Hyundai Motor Group has received multiple recognitions from leading U.S. automotive media outlets, with a wide range of Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models selected across major vehicle evaluation programs.
According to the group, a total of 17 models—eight from Hyundai, five from Kia and four from Genesis—were named best-in-class winners in the 2026 Editors’ Choice Awards announced by Car and Driver. The annual awards are based on comprehensive road tests and evaluations conducted by the publication’s editorial team on vehicles sold in the U.S. market.
Hyundai models selected included the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 5 N in the compact electric SUV category, the Ioniq 9 in the midsize electric SUV segment, the Palisade in the midsize three-row SUV category, the Palisade Hybrid and Santa Fe Hybrid among midsize hybrid SUVs, the Elantra N in the compact sport sedan category, and the Santa Cruz in the compact pickup truck segment.
Kia vehicles recognized by the publication included the EV6 as a compact electric SUV, the EV9 as a midsize electric SUV, the K5 in the midsize family sedan category, and both the Carnival and Carnival Hybrid in the minivan and hybrid minivan segments, respectively.
Genesis models also received category recognition, with the GV70 selected as a luxury compact SUV, the GV80 as a luxury midsize two-row SUV, the G80 as a luxury midsize sedan, and the G90 as a luxury large sedan.
Car and Driver cited factors such as overall design, driving performance and product competitiveness as key considerations in its evaluations.
Additional recognition followed from other U.S. automotive media. In the 2026 Drivers’ Choice Awards hosted by MotorWeek, the Hyundai Palisade was named Best Large Utility Vehicle, while the Kia K4 received the Best Family Car award. MotorWeek’s program focuses on performance, technology, efficiency and practicality from a consumer-oriented perspective.
Meanwhile, automotive review website Cars.com selected the Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid as Best Family Vehicles in its 2026 Best of Awards, while the Kia EV9 was named Best Electric Vehicle. The outlet evaluates newly released models based on quality, innovation and overall value.
A Hyundai Motor Group official said the results reflect continued efforts to strengthen product competitiveness based on consumer needs, adding that the group plans to maintain its focus on key global markets, including the United States.
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