Hyundai Named 2026 Best SUV Brand by U.S. News for Second Consecutive Year

Hyundai has been named the 2026 Best SUV Brand for the second consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. The recognition was not based on a single vehicle. Instead, U.S. News evaluated Hyundai’s entire sport utility vehicle portfolio, considering qualities that matter to everyday drivers, including safety, predicted reliability, passenger space, cargo capacity, convenience, connectivity and overall vehicle quality.

According to Hyundai’s announcement, editors evaluated 39 automotive brands before selecting Hyundai as the winner. The award reflects the collective strength of a lineup that includes the Hyundai KONA, KONA Electric, TUCSON, TUCSON Hybrid, SANTA FE, SANTA FE Hybrid, PALISADE, PALISADE Hybrid, IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9.

For drivers searching for an SUV near Matteson, Tinley Park, Chicago Heights, Orland Park or elsewhere in the Chicago area, the recognition provides another reason to consider Hyundai. From efficient compact crossovers to spacious three-row family vehicles and fully electric SUVs, Hyundai offers choices for a wide variety of driving needs.

At World Hyundai Matteson, shoppers can explore our award-winning SUV family and determine which model, powertrain and configuration best fits their lifestyle.

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Hyundai’s 2026 Best SUV Brand Award at a Glance

Here are the central facts behind the recognition:

• Hyundai was named the 2026 Best SUV Brand by U.S. News & World Report
• This is the second consecutive year Hyundai has earned the award
• The evaluation included 39 automotive brands
• U.S. News considered safety data, predicted reliability, passenger room, cargo space and automotive press reviews
• Hyundai’s extensive lineup of gasoline, hybrid and electric SUVs contributed to the result
• The 2026 award represents Hyundai’s fifth Best SUV Brand victory in six years

U.S. News attributed Hyundai’s success to both the breadth and quality of its lineup. The publication noted that Hyundai offers at least 12 SUVs when electrified variants are counted separately, with almost all placing among the top five vehicles in their respective U.S. News rankings.

What Does the U.S. News Best SUV Brand Award Mean?

The Best SUV Brand award is intended to identify the automaker with the strongest overall SUV lineup, rather than simply choosing the company with one highly rated model.

U.S. News Best Cars reviews most new vehicles sold in the United States and produces annual rankings and awards designed to help consumers compare their options. For its brand awards, U.S. News averages the overall scores of a manufacturer’s products within the applicable category. The brand with the highest average score is then declared the category winner.

That methodology is important because it rewards consistency.

An automaker cannot rely entirely on one flagship vehicle. To win, it must offer compelling choices across different sizes, prices, powertrains and use cases. Hyundai’s recognition therefore represents the combined performance of its compact crossovers, two-row SUVs, three-row SUVs, hybrids and fully electric vehicles.

For consumers, the award may offer an additional layer of confidence during the research process. Whether a shopper needs an efficient daily commuter, more space for a growing family or an electric SUV with advanced technology, the Hyundai lineup includes multiple highly regarded options.

How Did U.S. News Evaluate the SUV Brands?

U.S. News evaluated each manufacturer’s available products and considered several factors that commonly influence SUV purchasing decisions. The evaluation included:

• Safety data
• Predicted reliability ratings
• Passenger space
• Cargo space
• Overall vehicle quality
• Convenience features
• Connectivity
• Consensus opinions from the automotive press

The publication calculated an average score for each brand’s qualifying vehicles and selected the manufacturer with the highest average in the SUV category.

This approach provides a broader view than a single road test or model comparison. It considers how an automaker’s vehicles perform as a group, helping identify brands that offer strong choices throughout their lineups.

Hyundai’s ability to perform well across such a wide range of criteria demonstrates how the brand has developed SUVs for different households without abandoning the qualities consumers expect across the lineup.

Why Hyundai Was Named the 2026 Best SUV Brand

Hyundai’s victory reflects several connected strengths: a broad model range, practical interiors, diverse powertrain choices, advanced technology and SUVs designed for different stages of life.

A Wide Range of SUV Sizes

Hyundai shoppers are not limited to one type of SUV.

The lineup begins with smaller, city-friendly models such as the KONA and expands through compact and midsize options such as the TUCSON and SANTA FE. Families needing three rows can consider the PALISADE, while shoppers interested in fully electric mobility can explore vehicles such as the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9.

This range gives shoppers the flexibility to select an SUV based on their actual needs rather than settling for a vehicle that is too large, too small or insufficiently equipped for their lifestyle.

Gasoline, Hybrid and Electric Options

Powertrain variety is another defining feature of Hyundai’s SUV strategy.

Traditional gasoline models remain available for shoppers who value familiarity and widespread fueling access. Hybrid versions of popular SUVs can provide increased efficiency without requiring drivers to plug in their vehicles. Fully electric models such as the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 offer a different ownership experience for drivers ready to move away from gasoline.

