Hyundai Motor America Earns Four Wins in 2026 Parents Best Family Cars Awards

Hyundai Motor America reports four wins in the 2026 Parents Best Family Cars Awards, spanning EVs and SUVs. Explore the awarded models and key market details.

Hyundai Motor America opened 2026 with a notable achievement in the family segment, as four of its models were honored in the 2026 PARENTS Best Family Cars Awards, tying for the most wins among automotive brands this year.

The winners include the Hyundai IONIQ 5 (Best Electric 5-Passenger Vehicle), Hyundai Palisade (Best Mid-Size 3-Row SUV), Hyundai Palisade Hybrid (Best Hybrid SUV), and Hyundai IONIQ 9 (Best 3-Row EV). The recognition spans traditional gasoline SUVs, hybrid powertrains, and fully electric three-row vehicles.

The PARENTS awards, presented by a U.S. parenting publication founded in 1926, evaluate more than 150 vehicles annually. Judges assess not only specifications but also real-world usability, including car seat installation, second- and third-row flexibility, storage solutions, standard safety features, and family-oriented technology.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade, named Best Mid-Size 3-Row SUV, starts at $39,435 in the United States, plus a $1,600 destination charge, and is powered by a 287-horsepower V6 engine. Judges highlighted its balance of space, design, and family functionality. Category runners-up included the Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander.

The Palisade Hybrid expands the lineup with improved efficiency. According to published data, the front-wheel-drive version can achieve up to 34 mpg combined. Pricing begins at approximately $45,760 depending on trim, and testing reports cite a combined system output of 329 horsepower.

The all-electric IONIQ 9 was recognized as Best 3-Row EV. It features a 110.3-kWh battery and offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 335 miles, depending on configuration. Its architecture supports fast charging, with 10 to 80 percent replenishment possible in about 24 minutes on a 350-kW DC charger. Published pricing starts at $60,555. Key competitors in the segment include the Kia EV9, Rivian R1S, and Cadillac Vistiq.

The IONIQ 5 continues to play a central role in Hyundai’s EV strategy. For the 2026 model year, reports indicate starting prices ranging from $35,000 to $36,600 depending on configuration and source. The model is known for its fast-charging capability and practical interior layout.

Safety remains a critical factor for family buyers. The redesigned 2026 Palisade is listed by IIHS as a Top Safety Pick within its 2025 award cycle, with portions of testing conducted by the manufacturer. Meanwhile, NHTSA has selected multiple 2026 model year vehicles for evaluation under its Five-Star Safety Ratings program.

The awards come amid strong overall performance for the brand in the United States. Hyundai Motor America reported record 2025 retail sales of 772,712 vehicles and total sales of 901,686 units, with Palisade and IONIQ 5 cited among models achieving annual sales records.

In parallel, Hyundai Motor Group announced plans to invest $26 billion in the U.S. between 2025 and 2028, covering manufacturing expansion, steel production, robotics, and related infrastructure. The recognition from PARENTS reflects how Hyundai’s diversified powertrain strategy — spanning V6, hybrid, and fully electric models with NACS charging compatibility — is resonating with family buyers in one of the largest segments of the American market.