Ioniq 9 vs Palisade
Hyundai makes both of these, yet the Ioniq 9 and the Palisade aren’t simply two versions of the same car. This is less a contest than a fine-tuning exercise: both cover the same ground, with only a few meaningful gaps.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Palisade wins
- Space & Practicality Palisade wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Engine & Performance2.3
- Off-road & Towing5.3
- Engine & Performance4.9
- 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
-
The Palisade has 72 hp more power
The Ioniq 9 is clearly behind on total system output (215 hp against 287 hp), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Palisade has room for 8 seats
The Palisade has a modest edge on seats: 8 seats against 7 seats for the Ioniq 9. The Palisade has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Design & Size
On overall dimensions, the Ioniq 9 and the Palisade are separated by very little.
Dimensions
| Spec | Ioniq 9 | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.2 in | 199.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 123.2 in | 116.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Palisade leads
For engine & performance, the verdict is easy: the Palisade leads, and not by a little. The Palisade stands out with 72 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. For engine & performance, the Palisade is the one to beat.
Total system output
Ioniq 9: 215 hp Palisade: 287 hp The Palisade’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Space & Practicality
Palisade leads
Call it a small but real win for the Palisade in this area. The Palisade wins here with room for 8 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car. The takeaway: on space & practicality, the Palisade is the stronger car.
Seats
Ioniq 9: 7 seats Palisade: 8 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the safety & tech section. Both cover safety & tech well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Ioniq 9 | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Gas |
| Engine | Single motor (rear) | 3.5L V6 |
| Total system output | 215 hp | 287 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Single-speed reduction gear | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Ioniq 9 | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 21 mpg Thirstiest in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 25 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
| Electric range | 335 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Ioniq 9 | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 8 seats (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Ioniq 9 | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Ioniq 9 | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Hyundai SmartSense | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Ioniq 9 | Palisade |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.2 in | 199.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 123.2 in | 116.9 in |
“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 Palisade if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (287 hp vs 215 hp)
- you regularly carry extra passengers (8 seats vs 7 seats)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Ioniq 9 or the Palisade?
On the specs compared here, the Palisade makes more sense for most buyers; the Ioniq 9 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Is the Ioniq 9 bigger than the Palisade?
Neither by much. The Ioniq 9 and the Palisade have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
When I compare the Ioniq 9 and the Palisade, I try to ignore the names and look only at what changes. The Palisade has 72 hp more power, and for most people that’s not a small thing. And the Palisade doesn’t stop there; it also offers room for 8 seats.
Think about your week. Heavy on the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The Ioniq 9. More about engine & performance? The Palisade.
My pick: the Palisade.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.