Hyundai executive Olabisi Boyle specifically highlighted the lineup’s interior space, practical technology and diversity of powertrains, including hybrid electric vehicles, as qualities that reflect how people actually choose their next vehicle.

Practical Passenger and Cargo Space

SUV shoppers frequently prioritize space, but space is about more than a single measurement.

A useful SUV should provide comfortable seating, convenient access, flexible storage and enough cargo capacity for everyday activities. Depending on the model, that may include room for groceries, strollers, sports equipment, luggage, home-improvement supplies or road-trip gear.

Because passenger and cargo space were included in the U.S. News evaluation, Hyundai’s win suggests that practicality was an important part of the lineup’s overall performance.

Technology Designed for Everyday Driving

Modern SUV shoppers increasingly expect technology that feels useful rather than complicated.

Available Hyundai SUV features vary by model and trim, but the lineup offers technologies designed to support entertainment, navigation, connectivity, comfort and driver awareness. Large digital displays, smartphone integration, available surround-view camera systems and Hyundai SmartSense driver-assistance technologies help create a more connected driving experience.

These features can be especially valuable for Chicago-area driving, where commuters may encounter dense traffic, crowded parking lots, rapidly changing weather and long highway trips.

Award-Winning Hyundai SUVs to Consider

Each Hyundai SUV serves a different kind of driver. The following overview can help shoppers begin narrowing down their options.

Hyundai KONA

The Hyundai KONA is a small SUV designed for drivers who want crossover versatility in a maneuverable package.

Its compact dimensions can make it well suited for commuting, urban parking and everyday errands. At the same time, its SUV body style offers greater cargo flexibility than many traditional small cars.

The KONA may be a strong match for first-time SUV buyers, commuters, couples and drivers who want a smaller vehicle without giving up modern technology or crossover utility.

Hyundai KONA Electric

The KONA Electric brings a fully electric powertrain to the compact SUV segment.

It offers the practical size and versatility associated with the KONA while eliminating the need for gasoline. For drivers with access to home or workplace charging, it may provide a convenient path into electric vehicle ownership.

Its smaller footprint can also appeal to shoppers who want an EV but do not need the dimensions of a larger electric crossover.

Hyundai TUCSON

The Hyundai TUCSON is a compact SUV that balances passenger comfort, cargo utility and manageable exterior dimensions.

It can work as a commuter vehicle, small-family SUV or all-purpose household vehicle. The TUCSON’s broad appeal has also been recognized beyond the Best SUV Brand award. U.S. News previously named the 2025 Hyundai TUCSON its Best Compact SUV for the Money for a third consecutive year.

For many buyers, the TUCSON represents a middle ground between a smaller crossover and a larger family SUV.

Hyundai TUCSON Hybrid

The TUCSON Hybrid builds on the compact SUV’s practicality while adding an electrified powertrain.

It may appeal to drivers who want improved fuel efficiency and responsive performance but are not ready to switch to a fully electric vehicle. Because it operates as a conventional hybrid, drivers do not need to connect it to an external charger.

The TUCSON Hybrid can be particularly attractive for commuters who spend substantial time in a combination of city and suburban driving.

Hyundai SANTA FE

The Hyundai SANTA FE offers a distinctive design, flexible interior space and family-focused versatility.

It is positioned for shoppers who need more room than a typical compact SUV provides. Its spacious cabin and adaptable cargo area can support daily transportation, weekend activities and longer road trips.

The SANTA FE may be a good option for families who want expanded seating and storage without immediately moving into Hyundai’s largest SUV.

Hyundai SANTA FE Hybrid

The SANTA FE Hybrid combines the SANTA FE’s utility with hybrid efficiency.

It gives families an opportunity to reduce fuel consumption while retaining the passenger space and versatility they expect from a midsize SUV. Like the TUCSON Hybrid, it does not require external charging.

For drivers comparing traditional gasoline and electrified family SUVs, the SANTA FE Hybrid provides an alternative that fits into familiar driving and fueling routines.

Hyundai PALISADE

The Hyundai PALISADE is designed for shoppers who prioritize three-row seating, passenger comfort and premium amenities.

It is well suited for larger households, carpools and drivers who regularly travel with several passengers. Its cabin, storage solutions and available convenience features help make it a strong option for family transportation.

The PALISADE was among the models specifically identified by U.S. News when describing the exceptional quality that contributed to Hyundai’s Best SUV Brand recognition.

Hyundai PALISADE Hybrid

The PALISADE Hybrid expands Hyundai’s electrified SUV selection into the three-row family segment.

It gives shoppers another option when they want the space and comfort of a larger SUV along with the potential efficiency advantages of a hybrid powertrain.

Its inclusion in Hyundai’s award-winning lineup demonstrates the brand’s efforts to offer electrified choices across more vehicle sizes rather than limiting hybrids to smaller models.

