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Hyundai Palisade Wins Prestigious Award

Hyundai's Palisade has once again proven its excellence in the SUV market by being named the 2026 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award winner for Best Large Utility. This distinguished recognition was announced on February 5, 2026, coinciding with the opening of the renowned Chicago Auto Show.

The Palisade has set itself apart from its competitors with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine complemented by a new hybrid powertrain option. This blend of power and efficiency, alongside a comprehensive array of convenience and technology features, contributed to its success in the competition. MotorWeek's vehicle evaluations go beyond driving experiences; they also take into account factors like reliability, value, and current consumer trends, ensuring a thorough assessment of each entry.

Ricky Lao, director of product planning at Hyundai Motor North America, emphasized the importance of customer feedback in the design process. He stated, "The recognition shows that Hyundai is committed to delivering features and technologies that resonate with our customers while remaining accessible." He highlighted the design philosophy focusing on giving users confidence and a premium feel in a family SUV, ensuring a first-class experience.

John Davis, the host and creator of MotorWeek, also praised the Palisade, mentioning its role in reshaping the large crossover utility segment. "Although this segment is relatively new, the Hyundai Palisade has established itself prominently since its debut six years ago," he remarked. He noted that the second-generation Palisade, equipped with the new hybrid powertrain, offers better efficiency without sacrificing performance. Despite a modest increase in exterior size, it now boasts more features and refinement than ever, all while keeping price points reasonable.

The MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards is a long-standing tradition that celebrates automotive excellence. Every year, the MotorWeek team evaluates over 150 new vehicles, combining driving tests, research, and instrumented assessments to develop a list of the best vehicles in various classes. The objective is to align the award winners with the views of both automotive experts and everyday consumers, making the selections a reliable guide for future vehicle buyers.

If you're interested in seeing how the winners were determined, or getting insights and recommendations, you can check out the Drivers' Choice Awards selection show on MotorWeek's YouTube channel.

While Hyundai continues to innovate with its Palisade and other models, it reinforces its commitment to consumers through its technology-rich lineup, which includes various cars and SUVs tailored to meet consumer demands.

As Hyundai ventures further into electrification and tech enhancements, it has invested $26 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028. Operations include the North American headquarters in California and state-of-the-art manufacturing and R&D facilities. This investment underscores Hyundai's dedication to shaping the future of mobility and enhancing the driving experience for all.

For more news and information on Hyundai’s latest offerings, visit Hyundai News.