Hyundai Palisade Named 2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year
The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade three-row SUV beats out an impressive field of new vehicles on the strength of its hybrid and ICE powertrains, class-above interior, and family-friendly safety and convenience features.
Key Performance & Features
- Hybrid Efficiency: The Palisade Hybrid offers up to 34 mpg and well over 600 miles of driving range.
- Powertrain Options: The lineup includes a powerful and efficient next-generation hybrid powertrain and a powerful, smooth naturally aspirated V6 powertrain.
- New Trim: Includes Hyundai’s first-ever XRT PRO trim for those seeking additional off-road capability.
- Sales Growth: Palisade enjoyed its best sales year ever in 2025, notching an impressive 17 percent increase in retail sales and a 13 percent increase in total sales in the U.S.
About the Award
The all-new Hyundai Palisade was named the 2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year™ by the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) jury.
Why this award is prestigious:
- Independent Jury: The awards are determined by a jury comprised of 50 leading automotive journalists and reviewers from the U.S. and Canada representing all forms of media.
- Credibility: The jury’s expertise, unique vehicle evaluation processes, and independence from any single publication set NACTOY awards apart from other “Car of the Year” honors.
- Benchmark Status: A NACTOY win recognizes the consensus benchmark vehicles for a given year.
Leadership Quotes
“Palisade represents everything we strive to deliver at Hyundai—beautiful design, advanced technology, exceptional safety, and real value for families. To be recognized by 50 of North America’s most respected automotive journalists as the best utility vehicle of the year is a tremendous honor.”
— José Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company
“The 2026 Palisade was designed to be bigger, better, and go further as Hyundai’s flagship three-row SUV while continuing to deliver family-oriented convenience, practical technology, and uncompromised safety.”
— Olabisi Boyle, Senior Vice President, Product Planning and Mobility Strategy, Hyundai Motor North America
“The Hyundai Palisade defines the family vehicle for the 21st century. It’s spacious, fun to drive and has a lot of technology. Congratulations on this impressive win.”
— Jeff Gilbert, President, NACTOY
Founded in 1994, NACTOY awards are the longest-running new-vehicle awards not associated with a particular
publication, website, radio or television station. Because of the jurors’ independence and the strength of the
various outlets that the voters represent, these awards are among the most respected in the industry.
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