Hyundai IONIQ 5

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a fully electric crossover known for its distinctive design, spacious interior and EV-focused technology.

Its dedicated electric vehicle platform helps create a flat, open cabin and a driving experience specifically engineered around battery power. U.S. News previously recognized the 2025 IONIQ 5 as its Best Electric Vehicle for Families, adding to Hyundai’s growing list of hybrid and EV honors.

The IONIQ 5 may appeal to shoppers who want an EV that combines technology, passenger space and everyday crossover practicality.

Hyundai IONIQ 9

The Hyundai IONIQ 9 extends Hyundai’s electric vehicle strategy into a larger three-row SUV.

It is designed for shoppers who need more passenger capacity but also want the benefits of an all-electric powertrain. Its presence in the lineup helps Hyundai address one of the most important emerging areas of the SUV market: larger electric family vehicles.

The IONIQ 9 also illustrates the depth behind Hyundai’s Best SUV Brand recognition. Hyundai does not offer only one electrified crossover; it has developed electric options for different household sizes and transportation needs.

What the Award Means for Chicago-Area SUV Shoppers

No automotive award can make a purchasing decision for an individual shopper. Seating comfort, price, driving feel, cargo requirements, commute length and technology preferences are all personal considerations. However, a brand-wide award can make the research process easier.

Hyundai’s recognition indicates that its SUV lineup performed strongly across multiple categories and evaluation criteria. Instead of beginning with a single model, shoppers can compare several Hyundai SUVs while remaining within a nationally recognized vehicle family.

A driver commuting from Matteson may have different priorities than a family traveling between Chicago’s south suburbs, but both can find relevant options within Hyundai’s lineup.

For example:

• A commuter may prefer the maneuverability of the KONA.
• A small family may consider the TUCSON or TUCSON Hybrid.
• A household needing greater versatility may compare the SANTA FE and SANTA FE Hybrid.
• A larger family may benefit from the three-row PALISADE.
• An EV shopper may explore the KONA Electric, IONIQ 5 or IONIQ 9.

That variety allows shoppers to focus on finding the right Hyundai SUV instead of forcing one model to meet every possible need.

Explore the Award-Winning Hyundai SUV Lineup at World Hyundai Matteson

Being named the 2026 Best SUV Brand for the second consecutive year reinforces Hyundai’s position as a compelling choice for SUV shoppers.

The recognition is especially significant because it reflects the overall strength of the lineup. Hyundai earned the award through a combination of quality, safety, reliability, interior space, convenience, connectivity and model variety—not through the performance of only one vehicle.

World Hyundai Matteson helps drivers from Matteson and throughout the Chicago area compare Hyundai SUVs, explore available features and evaluate gasoline, hybrid and electric powertrains.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Which company was named the 2026 Best SUV Brand?
  A: Hyundai was named the 2026 Best SUV Brand by U.S. News & World Report. The award recognizes the combined strength of Hyundai’s SUV lineup based on factors such as quality, safety, predicted reliability, passenger space, cargo capacity, convenience and connectivity.

• Q: Is this the first time Hyundai has won the U.S. News Best SUV Brand award?
  A: No. The 2026 honor marked Hyundai’s second consecutive Best SUV Brand award and its fifth victory in six years. The repeated recognition demonstrates the consistency of Hyundai’s SUV lineup across multiple model years.

• Q: How does U.S. News choose the Best SUV Brand?
  A: U.S. News evaluates the vehicles offered by each manufacturer and considers criteria such as safety data, predicted reliability, passenger room, cargo space and automotive press reviews. It averages the overall scores of the qualifying vehicles from each brand, and the manufacturer with the highest average is named the category winner.

• Q: Which Hyundai SUVs contributed to the award?
  A: Hyundai’s recognized SUV lineup includes models such as the KONA, KONA Electric, TUCSON, TUCSON Hybrid, SANTA FE, SANTA FE Hybrid, PALISADE, PALISADE Hybrid, IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9. The lineup provides gasoline, hybrid and fully electric choices across several SUV sizes.

• Q: Does Hyundai offer hybrid and electric SUVs?
  A: Yes. Hyundai offers hybrid SUVs such as the TUCSON Hybrid, SANTA FE Hybrid and PALISADE Hybrid, along with fully electric vehicles including the KONA Electric, IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9. Availability and specifications may vary by model year and trim.

• Q: Where can I shop for a Hyundai SUV near Matteson, Illinois?
  A: Drivers can explore Hyundai SUVs at World Hyundai Matteson, located in Matteson, Illinois. The dealership serves SUV shoppers from Matteson, Tinley Park, Olympia Fields, Richton Park, Chicago Heights, Orland Park and communities throughout the greater Chicago area. Shoppers can browse available vehicles online or schedule a test drive at the dealership.