Hyundai Motor Group said it captured more than one-third of the awards in a major U.S. media outlet’s hybrid and electric vehicle rankings, underscoring its competitiveness in North America’s electrified-vehicle market. The group said it aims to build on that quality reputation as it posts record sales in the region.
The automaker said Saturday that it won seven of 19 categories in U.S. News & World Report’s “2026 Best Hybrid and Electric Cars Awards.” U.S. News evaluated 138 vehicles across 19 categories, judging overall quality, fuel economy and driving range based on EPA figures, safety and reliability, the company said.
Hyundai and Kia each won three categories, the most among global auto brands, the group said. Genesis won one category.
Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 was named best compact electric SUV, and the Tucson Hybrid was named best compact hybrid SUV. Both models won for a third straight year in their categories, the company said. The Ioniq 9 was selected as best midsize electric SUV.
Kia’s Niro was named best subcompact hybrid SUV, and the Sportage plug-in hybrid was selected as best compact plug-in hybrid SUV. The Telluride Hybrid won best midsize hybrid SUV, the group said.
Genesis’ GV60 was named best compact luxury electric SUV, making the list for the first time, it said.
A Hyundai-Kia official said the results show “clear evidence” that models based on the E-GMP dedicated EV platform and the group’s hybrid lineup are being recognized for top-tier value in North America. The official said the companies will continue introducing vehicles aimed at meeting a range of customer lifestyles and leading the global electrification market.
Hyundai Motor Group said it is seeking to strengthen its lead in North America’s electrified market as U.S. sales of Hyundai and Kia hybrids and EVs continue to rise.
Hyundai Motor America said Hyundai’s April hybrid sales rose 52% from a year earlier, the best monthly result on record. Kia said its April hybrid sales jumped 97%, while total sales of its EV models rose 71%, both the best April results on record.
For Hyundai, April sales of the Sonata Hybrid surged 171%, and the Elantra Hybrid rose 55%, it said. The Santa Fe Hybrid also set a new April retail sales record, pointing to growing SUV-focused hybrid demand.
Kia said April sales of the Sportage Hybrid and Sorento Hybrid increased 112% and 34%, respectively. Over the same period, sales of the large electric SUV EV9 jumped 481%, it said.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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