand Highlander’s turning circle is 2.9 feet tighter than the Ioniq 9’s (38.1 feet vs. 41 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Grand Highlander has a 1.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Ioniq 9 (8 vs. 6.9 inches), allowing the Grand Highlander to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Toyota Grand Highlander may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1100 to 1200 pounds less than the Hyundai Ioniq 9.

The Grand Highlander offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the Ioniq 9 can only carry 7.

The Grand Highlander has .3 inches more front legroom, 1.5 inches more third row legroom, 4 inches more third row hip room and 2.5 inches more third row shoulder room than the Ioniq 9.

The Grand Highlander’s cargo area provides more volume than the Ioniq 9.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Grand Highlander. The Ioniq 9 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Grand Highlander’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Ioniq 9’s (5000 vs. 3500 pounds).

The Grand Highlander’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Ioniq 9’s standard rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

If the windows are left open on the Grand Highlander the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Ioniq 9 can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Grand Highlander’s standard Smart Key System allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Proximity Key standard on the Ioniq 9 doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Grand Highlander Platinum has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Ioniq 9 doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Toyota Grand Highlander, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Grand Highlander was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024. The Ioniq 9 has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.