Hyundai Wins Big in 2026 Automotive Awards Competitions

Hyundai vehicles are cleaning up in recent awards competitions, This is great news for consumers, who can use the awards as guideposts as they make decisions about what likely will be one of their most significant purchases.

Car and Driver

The well-regarded automotive review publication recognized several Hyundai models for its “2026 Editors’ Choice: The Best New Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Minivans” awards. All earned at least nine out of 10 stars based on performance, features, value and driving enjoyment.

• The 2026 Hyundai Palisade (Mid-Size Three-Row SUV) and Hyundai Palisade Hybrid (Hybrid Mid-Size SUV). Car and Driver cited the styling, cabin quality and many standard features. The hybrid version impressed the editors for performance and fuel economy.

• The 2026 IONIQ 5, 5N and IONIQ 9 earned honors from the editors, including the IONIQ 5”s rapid charging, styling and “cheery driving personality,” and the IONIQ 5N’s “Wicked acceleration, novel EV-experience enhancements and entertaining handling,” The IONIQ 9 was mentioned for quiet and spacious interior and “sensible style.”

• Editors liked the 2026 Elantra N (Sport Compact Car) for its handling, “rip-roaring turbo four,” and fuel efficiency.

• The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz (Compact Pickup) excelled for “carlike ride and handling, user-friendly infotainment and upscale interior design.”

Kelley Blue Book

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) uses factors such as performance, value, safety, fuel economy, comfort level, features, reliability and resale value to formulate it’s “Best Buy” awards.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona topped the Subcompact SUV segment, awarding 4.8 out of 5 stars for “stylish design and exceptional warranty coverage, tech, and practicality.” The 2026 Hyundai Palisade was a “Best Buy” Midsize SUV for its interior, advanced tech and class-leading warranty.

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Compact Electric SUV) and IONIQ 9 (Full-Size Electric SUV) were tapped as a “Best Buy” Electric Vehicles. KBB like the IONIQ 9’s range, interior and warranty, while the IONIQ 5 impressed because of its design, features and “Terrific Value.”

Auto Focus and More

The 2026 IONIQ 9 is the 2026 “Auto Focus Vehicle of the Year.” Auto Focus is a pair of YouTube influencers, Marquez and Miles who rave the IONIQ 9 has “Just good everything!” Lights,design, road feel…so much value for the money,”

The 2026 IONIQ 9 also got citations as “German Premium Car of the Year” (German Auto Experts & Writers), “Electric SUV of Texas” (Texas Auto Writers Assn.), “EV of the Year” (Hispanic Motor Press), “Northwest Vehicle of the Year” and “Best BEV” (Drive Revolution), Five Stars from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), Top Safety PICK+ (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – IIHS) and a “Wards 10 Best Award” for its dual-motor propulsion system.