Hyundai Is 3-Time Winner in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Car Awards”

Looking for an electric and hybrid vehicle superstar? Hyundai is it! In its recent “Best Car Awards,” U.S. News & World Report – a respected consumer testing and rating organization – handed Hyundai three “Best Hybrid” and “Best Electric” awards. This is the third consecutive award for our brand in “Best Compact Electric SUV” and “Best Compact Hybrid SUV.” More awards than any other brand!

To arrive at their picks, the experts at U.S. News considered fuel economy, EV range and EPA charging data, safety, reliability and reviews from its own and other automotive journalists. “The winners have the best combination of quality, value and capability in their segment.”

Our Hyundai-branded winners include:

Best Compact Hybrid SUV: 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The U.S. News editors gave the Tucson Hybrid an overall score of 9.4/10. Here are some of its winning attributes:

• Combined 1.6-liter turbo gas engine and 47.7-kW electric motor offer 231 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and with all-wheel drive.
• Estimated 37-38 mpg city/36-38 mpg highway, depending on choice of four trim levels (Blue SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, Limited).
• Comfortably seats five.
• Tons of storage. Cargo space = 74.5 cf with second row folded.
• 12.3” touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Five-star safety rating from federal government.
• Industry-best warranty.

Best Compact Electric SUV: 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5

Another 9.4/10 score from U.S. News experts cemented the win for the 2026 Ioniq 5, which offers:

• Six trims (SE Standard Range, SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, N).
• Two battery pack sizes: 63-kWh with single rear-mounted electric motor offering 168 hp, and 84-kWh with either single rear motor delivering 225 hp or a front/rear pair producing 320 hp. The N trim turns out a racy 601 hp with the duel motors.
• EPA-estimated economy of up to 115 MPGe, depending on trim.
• Range varies from 245 miles to 318 miles (N=221 miles).
• With NACS charger the Ioniq 5 goes from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
• Seats 5 with 58.5 cf of cargo space with rear seats folded down.
• Excellent standard safety and driver-assistance technology.

Best Midsize Electric SUV: 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9

The 2026 Ioniq 9 notched an overall score of 9.2/10 and offers:

• Three rows: Seats 6 or 7.
• S, SE, SEL, Performance Limited, Performance Calligraphy, Performance Calligraphy Design trims.
• S is one-motor, RWD with 215 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque; SE and SEL have two motors producing 303 hp/446 lb ft; higher trims have dual motors producing 422 hp/516 lb-ft. with 5k lbs of towing capacity. SE and above are AWD.
• S trim range is up to 335 miles; SE/SEL up to 320 miles; higher trims get 311 miles. 
• MPGe city/hwy/combined: higher trims 91/79/85; SE/SEL 98/78/88.
• Robust safety and driver assistance features.
• Impressive infotainment technology. 

With 2nd and 3rd rows folded, 86.9 cf cargo capacity.