Hyundai Motor said on the 15th that the 2.5-liter turbo hybrid powertrain in its Palisade Hybrid has been named one of the 2026 WardsAuto 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems by the U.S. automotive trade publication.
Hyundai Motor (005380.KS) said the award is significant because it recognizes the performance and technological competitiveness of the group's next-generation hybrid system, which was applied for the first time in the Palisade Hybrid.
WardsAuto has selected its 10 Best Engines annually since 1995, and the award is widely known in the industry as the "Oscars" of automotive powertrain technology. As electrification accelerated in the powertrain field, the award was renamed the 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems in 2019.
The Palisade's 2.5-liter turbo hybrid powertrain drew high marks for its driving performance and efficiency. The next-generation hybrid system in the Palisade Hybrid pairs a new transmission with two built-in motors with a range of engine options, allowing performance and fuel economy to be optimized for each vehicle class and type. A range of electrification-specific technologies improves driving performance and ride comfort for a better overall driving experience.
The Palisade Hybrid delivers a maximum system output of 334 horsepower and combined fuel economy of 14.1 kilometers per liter, based on a two-wheel-drive model with 18-inch wheels. Despite being a large, heavy SUV, it achieves strong efficiency. It also features E-Ride, a driving technology that uses the drive motor to enhance ride comfort and handling.
Hyundai Motor also equipped the Palisade Hybrid with a 1.65-kilowatt-hour, 300-volt-class high-voltage lithium-ion battery. Through indoor vehicle-to-load (V2L) and stay mode functions, drivers can use convenience features previously available only in electric vehicles.
"This award recognizes the outstanding technological competitiveness of the Palisade's 2.5-liter turbo hybrid powertrain," a Hyundai Motor official said. "Based on the strong driving performance and excellent efficiency of our next-generation hybrid system, we will provide customers with an enhanced mobility experience."