Hyundai PALISADE has been crowned the 2026 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), marking the second consecutive year a Hyundai model has earned this prestigious award. This achievement is particularly notable, given that it is the fourth time in five years that a Hyundai model has taken the title, with previous wins from SANTA FE, IONIQ 5, and TUCSON. The PALISADE's victory cements its status as one of Canada's most desirable utility vehicles.
["The significance of this award cannot be overstated, as it recognizes the hard work and dedication of Hyundai Auto Canada in delivering exceptional value to Canadian families. With its bold design, advanced technology, and commitment to quality, the PALISADE has set a new standard for the segment. This achievement is a testament to the importance of customer feedback and the continued momentum and leadership of Hyundai's SUV portfolio in Canada.", ["Steve Flamand, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada, expressed his pride and gratitude at receiving the award. 'Being recognized as AJAC's Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year is an honor we're incredibly proud of,' he said. 'The all-new PALISADE represents Hyundai at its best: bold design, advanced technology and a commitment to delivering exceptional value to Canadian families.' This statement underscores the importance of customer feedback and the company's dedication to continuous improvement.", ["Evan Williams, President of AJAC, also praised the PALISADE for its impressive features and consumer appeal. 'Congratulations to Hyundai PALISADE for earning AJAC's 2026 Canadian Utility of the Year Award,' he said. 'Hyundai has completely redesigned its three-row SUV, delivering more features, more comfort and a new, efficient hybrid system.' The expert jurors scored PALISADE highly for its interior styling, overall quality, and high consumer appeal in the Canadian marketplace.", ["This award marks a significant milestone for Hyundai in Canada, solidifying its position as a leader in the utility vehicle segment. With this win, Hyundai continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering exceptional value and innovative features to Canadian families. The PALISADE's victory is also a testament to the company's ability to adapt and evolve in response to changing consumer demands.", ["The success of the PALISADE is not an isolated incident, as other Hyundai models have also earned top honors in recent years. For example, IONIQ 5 N was named Canadian Electric Car of the Year in 2025, while SANTA CRUZ took home the award for Best Small Pickup in Canada in 2022. These achievements demonstrate Hyundai's ability to produce vehicles that meet and exceed consumer expectations.", ["The PALISADE's win is also notable for its impact on the automotive industry as a whole. As a leader in the utility vehicle segment, Hyundai's commitment to innovation and quality has set a new standard for the industry. This achievement serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous improvement and customer feedback in driving success.", ['As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Hyundai builds upon this momentum and continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the utility vehicle segment. With the PALISADE at the forefront, Hyundai is well-positioned for continued success and growth in Canada and beyond.', ['The 2026 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Hyundai Auto Canada and its commitment to delivering exceptional value to Canadian families. As the industry looks to the future, it will be exciting to see how this momentum translates into new and innovative vehicles that meet and exceed consumer expectations.']]]]]]]]
The award marks a significant milestone for Hyundai in Canada, solidifying its position as a leader in the utility vehicle segment.
