Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Earns a WardsAuto 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems Award

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Oct 15, 2026, 14:16 ET

WardsAuto judges recognized the Palisade Hybrid powertrain for delivering strong efficiency in a large three-row SUV while retaining a mechanical all-wheel-drive system and competitive performance metrics
Annual award honors innovative engineering in the latest powertrains offered in vehicles sold in the U.S. market

DETROIT, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid has received a prestigious 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems recognition by WardsAuto in their annual new vehicle awards competition. The Palisade Hybrid earned the award for combining hybrid efficiency, mechanical all-wheel drive capability, 329 horsepower, and an estimated 619-mile driving rangeⁱ in a three-row SUV. This is the 18^th product win for Hyundai and marks the second time a Hyundai three-row utility's powertrain has been recognized by the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems awards since the program began 32 years ago.

The Palisade hybrid is photographed in Austin, Texas on Nov. 11, 2025.

Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Propulsion System.

"Hyundai is committed to providing consumers with technologies that improve their everyday driving experience and the Palisade Hybrid was engineered to deliver the capabilities customers expect from a three-row SUV while significantly improving efficiency," said Dr. Kyoung Pyo Ha, director, electrified propulsion development, Hyundai America Technical Center (HATCI), Hyundai Motor Group's North American R&D engineering organization. "Hyundai's hybrid system demonstrates the company's commitment to advancing powertrain technology without compromising performance or utility. The company is honored to be recognized as a developer of hybrid powertrain technology and appreciate the recognition by WardsAuto."

The all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade serves as Hyundai's flagship three-row SUV. The large SUV redefines the premium three-row SUV experience with a bold new design, an available advanced hybrid powertrain and a suite of next-generation technologies.

The awarded 2.5L turbocharged I4 hybrid powertrain includes 329 horsepower / 339 lb.-ft. torque (combined); features a 6-speed automatic transmission and is available in FWD or HTRAC® AWD. The hybrid high-efficiency powertrain is expected to achieve 30+ mpg on the highway.

The hybrid powertrain also offers an estimated 4,000 lbs. of maximum towing capacityⁱⁱ, all of which combine for supreme driver confidence and flexibility out on the open road. Specific features have been added to the hybrid to provide a more EV-like ownership experience, including a new Stay Mode function that monitors the battery system when parked to allow for extended use of the infotainment and HVAC functions.

"Hyundai put in the effort to deliver a smooth, quiet operating hybrid while still offering a fully mechanical all-wheel-drive system," said Robin Warner, program manager and Judge, WardsAuto. "This gives drivers the exact same, sure footed traction on slippery surfaces, while helping drivers spend less time and money at the pump. Very well done."

Only all-new or significantly improved powertrains are eligible for testing, along with returning winners from the previous year. Wards judges evaluated 26 powertrain nominees under real-world driving conditions, assessing horsepower, torque, NVH performance, observed efficiency, and technological innovation.

About WardsAuto
WardsAuto is a leading publication operated by Informa TechTarget. Our business journalists spark ideas and shape agendas for 14 million decision-makers in competitive industries. Celebrating its 32nd anniversary, Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems honors innovative engineering in the latest powertrains offered in vehicles in the U.S. market. The winners showcase a diverse array of internal combustion and electrified propulsion technologies. Each year, WardsAuto editors rigorously evaluate a wide variety of vehicles, meticulously scoring each powertrain on various factors. The ceremony brings together hundreds of the world's leading powertrain experts to honor the crème de la crème of the industry for their outstanding achievements in powertrain excellence.

Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, several cutting-edge R&D facilities and more than 855 independent dealers. These operations are part of Hyundai Motor Group, which is investing $26 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

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ⁱ Estimated driving range of 619 miles for 2026 Palisade Hybrid Blue SEL Premium based on a fully-charged battery. Estimated ranges for other trims vary. Estimates based on internal testing with anticipated EPA certification pending. For comparison purposes only. Actual range will vary based on a number of factors, including vehicle options, driving conditions and habits, vehicle and battery's condition and outside temperature.

ⁱⁱ Towing capacity varies by configuration. 4,000 lb. maximum towing capacity for 2026 Palisade Hybrid models and 5,000 lb. maximum towing capacity for Palisade ICE models. Requires installation of aftermarket towing equipment. See Owner's Manual for proper use and additional information.

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America