Compare the2026 Lexus RZVS 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9

The Lexus RZ 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 RZ 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 Lexus RZ’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 RZ 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.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the RZ’s reliability 43 points higher than the Ioniq 9.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 7 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is ranked third.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 82 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is ranked 25th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus third in overall reliability. Hyundai is ranked 12th.

As tested in Motor Trend the RZ 450e electric motors is faster than the Ioniq 9 S electric motor:

The RZ stops much shorter than the Ioniq 9:

The RZ’s standard 255/55R18 rear 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 RZ 450e Luxury handles at .86 G’s, while the Ioniq 9 S pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The RZ 450e Luxury executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.8 seconds quicker than the Ioniq 9 S (25.9 seconds @ .7 average G’s vs. 27.7 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the RZ’s turning circle is 4.2 feet tighter than the Ioniq 9’s (36.8 feet vs. 41 feet).

For greater off-road capability the RZ has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Ioniq 9 (7.9 vs. 6.9 inches), allowing the RZ to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Lexus RZ may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1200 to 1350 pounds less than the Hyundai Ioniq 9.

The RZ is 10 inches shorter than the Ioniq 9, making the RZ easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The RZ has a much larger cargo volume than the Ioniq 9 with its rear seat up (34.1 vs. 21.9 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than Hyundai. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 70% lower rating, Hyundai is ranked 30th.

The RZ’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.

The RZ’s standard Smart Access allow you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, 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.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The RZ offers available headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The Ioniq 9 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The RZ’s standard 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 RZ has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the vehicle heater warms up. A heated steering wheel is only available on the Ioniq 9 SEL/Limited/Calligraphy.

The Lexus RZ has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Homelink® is only available on the Ioniq 9 SEL/Limited/Calligraphy.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Lexus RZ, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Lexus RZ outsold the Hyundai Ioniq 9 by 23% during 2025.