Hyundai Wins Big with Families: Four Models Honored with 2026 Parents Best Family Cars Awards [Accessibility Statement] Skip Navigation- From fully electric three-row flexibility to hybrid efficiency and spacious SUV practicality, Hyundai offers families powertrain choice without compromise- 2026 IONIQ 9, IONIQ 5, Palisade, and Palisade Hybrid models recognized by one of the nation's oldest and most respected parenting publicationsFOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai today has earn ...

Core Insights - Hyundai's Palisade Hybrid has been recognized in Car and Driver's 10Best Trucks and SUVs list for 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year a Hyundai model has received this honor [1] Group 1: Product Features and Design - The 2026 Palisade Hybrid features a new hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, delivering up to 329 horsepower and an estimated driving range of 619 miles [8][15] - The vehicle's design includes a bold and premium aesthetic, with a distinctive front featuring vertical LED daytime running lights and a commanding side profile, achieving a low drag coefficient of 0.31 [4][5] - The interior is spacious and luxurious, offering features such as Relaxation seating, a double-door center stack, and a Bose® 14-speaker surround audio system, enhancing the overall passenger experience [10][11] Group 2: Technology and Safety - The Palisade Hybrid includes advanced technology such as Hyundai Digital Key 2.0 Premium, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and wireless Over-The-Air (OTA) update functionality, ensuring the vehicle remains up to date [13][14] - A comprehensive suite of SmartSense active safety technologies is available, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Remote Smart Parking Assist, aimed at enhancing driver and passenger safety [12][17] Group 3: Market Position and Strategy - The recognition of the Palisade Hybrid reflects a shift in consumer preferences towards vehicles that offer capability, spaciousness, and advanced technology, indicating Hyundai's strategic focus on meeting diverse customer needs [3] - Hyundai's operations in the U.S. contribute significantly to the economy, with an annual impact of $20.1 billion and 190,000 jobs, showcasing the company's commitment to the market [18]

Core Insights - The automotive market in 2025 was characterized by a heightened focus on affordability due to rising ownership costs, tariff concerns, and a shortage of late-model used vehicles, setting the stage for 2026 [1][2] Market Trends - In 2025, consumers actively pursued affordability, influencing shopping behavior and automotive supply trends, driven by concerns over tariff costs and the expiration of the EV tax credit [2] - Key areas of value for buyers included hybrids, smaller body styles, and budget-friendly older models, with the used market expected to continue catering to budget-conscious shoppers in 2026 [3] Vehicle Performance - Smaller sedans, compact crossovers, and efficient models were the fastest-selling used vehicles, with models like the Buick LeSabre and Chevrolet Cobalt selling in approximately 25 to 30 days compared to the average of 40 days for used vehicles [4] - Following the expiration of EV tax credits, new EV retail sales dropped by 66% in the two months after the deadline compared to the two months prior, while hybrid demand increased, with new inventory rising nearly 18% year-over-year and retail sales growing by 33% [4] Ownership Costs - Rising vehicle ownership costs, including insurance, loan payments, and maintenance, have pressured consumer budgets, with the total cost of ownership for used vehicles increasing by 36% and for new models by 29% compared to 2019 [5] - The fastest-selling new vehicles in 2025 included models like the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid and Toyota's Grand Highlander Hybrid, selling in under 20 days on average [5] Future Outlook - The pricing landscape for 2026 models is expected to play a significant role in average new car pricing trends, with higher MSRPs partially offset by softer pricing and incentives on remaining 2025 models [6] - The market is anticipated to see improved availability of late-model used vehicles as the chip shortage eases, providing more "like-new" options for consumers [6] - 2026 will offer insights into EV demand without the influence of tax credits, with affordability remaining a key driver for consumers as they cross-shop across various vehicle types [7]