Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Palisade Named Best Value Cars by Cars.com

Cars.com names Hyundai IONIQ 5 SE and Palisade SE among 2026 Best Value cars, highlighting features, efficiency and pricing across key segments. Learn more.

Hyundai secured two major positions in Cars.com’s ranking: the IONIQ 5 SE was named Best Value EV, while the Palisade SE earned the title of Best Value Midsize SUV. These awards target highly competitive segments where buyers focus on practicality and overall cost of ownership.

Cars.com evaluates mainstream vehicles rather than luxury models, emphasizing a balance of affordability and essential features. Requirements include automatic transmission, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as safety systems such as automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. For gasoline vehicles, EPA fuel cost estimates are also considered, with final rankings based on both editorial testing and consumer data.

The IONIQ 5 SE stands out for features that directly affect everyday usability. It offers up to 318 miles of range in rear-wheel-drive form and supports fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes under optimal conditions. Depending on configuration, output reaches up to 320 horsepower, while the E-GMP platform enables both rapid charging and increased interior space. The model also includes dual 12.3-inch displays and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems.

The Palisade SE focuses on versatility and family use. Its three-row layout accommodates up to eight passengers, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 producing 287 horsepower with either front- or all-wheel drive. A newly introduced hybrid version combines a 2.5-liter turbo engine with electric motors, delivering around 329 horsepower and up to 34 mpg combined fuel economy. Its estimated driving range reaches approximately 619 miles, extending its capability for long-distance travel. The SUV also features dual digital displays, connected services, and SmartSense safety technologies.

Hyundai’s presence on the list goes beyond these two models. The Kona SE and Elantra SE were named finalists in their respective categories, reinforcing the brand’s strategy of delivering well-equipped vehicles in the mass market without moving into the premium segment.

As competition intensifies across electric vehicles and family SUVs, the results highlight a broader shift: technology alone is no longer enough. Accessibility plays a decisive role. According to Cars.com, buyers no longer need to compromise between price, features, and efficiency — a balance Hyundai is increasingly positioning itself to deliver.