Hyundai, Kia lead rivals in 2022 US best car awards

Hyundai Motor Group’s major auto brands have won a record number of best car awards by the U.S. News & World Report in recognition of their performance, quality, value and features.

The South Korean automaking group, which includes Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Corp. and standalone premium brand Genesis, has topped the list in six of 11 categories, with Hyundai’s SUVs winning five – more awards than any other automakers – and one for Kia.

The 2022 Best Cars for the Money Awards are given to cars, SUVs and minivans “with the best combination of long-term value and excellent ownership experience,” according to the US media company.

The overall score is based on safety and reliable data, including the five-year cost of ownership, as well as transaction prices when sold as used cars, it said.

Hyundai’s Santa Fe won the top accolade for “Best 2-Row SUV for the Money,” the Tucson for “Best Compact SUV for the Money,” the Tucson Hybrid for “Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for the Money” and the Kona for “Best Subcompact SUV for the Money.”

Hyundai’s Elantra Hybrid was recognized as the best hybrid and electric car in the sedan category.

The Telluride, made by Kia, was named the top model in the Best 3-Row for the Money category.

“Buying a new car is a big decision, and finding a car that is a good value requires more than just a low price tag,” said Jim Sharifi, managing editor of U.S. News Best Cars, the automotive channel of U.S. News & World Report. “A Best Cars for the Money award represents a strong value at the dealership and over the course of ownership. These vehicles also provide a rewarding ownership experience, with comfort, features and performance that buyers will appreciate.”

ACCOLADES BOOST SALES

The two automaking units of Hyundai Motor Group also won several top global awards and industry accolades in 2021, boosting their auto sales across the globe.

Hyundai and Kia last year beat Japanese rival Honda Motor for the first time in 35 years in the US, becoming the fifth-largest player, combined, in the world’s No. 2 car market.

Hyundai Motor has 820 dealers and sold more than 738,000 vehicles in the US in 2021, nearly half of which were built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.

Japan’s Honda won in three categories in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Cars for the Money Awards. Its Civic was named as “Best Compact Car for the Money,” its Accord as “Best Mid-size Car for the Money” and its Odyssey as “Best Minivan for the Money.”

Other vehicles making the list include the Nissan Versa for “Best Subcompact Car for the Money” and the Toyota Avalon for “Best Large Car for the Money.”

Write to Hyung-Kyu Kim at khk@hankyung.com
In-Soo Nam edited this article.