Hyundai Motor's Palisade named North America's top utility vehicle of the year

SEOUL, January 15 (AJP) - Hyundai Motor said on Thursday that its Palisade sport utility vehicle has been named this year's North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, citing the model’s upgraded hybrid system and strong appeal in the U.S. market.

Finalists in the 2026 utility category included the Hyundai Palisade, Lucid Gravity and Nissan Leaf. Hyundai said the Palisade emerged as the winner following close competition.

Judges cited the Palisade’s next-generation hybrid system, which improves both performance and fuel efficiency, as well as its spacious interior designed to meet North American consumer preferences, the company said.

The Palisade’s new hybrid system features a transmission with two integrated motors and can be paired with multiple engine configurations, allowing performance and fuel economy to be optimized by vehicle type, Hyundai said. Electrification-focused technologies also enhance driving performance, ride comfort and the in-vehicle experience.

Jeff Gilbert, chairman of the award jury, said the Palisade “sets the standard for a 21st-century family vehicle,” pointing to its interior space, driving dynamics and range of technologies.

The North American Car of the Year awards, established in 1994, are among the auto industry’s most closely watched honors.