Hyundai leads MotorTrend rankings with four segment winners

MotorTrend reports Hyundai models leading four segments, including IONIQ 6, IONIQ 9, Santa Fe Hybrid and Palisade. See how the rankings compare across categories.

Hyundai secured four No.1 rankings in MotorTrend’s Ultimate Car Rankings, placing at the top of one of the industry’s most comprehensive evaluations covering around 300 vehicles across nearly 50 segments. The winners include the IONIQ 6 electric sedan, the new three-row electric SUV IONIQ 9, the Santa Fe Hybrid, and the Palisade — each leading its respective category.

The result stands out not just for the number of wins, but for their spread. Hyundai topped key segments across electric, hybrid, and traditional SUV categories. Its dominance is especially clear in the three-row SUV space, where the brand secured three first-place finishes with different powertrain approaches — fully electric, hybrid, and gasoline.

MotorTrend’s rankings are built on a comprehensive methodology that evaluates driving performance, technology, comfort, safety, efficiency, and overall value. Unlike one-off awards, the Ultimate Car Rankings are updated twice a year. In the latest update, Hyundai didn’t just appear among the leaders — it occupied the top positions across multiple segments at once.

The IONIQ 6 received particular recognition as a segment-leading electric sedan. With an EPA-estimated range of up to 342 miles and fast-charging capability, it offers a compelling alternative to SUVs, focusing on efficiency, aerodynamics, and advanced technology. Alongside it, the IONIQ 9 expands Hyundai’s electric portfolio into the large SUV category, featuring a battery of about 110 kWh, a WLTP range of up to 620 km, and ultra-fast charging support.

The Santa Fe Hybrid and Palisade address buyers who are not yet ready to switch fully to electric mobility. The Santa Fe Hybrid delivers fuel economy of up to 37 mpg in the city while maintaining three-row practicality, while the Palisade emphasizes interior space, comfort, and family-oriented features.

These wins gain additional weight when viewed against the competitive landscape. The IONIQ 9, for instance, leads ahead of models such as the Kia EV9 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz in the electric three-row SUV segment, where premium competitors like the Volvo EX90 and Tesla Model X are also present. This highlights Hyundai’s position not in a niche, but in a mature and competitive market segment.

For Hyundai, the results align with a broader strategic direction. The company plans to expand its lineup to 21 electric models by 2030 while strengthening its hybrid portfolio, aiming for electrified vehicles to account for 60% of global sales. In this context, the strong showing in MotorTrend’s rankings reflects a consistent product strategy rather than an isolated success.