2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Lexus TZ: A New Lexus EV Meets a Big Rival

• What it is: Lexus just pulled the wraps off of its largest EV yet, the three-row TZ SUV.
• Why it matters: Spec-wise, it's very closely aligned with the Hyundai Ioniq 9.
• Edmunds says: Both of these big utilities bring luxurious electric motoring to the whole family. 

Interior and cargo space

The TZ's interior finishes appear to be at least a half-step above the Ioniq 9's, but we'll have to wait to touch and feel the big Lex to be sure. Among other materials, the TZ will offer what the company is calling forged bamboo, which is made by combining the plant's fibers with resin for what sounds sort of like carbon fiber. Lexus says ventilated seats with ottomans will be an option for those in the second row as well as the front passenger. Hyundai includes fancy second-row captain's chairs with legrests and ventilation on the Ioniq 9's top two trims. The TZ will definitely offer six-passenger seating, two per row, but it's not clear yet whether a second-row bench will be available as there is in the Hyundai.

Hard numbers are also lacking here. I imagine the TZ will have both headroom and legroom in all three of its rows, but those numbers haven't been shared by Lexus (or Toyota or Subaru). The Ioniq 9's totals are pretty generous, save for third-row legroom, but that's usually the case with anything but large truck-based utility vehicles. Its lower headroom numbers correspond to models with a sunroof. And if you opt for six-passenger seating, the folks in the third row get an inch less legroom. Talk about favoritism!

Based on the interior measurements we have from the Highlander and Getaway, the TZ won't match the Ioniq 9's behind-the-third-row cargo room, but it'll come close with that row folded. (This suggests the Lexus may trade some luggage space for row-three passenger roominess.) With no max number to go off of for the Japanese SUVs yet, the total cargo winner remains an unknown.

Technology and safety equipment

Lexus says the TZ will feature an improved version of its infotainment experience. The numbers again evade us, but I'm going to go out on what appears to be a very sturdy limb here and wager that the TZ gets a 14-inch screen like the Highlander (and every other Toyota, Lexus and Subaru e-SUV built on this architecture). Hyundai counters with a 12.3-inch center touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard from both brands.

The TZ gets the latest version of the automaker's active safety suite, Lexus Safety System+ 4.0. It includes pretty much everything you can imagine except for a hands-free highway driving feature. There's one thing the Ioniq 9 offers that doesn't appear to be on the TZ's menu: blind-spot cameras that show what's in the next lane when you activate your turn signal.

Trims and pricing 

Given the dearth of specs from Lexus, it may not surprise you that pricing is also as yet unknown. Lexus says the Select grade is the one that comes with the bigger battery, but we don't have a name for the other trim(s). The smaller RZ provides a general idea; that lineup's most powerful model, the RZ 550e F Sport, starts at $58,395. Figure around 10 grand more for the TZ.

Hyundai's least expensive Ioniq 9, the rear-wheel-drive S trim, has a base price of $61,055. The Limited and Caligraphy (which are more comparable to what we're expecting from the Lexus) start at $73,350 and $77,090, respectively. This could end up being a very close race, and we'll know more closer to the end of this year when the TZ is scheduled to reach dealers.