Hyundai Palisade Hybrid Wins Wards 10 Best Engines Award
Written with artificial intelligence.
Hyundai's Palisade Hybrid, featuring a 2.5 Turbo Hybrid powertrain, has been recognized as one of the 'Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems' for 2026. This award reflects the advanced technology and performance of Hyundai's next-generation hybrid system.
Recognition of Advanced Hybrid Technology
Hyundai Motor Group's newest hybrid system has demonstrated its high-level competitiveness in hybrid technology. On Thursday, Hyundai announced that the 2.5 Turbo Hybrid powertrain in the Palisade Hybrid has been awarded a spot in WardsAuto's '2026 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems.' This recognition highlights the impressive performance and technological capability of Hyundai's next-generation hybrid system, which is being implemented for the first time in the Palisade Hybrid.
Continued Success in Powertrain Technology
With this latest accolade, Hyundai has accumulated a total of 20 awards since the inaugural selection of the first-generation Genesis’s 4.6L Tau gasoline engine in 2008. This achievement spans a range of powertrain technologies, from internal combustion engines to electric and hybrid systems, reaffirming Hyundai's excellence in powertrain engineering.
Evaluation Process
WardsAuto, a respected U.S. automotive publication, has been recognizing the best engines since 1995, often referred to as the Oscars of automotive powertrain technology. This year, 26 powertrains from new vehicles sold in the U.S. were evaluated based on criteria such as output, torque, NVH performance, efficiency, and technological advancements. The Palisade's 2.5 Turbo Hybrid powertrain earned its place among the top ten due to its outstanding driving performance and efficiency.
Features and Specifications
The next-generation hybrid system in the Palisade Hybrid features a new transmission with two integrated motors, allowing for various engine combinations tailored to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. The system boasts a maximum output of 334 horsepower and a combined fuel efficiency of 14.1 km/L (based on 2WD and 18-inch wheels), making it an efficient option for a large SUV. Additionally, advanced driving technologies such as E-Ride, E-Handling, and Electric Assisted Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control enhance ride comfort and driving dynamics.
Furthermore, the Palisade Hybrid includes a 1.65 kWh, 300V high-voltage lithium-ion battery and offers features like V2L (vehicle-to-load) and stay mode functionality, making technologies typically found in electric vehicles accessible in this hybrid model.
The Palisade has also received several prestigious awards, including the 'North American Utility Vehicle of the Year' earlier this year and nominations for the '2026 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year' and '2026 Car and Driver 10Best Trucks & SUVs.'
A Hyundai representative stated, "This award acknowledges the outstanding technological competitiveness of the Palisade 2.5 Turbo Hybrid powertrain. We aim to provide customers with an enhanced mobility experience based on the excellent driving performance and efficiency of our next-generation hybrid system."