2026 Editors’ Choice Awards Name 13 Korean Models

Thirteen Korean vehicle models were named winners of the 2026 Editors’ Choice Awards, selected by Car and Driver, an automotive media publication. [Editor note: The source states a total of 13 Korean models while also listing Hyundai Motor with eight models, Kia with five models, and Genesis with four models; the relationship or overlap among these totals is not clarified in the source.]

Hyundai Motor said it was selected in eight Editors’ Choice categories spanning electric vehicles, SUVs, hybrids, and performance models.

The Palisade gasoline and hybrid models were both chosen in the three-row SUV category, marking the second consecutive year the model has received the award. The Ioniq 9 was also included on the Editors’ Choice list for the first time in the electric midsize SUV category.

Other Hyundai models selected in their respective categories included the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 5 N, Elantra N, Santa Cruz, and Santa Fe Hybrid.

Kia also had five models selected this year. The Carnival and Carnival Hybrid were chosen in the minivan category, while the EV6 and EV9 were selected in the small and midsize electric vehicle categories. The K5 was named in the midsize family sedan category.

All five Kia models were selected for the second consecutive year. The K5 has continued to be named an Editors’ Choice model every year since its launch.

Luxury brand Genesis also had four models selected. The G80 and G90 were chosen in the luxury sedan category by size, while the GV70 and GV80 were selected in the luxury SUV category.

Kia said the recognition reflects positive evaluations of its approach to balancing driving enjoyment, practicality, and value.

The Editors’ Choice Awards evaluate more than 450 vehicle models across 47 segments. Only vehicles that score at least nine out of ten points are selected, based on road testing, durability evaluations, and value competitiveness.

BY YEONGCHAE SONG [song.yeongchae@koreadaily.com]