Hyundai Motor Named “Top Three in the World” Finalist for Three 2026 World Car Awards

Hyundai Motor Company has been recognized with three “Top Three in the World” finalist nominations for the 2026 World Car Awards, marking the fifth consecutive year that the company has been recognized at this prestigious event.

Which Hyundai Vehicles Have Been Shortlisted for the 2026 World Car Awards?

Now in their 22^nd year, the annual World Car Awards are one of the world’s leading automotive awards programs. Hyundai Motor has been shortlisted for three awards this year, including:

• The all-new PALISADE for World Car of the Year
• IONIQ 6 N for World Performance Car
• The all-new VENUE for World Urban Car

A jury of 98 international automotive journalists from 33 countries selected the finalists through a secret ballot. The winners will be announced live at the 2026 New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. 

What Are the Key Product Features of the Nominated Vehicles?

The all-new PALISADE

The all-new PALISADE is the company’s flagship premium SUV, offering a blend of comfort, space and technology. Key features include:

• Spacious and Versatile Interior: Available with 7- or 8-passenger seating, PALISADE features remote folding for the 2nd and 3rd-row seats for easy configuration. 
• Advanced Technology: PALISADE offers a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 
• Premium Comfort: Features include a BOSE premium sound system, heated and ventilated seats in the first and second rows, and a dual sunroof. 
• Powerful Performance: PALISADE is available with a 3.5L 6-cylinder engine and HTRAC all-wheel drive. 

IONIQ 6 N

IONIQ 6 N is a high-performance electric vehicle (EV) that combines exhilarating power with advanced technology for the track and the road. Key features include:

• Exceptional Performance: IONIQ 6 N delivers up to 641 hp with N Grin Boost, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds. 
• Driver-Focused Features: N e-Shift provides the feel of a real gearshift, while N Active Sound+ delivers an engaging sound experience. 
• Track-Ready Engineering: Features like N Torque Distribution and N Drift Optimizer allow the driver to customize the driving experience for advanced performance. 
• Advanced Battery Technology: The 84.0 kWh battery can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 18 minutes with a 350-kW charger under optimal conditions.

The all-new VENUE

The all-new VENUE is a compact SUV designed for urban adventures, offering a bold design and a wealth of features. Key features include:

• Assertive and Stylish Design: VENUE features a taller, wider body for a more powerful road presence, highlighted by quad beam LED headlamps and a dark chrome radiator grille. 
• Advanced Connectivity and Premium Interior: The cabin offers Hyundai Motor’s state-of-the-art Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system, featuring dual 12.3-inch curved panoramic displays, a Bose® premium sound system and over-the-air (OTA) updates.

• Versatile and Efficient Powertrains: A comprehensive lineup of powertrains is available, including the Kappa 1.2L MPi petrol, the Kappa 1.0L Turbo GDi petrol, and the U2 1.5L CRDi Diesel engine to suit diverse driving preferences.
• Comprehensive, Next-Generation Safety: Equipped with Hyundai SmartSense ADAS Level 2, offering 16 intelligent features. The vehicle is equipped with more than 65 advanced safety features, including six airbags and electronic stability control (ESC) as standard.

What World Car Awards Has Hyundai Motor Previously Won?

The brand has performed consistently strongly over the last several years at the World Car Awards. In 2025, INSTER (also known as CASPER Electric) won the World Electric Vehicle. In 2024, IONIQ 5 N was crowned World Performance Car. Both IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 5 took triple titles in 2023 and 2022, respectively, each winning World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle and World Car Design of the Year.

This consistent recognition underscores Hyundai Motor’s leadership in automotive innovation as the brand continues to push the boundaries of design and technology.

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