2026 Hyundai Models Sweep Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy Awards

Kelley Blue Book is one of the most trusted names in the car business. Every year, its editors test dozens of new vehicles and hand out Best Buy Awards to the top model in each class. For 2026, Hyundai walked away with three of these awards. The Hyundai Palisade, IONIQ 5, and Kona each topped their categories, giving Hyundai one of its strongest showings yet.

If you shop for a new vehicle at SouthTowne Hyundai of Riverdale, here is what these awards mean and why they matter.

What Are the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards?

Kelley Blue Book, often called KBB, has ranked new cars for shoppers for decades. Its Best Buy Awards single out the top vehicle in each major class, from compact cars to full-size trucks. The editors do not just look at horsepower or price. They study real-world testing, pricing trends, five-year cost-to-own data, and what actual car buyers say about each vehicle.

Because KBB is an independent source, its awards carry real weight. A shopper cannot buy a Best Buy Award. A vehicle has to earn it by beating every other model in its class on the things that matter most to owners: value, comfort, features, and how it holds up over time.

Each year, KBB hands out awards in more than a dozen categories. These cover everything from compact cars and full-size trucks to minivans and electric vehicles. Only one model wins each category, so competition is tough. Automakers cannot submit their own vehicles for review, either. KBB’s editors choose which vehicles to test, which keeps the results fair and honest for shoppers.

Three Categories, Three Hyundai Winners

For 2026, Hyundai took home the top prize in three separate categories.

Hyundai Palisade – Best Midsize SUV. The Palisade won this category for the first time, and Kelley Blue Book had high praise for it. Executive Editor Brian Moody said, “The new Palisade is the perfect example, with available hybrid power and a luxurious interior, it’s an ideal family SUV.” That combination of a roomy cabin, upscale materials, and a hybrid option made the Palisade stand out among midsize SUVs. Families cross-shopping this class often compare it to other three-row SUVs, but the Palisade’s blend of comfort and efficiency helped it come out on top this year. You can browse the current lineup on our new Hyundai Palisade page.

Hyundai IONIQ 5 – Best Electric Vehicle. This is the fourth year in a row the IONIQ 5 has won this award, which says a lot about how well it holds up against the competition. KBB praised its forward-thinking design and fast DC charging speeds, both of which make it easier to live with an EV every day. Winning four years straight also means the IONIQ 5 keeps pace as new electric vehicles enter the market, rather than falling behind. Riverdale drivers curious about going electric can check out our new electric vehicle inventory to see the IONIQ 5 in person.

Hyundai Kona – Best Subcompact SUV. The Kona picked up its third straight win in this category. Kelley Blue Book pointed to its bold design and available turbocharged engine as reasons it keeps beating other small SUVs. It is a great choice for drivers who want SUV styling and space without paying for a bigger vehicle, and it fits easily into tighter parking spots around Riverdale. You can explore Kona inventory on our new Hyundai Kona page.

That is three different types of vehicles: a family SUV, an electric SUV, and a compact SUV, all earning top marks in the same year. Hyundai’s own leadership noticed the pattern, too. Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president of product planning for Hyundai Motor North America, said, “These recognitions reinforce that our models continue to surprise and delight consumers and expert reviewers alike.”

Why These Awards Matter for Riverdale Shoppers

It is easy to see a badge or a headline and move on, but these awards are built on the same things Riverdale shoppers care about every day. Kelley Blue Book looks at the cost to own over five years, which includes fuel, maintenance, and how well a vehicle holds its value. That is the kind of research most buyers do not have time to do themselves.

When a vehicle wins three years in a row, like the Kona, it means the value is not a fluke. It means Hyundai keeps improving the SUV year after year, and KBB keeps noticing. The same goes for the IONIQ 5’s four-year streak as Best Electric Vehicle. For a shopper trying to decide between a gas SUV and an EV, that kind of consistency is worth paying attention to.

These three winners also show that Hyundai’s strength is not limited to one type of vehicle. Whether you want a family SUV like the Palisade, a smaller SUV like the Kona, or a fully electric option like the IONIQ 5, Hyundai has a model built to compete at the top of its class. If you want to compare more of the lineup, our guide to the 2026 Hyundai SUV lineup breaks down which model fits which kind of driver.

Find Your Award-Winning Hyundai at SouthTowne Hyundai of Riverdale

You do not have to take Kelley Blue Book’s word for it. Test drive the Palisade, Kona, or IONIQ 5 yourself at SouthTowne Hyundai of Riverdale and see what earned each of them a Best Buy Award this year.

Ready to start shopping? Browse our new Hyundai vehicle specials to see today’s best deals, or check our current incentives to find the offer that fits your budget. And once you drive home in your new Hyundai, you will also be backed by the coverage described in our post on why Hyundai has one of the best warranties in the business.