Hyundai Palisade Named 2026 North American Utility of the Year Award™ Finalist

Core Insights - The 2026 Hyundai Palisade SUV has been named a finalist for the 2026 North American Utility of the Year award by the NACTOY jury, with winners to be announced on January 14, 2026 [1][4] Group 1: Award Recognition - The NACTOY finalists were selected from a preliminary list of 30 eligible models across three categories: Car, Truck, and Utility [4] - The selection process involved initial evaluations and voting, leading to a "Best of 2026" model list that included six cars, five trucks, and nineteen utility vehicles [4] - The awards are determined by a diverse jury of 50 leading automotive journalists and reviewers from the U.S. and Canada, making them highly respected in the industry [6][5] Group 2: Vehicle Features - The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is an all-new second-generation mid-size three-row family SUV featuring a sophisticated design and class-leading interior refinement [2] - It offers a choice between a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter gasoline V6 engine and a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, with the hybrid achieving up to 34 miles per gallon and over 600 miles of range [2] - A new off-road-focused XRT PRO trim includes features such as heightened ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and an electronic rear limited-slip differential [2] Group 3: Company Impact - Hyundai Motor America contributes $20.1 billion annually to the U.S. economy and supports 190,000 jobs, highlighting its significant operations in the country [8]