Hyundai Named 2026 Best SUV Brand for the Second-Consecutive Year by U.S. News & World Report

At Bismarck Motor Company, we’re excited to share some incredible news for SUV shoppers across North Dakota: Hyundai has been named the 2026 Best SUV Brand by U.S. News & World Report—marking its second-consecutive win and fifth time earning the title in the past six years.

This award is one of the most respected recognitions in the automotive industry, celebrating brands that consistently deliver excellence in quality, safety, reliability, space, and innovation. With Hyundai’s momentum in hybrid and electric vehicles, this year’s honor highlights the brand’s commitment to designing SUVs that meet real-life needs for modern drivers.

How U.S. News Evaluated the Best SUV Brands

To determine the winner, the editors at U.S. News & World Report evaluated 39 automotive brands, analyzing key factors that matter most to SUV shoppers:

• Quality and long-term reliability

• Safety ratings and crash-test data

• Real-world usability, including passenger and cargo space

• Comfort and cabin refinement

• Technology, convenience, and connectivity

• Overall performance across model rankings

Hyundai took the top spot thanks to its consistently high scores and the strength of its diverse SUV lineup—one of the widest in the industry.

A Standout Lineup: Why Hyundai SUVs Rise Above the Rest

Hyundai’s SUV family has something for every lifestyle, budget, and driving preference. The brand shines not only because of long-time favorites like the Palisade and Tucson, but also because of its growth in hybrid and electric options.

Hyundai’s Award-Winning SUV Lineup Includes:

• Hyundai Kona & Kona Electric
  Compact, efficient, and packed with personality—perfect for everyday commuting.

• Hyundai Tucson & Tucson Hybrid
  Named Best Compact SUV for the Money for the third straight year.

• Hyundai Santa Fe & Santa Fe Hybrid
  A bold redesign, spacious cabin, and available hybrid powertrain.

• Hyundai Palisade & Palisade Hybrid
  Premium comfort and three-row capability for families on the go.

• Hyundai IONIQ 5 EV & IONIQ 9 EV
  Hyundai’s rapidly expanding EV lineup offers style, capability, and cutting-edge technology.
  (Earlier this year, the IONIQ 5 earned Best Electric Vehicle for Families and the IONIQ 6 won Best EV Car—again.)

With 12 SUVs in the lineup, including electrified models, Hyundai offers options for every kind of driver seeking durability, safety, and next-level tech.

Industry Leaders Recognize Hyundai’s Achievement

Olabisi Boyle, Senior Vice President of Product Planning and Mobility Strategy for Hyundai Motor North America, emphasized the importance of this recognition:

“Claiming U.S. News & World Report’s Best SUV Brand is a defining benchmark in this segment… Hyundai’s SUV lineup offers interior space, real-world smart tech, and a diversity of powertrains that reflect how people truly choose their next vehicle.”

U.S. News automotive editor Alex Kwanten added:

“Counting electrified models, Hyundai now offers no fewer than twelve SUVs, and almost all of them are top-five finishers in our rankings.”

Shop Award-Winning Hyundai SUVs at Bismarck Motor Company

As North Dakota’s trusted Hyundai dealer, Bismarck Motor Company is proud to carry the full lineup of Hyundai SUVs—each offering exceptional value, advanced safety, and modern features at a competitive price.

Whether you’re looking for a family-ready Palisade, an efficient Tucson Hybrid, or an all-electric IONIQ model, our team is here to help you find the perfect fit.