Hyundai Motor Group wins seven U.S. News hybrid and EV awards

Hyundai Motor Group has demonstrated its strong dominance in North America’s electrified vehicle market, winning more than a third of the awards in a hybrid and electric vehicle ranking by a leading U.S. publication.

Hyundai Motor Group said it won seven of 19 categories in the “2026 Best Hybrid and Electric Cars” awards announced by U.S. News & World Report.

Hyundai and Kia each won three categories, tying for the most wins among global automakers. Luxury brand Genesis also won one category, underscoring the world-class competitiveness of Hyundai Motor Group’s hybrid and electric vehicle lineup.

Hyundai stood out in the electrified and hybrid SUV categories. Its dedicated electric vehicle, the IONIQ 5, was named “Best Compact Electric SUV,” while the Tucson Hybrid won “Best Compact Hybrid SUV.” Both models earned their category awards for the third consecutive year.

The IONIQ 5 was praised for offering electric SUV buyers a smart choice, thanks to its ultra-fast charging system, impressive driving range and advanced safety features. The Tucson Hybrid earned high marks for combining a 1.6-liter gasoline turbo engine with a 47.7-kW electric motor to deliver 231 horsepower and excellent fuel efficiency.

The IONIQ 9 was named “Best Midsize Electric SUV.” It offers a spacious interior, innovative design and an EPA-estimated range of up to 335 miles (about 539 km).

Kia also earned recognition for the strength of its hybrid lineup. The Niro was named “Best Subcompact Hybrid SUV,” and the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) won “Best Compact Plug-In Hybrid SUV.” U.S. News described the Niro as “a top-value model with best-in-class fuel economy and a roomy interior,” and praised the Sportage PHEV for combining “impressive electric range and practicality with a refined driving experience.”

The Telluride Hybrid also won “Best Midsize Hybrid SUV.” Combining a 2.5-liter gasoline turbo engine with dual electric motors, the Telluride Hybrid delivers up to 329 horsepower and a range of up to 637 miles (about 1,025 km).

Meanwhile, Genesis’s dedicated electric vehicle, the GV60, was named “Best Compact Luxury Electric SUV” for the first time.

U.S. News said the Genesis GV60 delivers luxury beyond its class, combining eye-catching, distinctive design, a luxurious interior finished with premium materials and ultra-fast charging capability. Key strengths included its large 84.0-kWh battery, ultra-fast charging via an 800-volt system—from 10% to 80% in 18 to 20 minutes—and added convenience from its North American Charging Standard (NACS) port.

Hyundai and Kia said the wins clearly demonstrate that the strong competitiveness of models built on the E-GMP dedicated electric vehicle platform and the quality of their hybrid lineup are earning top recognition in North America. They added that they will continue to introduce innovative vehicles that meet customers’ diverse lifestyles and lead the global electrification market.

U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hybrid and Electric Cars” awards recognize the top vehicles in each category based on a comprehensive evaluation of vehicle quality, fuel economy and range (according to EPA estimates), safety and reliability. This year, in response to rising demand for electrified vehicles, the publication evaluated 138 vehicles across 19 categories.