Hyundai Motor’s Palisade flagship SUV wins the 2026 North American Utility Automobile of the Yr. Courtesy of Hyundai Motor
Hyundai Motor’s Palisade three-row flagship SUV has been named the 2026 North American Utility Automobile of the Yr for its balanced options in security, comfort and design, the carmaker stated Thursday.
The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade was acknowledged for its enhanced industrial worth, pushed partially by its superior hybrid powertrain and spacious inside — attributes favored by North American clients.
“The Palisade represents every thing we try to ship at Hyundai — stunning design, superior know-how, distinctive security and actual worth for households,” Hyundai Motor CEO Jose Munoz stated. “To be acknowledged by 50 of North America’s most revered automotive journalists as the most effective utility car of the yr is an incredible honor.”
The award is granted by the 50 skilled automotive reviewers representing all types of media, making it one of the vital prestigious and sought-after prizes within the world automotive trade.
The Palisade is rising as a key revenue driver for Hyundai Motor in the USA, posting its finest annual gross sales there in 2025 with a 13 % improve from a yr earlier.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade SUV is displayed throughout the New York Worldwide Auto Present Press Preview in New York Metropolis, April 16, 2025. Reuters-Yonhap
The addition of a hybrid powertrain gives a extra various vary of choices for purchasers, in keeping with the carmaker. This all-new Palisade Hybrid presents spectacular effectivity, able to driving as much as 600 miles on a full tank.
“The 2026 Palisade was designed to be greater, higher and go additional as Hyundai Motor’s flagship three-row SUV, whereas persevering with to ship family-oriented comfort, sensible know-how and uncompromised security,” stated Olabisi Boyle, senior vice chairman of product planning and mobility technique at Hyundai Motor North America.
The most recent award solidifies the carmaker’s footing in North America. Hyundai Motor Group has up to now acquired a complete of 9 North American Automobile of the Yr awards. The earlier one was given to Kia’s EV9 all-electric SUV in 2024.
“The 2026 Palisade has been upgraded with daring proportions and premium design, full-featured seating and an entire suite of consolation and know-how facilities,” Boyle stated.
“We’ve got additionally expanded the Palisade lineup to cater to a good broader array of consumers by providing a strong and environment friendly next-generation hybrid powertrain.”
