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DETROIT — Hyundai Motor’s flagship SUV, the Palisade, has achieved a landslide victory at the prestigious North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year (NACTOY) awards, cementing its status as the "ultimate family car" in the global market.
According to industry sources on January 21, the NACTOY jury released the final scoring and judges' evaluations following the official winner announcement on the 14th. The Palisade’s performance was nothing short of dominant.
A Massive Lead in Points
The Palisade secured the "Utility of the Year" title with a staggering 270 points, more than doubling the score of its closest competitor.
The Hybrid Advantage: Setting a New Standard
The NACTOY jury, comprised of 50 automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada, cited the Palisade’s price-to-value proposition, high-end interior quality, and next-generation hybrid system as the deciding factors.
"The Palisade Hybrid sets a new benchmark for its class," said John Vincent, editor at U.S. News & World Report. "It is quite simply the best SUV available on the market today." Greg Migliore, editor-in-chief of AutoGuide, added that the improved fuel efficiency of the hybrid system makes it the "perfect fit for family transportation."
Luxury Meets Practicality
Beyond performance, the SUV was praised for offering luxury features typically found in much more expensive segments. Tom Voelk of Driven remarked, "It captures the convenience and technology you would expect from a vehicle one or even two classes above its price point."
Journalist Sue Mead highlighted the vehicle's interior space, noting that the generous legroom and advanced tech features allow it to "surpass all competitors in its category."
Global Success and American Popularity
The Palisade’s success is reflected in its sales figures. Since its initial launch in 2019, the model has sold over 1.1 million units globally. Notably, the United States accounts for more than half of those sales, with 600,000 units sold to date.
Leading U.S. automotive publications have also joined the chorus of praise:
Car and Driver: Named the Palisade to its "2026 10Best Trucks & SUVs" list.
Kelley Blue Book: Described it as a "fresher, more modern choice" compared to rivals like the Ford Explorer and Toyota Grand Highlander, specifically praising its industry-leading warranty.
The second-generation Palisade, which began U.S. sales in September last year, continues to drive Hyundai’s momentum as a leader in the competitive 3-row SUV market.
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