Hyundai Palisade hybrid joins WardsAuto's 2026 top powertrain list
In short
Hyundai said on October 15 that the Palisade's 2.5 turbo hybrid powertrain was selected for the 2026 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems. The award was Hyundai Motor Group's 20th since its first selection in 2008.
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Hyundai announced on October 15 that the 2.5 turbo hybrid powertrain used in its Palisade SUV had been selected for the 2026 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems. The selection brought Hyundai Motor Group's total to 20 since the gasoline 4.6-litre Tau engine in the first-generation Genesis was recognized in 2008. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
The system uses a new transmission incorporating two motors. Hyundai reported a combined output of 334 horsepower and combined fuel economy of 14.1 kilometres per litre for the 2WD model with 18-inch wheels. Newsis also described a 1.65-kilowatt-hour, 300-volt-class lithium-ion battery, interior vehicle-to-load power and a stay mode. Driving technologies include E-Ride and E-Handling, intended to improve ride and handling through motor control. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
WardsAuto began its annual engine awards in 1995 and adopted the current title in 2019 to reflect electrification. This year's judging covered 26 powertrains in new vehicles sold in the United States, assessing output, torque, noise and vibration, efficiency and technology. Seoul Shinmun reported that the ten winners had no internal ranking and comprised six hybrid systems and four battery-electric systems. It said this was the first year without a purely combustion-powered winner, compared with two in 2024 and one the following year. The newspaper quoted a judge describing hybrids as a core part of manufacturers' lineups. Hyundai's other supplied coverage focused on the Palisade system's performance, efficiency and the group's award history. [ 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 ]
Why it matters
Seoul Shinmun reported that the winners comprised six hybrids and four battery-electric systems, with no purely combustion-powered entry for the first time. The selection evaluated 26 powertrains used in new vehicles sold in the United States.
Key facts
- The selected Palisade hybrid system combines a new transmission containing two motors with a 2.5 turbo powertrain. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
- Reported system output is 334 horsepower and combined fuel economy is 14.1 kilometres per litre for the 2WD version with 18-inch wheels. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
- Hyundai Motor Group has received 20 selections since its 4.6-litre Tau gasoline engine was recognized in 2008. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The reported absence of purely combustion-powered winners comes from one supplied outlet. Seoul Shinmun described the six-hybrid, four-electric composition; the other documents focus on Hyundai's award.