2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Named Overall Winner of MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle Awards
The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) has officially named the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy as the overall winner of the 2026 MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle Awards, recognizing the three-row SUV as the most impressive vehicle evaluated by the organization’s members over the past year. Selected from a deeply competitive field of new, redesigned, and refreshed models, the Palisade Calligraphy emerged at the top following extensive hands-on testing by more than 175 automotive journalists and industry media professionals.
The award represents MAMA’s highest honor and reflects a consensus among members who assess vehicles not only for performance and innovation, but also for real-world usability, comfort, value, and design. In a year defined by rapid shifts in consumer expectations, electrification strategies, and technology integration, the Palisade Calligraphy stood out for delivering a balanced, premium experience that resonates across a wide spectrum of drivers.
A Comprehensive Evaluation Process
MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle Awards are the result of months of evaluation across the organization’s signature driving and testing events. During 2025, members had the opportunity to experience more than 100 vehicles spanning nearly every major segment of the automotive market. These vehicles were evaluated at events including Spring Rally, Favorites Fall Fest, and Chicago Drives Electric, each designed to provide meaningful, hands-on exposure in real-world driving conditions.
Unlike awards based solely on specifications or short test drives, MAMA’s process emphasizes extended impressions. Vehicles are driven back-to-back, compared directly against competitors, and discussed among journalists who bring decades of combined experience covering automotive design, engineering, safety, and consumer trends.
From this extensive field, winners are first selected across seven key vehicle categories, reflecting the diversity of today’s automotive landscape. The overall winner—MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle—is then chosen from among these category champions.
Why the Palisade Calligraphy Rose to the Top
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself through a rare combination of attributes that appeal equally to families, professionals, and long-distance drivers. MAMA members cited the vehicle’s upscale interior, refined ride quality, intuitive technology, and thoughtful packaging as key reasons for its success.
Design played a major role in the Palisade’s appeal. The Calligraphy trim elevates the model with premium materials, sophisticated detailing, and a commanding presence that bridges the gap between mainstream and luxury segments. Inside, the cabin emphasizes comfort and usability, offering generous space across all three rows, high-quality seating surfaces, and an overall layout designed to reduce fatigue on longer journeys.
Technology integration was another area where the Palisade excelled. From advanced driver-assistance features to infotainment systems designed for ease of use rather than distraction, the vehicle reflects Hyundai’s focus on practical innovation. MAMA members noted that the Palisade’s technology enhances everyday driving rather than overwhelming the user—an increasingly important distinction as vehicles grow more complex.
Value and versatility further strengthened the Palisade’s case. In a segment crowded with capable competitors, the Calligraphy trim delivers a premium experience without requiring buyers to step into a luxury-brand price bracket, a factor that resonated strongly with evaluators focused on consumer relevance.
Industry Recognition from Automotive Media
“Each year, our members experience an incredible range of vehicles, but the Palisade Calligraphy consistently impresses across the board,” said Jim O’Brill, President of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. “It delivers premium refinement, family-friendly versatility, and thoughtful technology in a way that resonates with both journalists and real-world drivers. It’s a vehicle that truly does it all, which is why it earned our top honor this year.”
O’Brill’s remarks underscore a defining characteristic of the Palisade’s win: its ability to perform exceptionally well in multiple areas without compromise. In a market where specialization often dominates—off-roaders focused on ruggedness, performance vehicles chasing speed, and luxury models emphasizing exclusivity—the Palisade’s broad competence proved decisive.
Hyundai’s Strong Showing Across Categories
Hyundai’s success extended beyond the overall award. In addition to the Palisade Calligraphy being named MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle, the brand also earned recognition in the Plug-In Vehicle category with the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Calligraphy, giving Hyundai three Favorite Award wins in total.
“Being recognized with three Favorite Award wins by the MAMA organization is a true feather in our cap,” said Ricky Lao, Director of Product Planning, Hyundai Motor North America. “The Palisade and IONIQ 9 each offer a robust set of features and technologies that consumers desire in their daily commutes. Whether shopping for ICE, hybrid, or all-electric, our three-row SUVs have consumers covered with award-winning style and capability.”
Lao’s comments highlight Hyundai’s broader strategy of offering diverse powertrain options without sacrificing design or functionality. As consumers weigh internal combustion, hybrid, and all-electric choices, Hyundai’s ability to deliver competitive products across multiple propulsion types has become a key differentiator.
Category Winners Reflect a Diverse Market
The 2026 MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle Awards showcase excellence across seven distinct segments, reflecting the varied priorities of today’s automotive buyers. Each category winner was selected based on segment-specific strengths, with the overall winner chosen from among these standouts.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro earned recognition as MAMA’s Favorite Off-Roader, praised for its rugged capability, durability, and authenticity in challenging terrain.
In the Family Vehicle category, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy stood out for its comfort, space, and day-to-day practicality—qualities that ultimately propelled it to the overall win.
Luxury honors went to the 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Prestige, which impressed evaluators with its refined performance, premium materials, and sophisticated design, reinforcing Genesis’ growing reputation in the luxury segment.
The 2026 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI claimed the Favorite Pickup Truck title, recognized for its blend of power, comfort, and usability in a highly competitive truck market.
Affordability and driving enjoyment defined the 2025 Volkswagen GTI, named MAMA’s Favorite Affordable Vehicle, continuing the model’s long-standing reputation as a practical yet engaging performance hatchback.
Performance accolades went to the 2025 BMW M5 Touring, which combined supercar-level performance with everyday versatility, demonstrating that high performance and practicality need not be mutually exclusive.
Finally, electrification took center stage with the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Calligraphy, named MAMA’s Favorite Plug-In Vehicle, highlighting the growing appeal of well-executed all-electric SUVs.
A Snapshot of Automotive Trends
Together, this year’s winners provide insight into broader industry trends. SUVs and crossovers continue to dominate, but there is also strong appreciation for performance vehicles, affordable enthusiast cars, and electrified models that integrate seamlessly into daily life.
MAMA’s awards emphasize vehicles that strike a balance—between innovation and usability, performance and comfort, technology and intuitiveness. The Palisade Calligraphy’s overall win reflects a growing recognition that the most successful vehicles are those that adapt to a wide range of needs without asking consumers to compromise.
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