Pilot vs Ioniq 9
Rivals in the three-row suv class rarely match spec for spec, and the Pilot and the Ioniq 9 are no exception. Call it a near draw on paper, with just a few specs pulling the two apart.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Pilot wins
- Space & Practicality Pilot wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Engine & Performance4.9
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance2.3
- Off-road & Towing5.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Pilot has 70 hp more power
The spread here is large: 285 hp on the Pilot versus 215 hp on the Ioniq 9. Expect to notice it. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Pilot has room for 8 seats
The Pilot wins this narrowly, 8 seats against 7 seats, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
-
The Ioniq 9 has
Bigger or smaller? On wheelbase, the Ioniq 9 has 123.2 in and the Pilot has 113.8 in. Neither is better in general; it’s a trade-off between cabin space and maneuverability.
Design & Size
The official dimensions put the Pilot and the Ioniq 9 within a whisker of each other.
Dimensions
| Spec | Pilot | Ioniq 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.1 in | 199.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 71 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 123.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Pilot leads
The Pilot clearly takes the engine & performance round. The Pilot steps ahead thanks to 70 hp more power. The Pilot’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Prioritize engine & performance, and the Pilot is where you should land.
Total system output
Pilot: 285 hp Ioniq 9: 215 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
Pilot leads
Call it a small but real win for the Pilot in this area. The Pilot gives you room for 8 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. Bottom line for space & practicality: the Pilot has the edge.
Seats
Pilot: 8 seats Ioniq 9: 7 seats The Pilot has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing specs are close enough that neither gets the point. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on safety & tech. Either car will serve you equally well on safety & tech.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Pilot | Ioniq 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | Single motor (rear) |
| Total system output | 285 hp (winner) | 215 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Pilot | Ioniq 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 335 mi |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Pilot | Ioniq 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 8 seats (winner) | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 18.6 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 87 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Pilot | Ioniq 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Pilot | Ioniq 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Pilot | Ioniq 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 200.1 in | 199.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.5 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 71 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in | 123.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Pilot | Ioniq 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $42,395 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Pilot if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (285 hp vs 215 hp)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 7 seats)
- you’re comfortable with how Honda does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Pilot or the Ioniq 9?
On the specs compared here, the Pilot makes more sense for most buyers; the Ioniq 9 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the Pilot or the Ioniq 9?
Neither by much. The Pilot and the Ioniq 9 have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
Let’s set the logos aside for a minute. The Pilot and the Ioniq 9 are close competitors, and their spec sheets tell an interesting story. My main argument for the Pilot? It comes with 70 hp more power. It also helps that the Pilot has room for 8 seats.
I’d match them like this: engine & performance to the Pilot, the things a spec sheet can’t capture to the Ioniq 9.
My pick: the Pilot.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.