Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Palisade Win 2026 Best Value Awards — Webb Hyundai Highland

In This Article

1. What Is the Cars.com Best Value Award?
2. Why the IONIQ 5 SE Won Best Value EV
3. Why the Palisade SE Won Best Value Midsize SUV
4. Kona SE and Elantra SE: Hyundai Finalists
5. Quick Model Comparison
6. How to Choose Between the IONIQ 5 and Palisade
7. Key Takeaways
8. Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cars.com Best Value New Car Award?

The Cars.com Best Value New Car Awards recognize affordable, non-luxury vehicles that deliver essential features without inflating the purchase price. To qualify, vehicles must include standard features like automatic transmission, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, brake assist, and lane departure warning. Winners are selected based on a combination of consumer survey results and editorial judgment from Cars.com’s veteran review team.

For gas-powered vehicles, the EPA’s annual estimated fuel costs are also factored into rankings — making the award a genuine measure of total ownership value, not just sticker price.

“Hyundai’s vehicles stand out from a crowded market with strong features, competitive pricing and attractive fuel efficiency options — demonstrating shoppers don’t have to compromise to get a well-rounded, high-value vehicle.”
— Jenni Newman, Editor-in-Chief, Cars.com

Why Did the 2026 IONIQ 5 SE Win Best Value EV?

The IONIQ 5 SE earned the Best Value EV title by combining competitive pricing with a feature set that rivals significantly more expensive electric vehicles. Rather than stripping out essentials to hit a lower price point, Hyundai built the SE trim to lead — and Cars.com’s editorial team took notice.

“Winning the Best Value EV and Best Value Midsize SUV awards highlights our commitment to offering customers the features they want at competitive prices. Hyundai delivers design, technology, efficiency, and value for buyers in today’s market.”
— Ricky Lao, Director of Product Planning, Hyundai Motor North America

For Highland-area shoppers weighing EV options, the IONIQ 5 SE answers a critical question: do you have to spend more to get more? According to Cars.com’s research and consumer survey data, the answer with the IONIQ 5 SE is no.

Why Did the 2026 Palisade SE Win Best Value Midsize SUV?

The Palisade SE won Best Value Midsize SUV by delivering a premium cabin experience, three-row seating, and a long standard features list — all in a package that competes on price with vehicles offering far less. The 2026 model year adds meaningfully to an already strong platform.

For Northwest Indiana and South Suburban Chicago families shopping in the three-row SUV segment, the Palisade SE makes a compelling case: you don’t need to step up to a luxury badge to get a premium experience.

Did Any Other Hyundai Models Earn Recognition?

Yes — Cars.com also recognized two additional Hyundai models as finalists in their respective categories for 2026:

• Hyundai Kona SE — Finalist, Best Value Subcompact SUV
• Hyundai Elantra SE — Finalist, Best Value Compact Car

Having four vehicles recognized across the Best Value New Cars list reinforces a consistent theme in Hyundai’s 2026 lineup: value is built into the brand’s DNA, not reserved for a single model or trim level.

Quick Model Comparison: IONIQ 5 SE vs. Palisade SE

How to Choose Between the 2026 IONIQ 5 and Palisade SE

Both vehicles won Cars.com’s Best Value award in their respective categories — but they serve different buyer needs. Here’s a straightforward way to decide which one fits your life in Highland and the surrounding area.

1. Count your passengers first. If you regularly carry more than five people — kids, extended family, carpools — the Palisade SE’s eight-passenger standard seating resolves that immediately. The IONIQ 5 seats five.
2. Evaluate your charging access. The IONIQ 5 SE rewards drivers who can charge at home or have reliable access to DC fast chargers. If that describes your situation, the IONIQ 5’s ultra-fast charging capability becomes a genuine daily-life advantage.
3. Decide on your powertrain priority. If eliminating gas entirely is important to you, the IONIQ 5 SE is your award-winning starting point. If you want flexibility, the 2026 Palisade now offers a hybrid option alongside the traditional powertrain.
4. Think about cargo and towing needs. The Palisade’s larger footprint and three-row configuration offers more hauling flexibility for families with gear, strollers, or recreational equipment common in the region.
5. Test drive both at Webb Hyundai Highland. Both models are available at our Highland showroom. Our team can walk you through the exact SE trim specs and help you find the right fit.

Key Takeaways

• Cars.com named the 2026 IONIQ 5 SE the Best Value EV based on consumer surveys and editorial review.
• The 2026 Palisade SE earned Best Value Midsize SUV — the most competitive three-row segment in the industry.
• Both awards recognize affordable, mass-market vehicles with essential safety and technology features built in standard.
• The Kona SE and Elantra SE were named finalists, giving Hyundai four vehicles recognized across the full list.
• Webb Hyundai Highland is a Best of the Region winner for Best Car Dealership and Best Auto Service.
• Both the IONIQ 5 SE and Palisade SE are available to test drive at our Highland, IN showroom today.

Frequently Asked Questions

When I look at what Cars.com recognized this year, it confirms something we see on our lot every week: Hyundai shoppers are making smart, well-researched decisions. The IONIQ 5 SE and Palisade SE aren’t compromise vehicles — they’re award-winners. And for families in Highland, Munster, Hammond, and across the Calumet Region, that recognition carries real weight when you’re comparing models and trying to make the right call for your household.

We’re proud to represent these vehicles at a dealership that’s also been recognized by our community through the Best of the Region awards. If you’re ready to see what the IONIQ 5 or Palisade can do in person, we’d love to show you both.

Webb Hyundai Highland Editorial Team

Webb Hyundai Highland serves drivers across Highland, Munster, Hammond, Lansing, and the greater Calumet Region. As a Best of the Region award-winning dealership for Best Car Dealership and Best Auto Service, our team is committed to helping customers make confident, well-informed vehicle decisions. Visit us at webbhyundaihighland.com.