Hyundai PALISADE Crowned 2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year

Thu, Jan 22, 2026 12:21 PM on Latest, Corporate,

The all-new Hyundai PALISADE has been named the 2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by the NACTOY jury, reinforcing Hyundai Motor’s strength in delivering premium, family-focused SUVs. Selected by 50 independent automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada, the award reflects rigorous evaluation of design, performance, safety, innovation, and value.

As Hyundai’s flagship three-row SUV, PALISADE stood out for its spacious and refined interior, intuitive technology, comprehensive safety features, and a versatile powertrain lineup that includes a next-generation hybrid offering up to 34 mpg and over 600 miles of range, alongside a proven V6 engine.

The addition of the rugged XRT PRO off-road trim further enhances its appeal to adventure-oriented families. PALISADE’s recognition is backed by strong market performance, achieving record U.S. sales growth in 2025, underscoring rising demand for versatile, technology-rich, and family-oriented SUVs.