2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 & Palisade Win Cars.com Best Value Awards

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?

Cars.com’s Best Value New Car Awards are designed to recognize vehicles that deliver real-world affordability without cutting corners on the features buyers actually care about. To be eligible, vehicles must offer 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 — all standard. Winners are determined using both consumer survey results and editorial judgment from Cars.com’s experienced review team.

For gas-powered vehicles, the EPA’s estimated annual fuel costs are also included in the evaluation — ensuring the award reflects total value over time, not just the purchase price on the window sticker.

“Hyundai’s presence on Cars.com’s 2026 Best Value New Cars list, including the Palisade SE and all-electric IONIQ 5 SE, highlights the brand’s commitment to delivering real-world affordability across different segments.”
— Jenni Newman, Editor-in-Chief, Cars.com

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

The IONIQ 5 SE earned its Best Value EV title by proving that electric vehicle shoppers don’t have to pay a premium to get a premium experience. Cars.com’s editorial team evaluated it against consumer survey data and found that the IONIQ 5 SE leads its segment where it counts most: features, capability, and price alignment.

“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 Merrillville-area shoppers considering their first EV or making the switch from a gas vehicle, the IONIQ 5 SE provides a compelling, nationally validated entry point into electric driving.

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

The three-row midsize SUV segment is one of the most competitive in the industry. Earning the Best Value title in that category reflects a significant achievement for Hyundai’s flagship family hauler. The 2026 Palisade SE brings meaningful upgrades to an already award-winning platform.

For families in Merrillville, Crown Point, Valparaiso, and across Lake and Porter counties, the 2026 Palisade SE makes a direct case: you can have the space, technology, and safety of a premium three-row SUV without paying a luxury brand premium.

Did Any Other Hyundai Models Earn Recognition?

Yes — two additional Hyundai vehicles were named finalists in their respective categories on the 2026 Best Value New Cars list:

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

With four Hyundai vehicles recognized across the full Cars.com list, the 2026 lineup sends a clear signal: value isn’t a feature reserved for one model or trim level — it’s a brand-wide commitment.

Quick Model Comparison: IONIQ 5 SE vs. Palisade SE

How to Choose Between the 2026 IONIQ 5 and Palisade SE

Both vehicles took home Cars.com’s Best Value award in their segments — but they answer different buyer needs. Here’s a straightforward decision guide for Northwest Indiana shoppers.

1. Start with passenger count. If your household regularly needs to seat more than five people — kids, aging parents, carpools, or road trips with extended family — the Palisade SE’s standard eight-passenger configuration addresses that immediately. The IONIQ 5 SE seats five.
2. Assess your charging situation. The IONIQ 5 SE’s ultra-fast DC charging is a major advantage if you can charge at home or have reliable access to public fast chargers in Merrillville or along your regular routes.
3. Decide on powertrain priorities. Fully electric? IONIQ 5 SE is your award-winning choice. Want flexibility with improved fuel efficiency? The 2026 Palisade’s newly available hybrid powertrain adds a compelling option.
4. Think about cargo and everyday utility. The Palisade’s three-row footprint provides more flexibility for families with strollers, sports equipment, or frequent hauling needs common to Northwest Indiana lifestyles.
5. Come see both at Webb Hyundai Merrillville. Our team can walk you through both the IONIQ 5 SE and Palisade SE side by side and help you schedule a test drive on your timeline.

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 in one of the most competitive vehicle segments in the country.
• Both awards recognize mass-market vehicles that include essential safety and technology features as standard.
• The Kona SE and Elantra SE were named finalists, giving Hyundai four vehicles on the full list.
• Webb Hyundai Merrillville is a Best of the Region award winner for Best Car Dealership and Best Auto Service.
• Both models are available to test drive at our Merrillville, IN showroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Cars.com puts together a Best Value list, they’re doing the research that most buyers wish they had time for — digging into features, pricing, consumer sentiment, and real-world ownership costs. The fact that the IONIQ 5 SE and Palisade SE both came out on top in their segments tells me something important: Hyundai is building vehicles that hold up under scrutiny, not just under showroom lighting.

For our customers in Merrillville, Crown Point, Valparaiso, and across Northwest Indiana, this kind of independent recognition matters. It backs up what we’ve been telling people for years. We’d love the chance to show you both vehicles in person — and as a Best of the Region dealership, we take that responsibility seriously.

Webb Hyundai Merrillville Editorial Team

Webb Hyundai Merrillville serves drivers across Merrillville, Crown Point, Valparaiso, Portage, and Northwest Indiana. As a Best of the Region award-winning dealership for Best Car Dealership and Best Auto Service, our team is committed to helping customers navigate their vehicle decisions with confidence. Visit us at hyundaimerrillville.com.