Compare the2026 Mazda CX-90VS 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9

The Mazda CX-90 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Ioniq 9 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The CX-90 Premium has a standard Secondary Collision Reduction System, 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 provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the CX-90. But it costs extra on the Ioniq 9.

Both the CX-90 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 and available around view monitors.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda third in reliability, above the industry average. With 61 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is ranked 25th.

The CX-90 has more powerful engines than the Ioniq 9:

As tested in Motor Trend the CX-90 PHEV 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid is faster than the Ioniq 9 S electric motor:

The CX-90 PHEV’s maximum EPA estimated range on a full tank and a full charge is 527 miles, after which it can be refueled at any gas station in minutes. The Ioniq 9’s range is only 311 to 335 miles, after which the minimum time to recharge is 24 minutes for only an 80% charge at a specially configured quick charge station not available in most areas. A full recharge at a professionally installed 220-volt charging station can take up to 9 hours and 40 minutes.

The CX-90 stops much shorter than the Ioniq 9:

For better traction, the CX-90 has larger standard tires than the Ioniq 9 (265/55R19 vs. 255/60R19).

The CX-90 Select’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Ioniq 9 S/SE’s standard 60 series tires.

The CX-90 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.

The CX-90 Premium Plus handles at .82 G’s, while the Ioniq 9 S pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The CX-90 Premium Plus executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Ioniq 9 S (26.9 seconds @ .64 average G’s vs. 27.7 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the CX-90’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 CX-90 has a 1.1 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Ioniq 9 (8 vs. 6.9 inches), allowing the CX-90 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The CX-90 PHEV Premium/Turbo S’ minimum ground clearance is 1.2 inches higher than on the Ioniq 9 (8.1 vs. 6.9 inches).

The Mazda CX-90 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 750 pounds less than the Hyundai Ioniq 9.

The CX-90 offers optional seating for 8 passengers; the Ioniq 9 can only carry 7.

The CX-90 has .3 inches more front legroom and 2 inches more third row hip room than the Ioniq 9.

A Maintenance Monitor is standard on the CX-90 to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for oil changes and tire rotation based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Hyundai doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the Ioniq 9.

The CX-90’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.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the CX-90 Premium Plus/Turbo S 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.

The CX-90’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Ioniq 9 offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Mazda CX-90 outsold the Hyundai Ioniq 9 by almost 11 to one during 2025.