As Americans gear up for outdoor recreation and summer road trips this season, finding the perfect ride just got a whole lot easier. Hyundai has secured five spots on U.S. News & World Report’s inaugural 2026 Best Adventure Vehicles list. From campsites to cross-country cruises, these Hyundais deliver a value proposition that clearly impressed the judges.
Overview of U.S. News’ Study
U.S. News evaluated 148 new vehicles (all latest model year with “from the factory” features) across 18 classes – judging them across criteria that it considered relevant and significant, for each respective category. Each category was further separated by drivetrain to ensure representation for all types of new car buyers.
For Road-Tripping: Cars were judged on road-trip characteristics such as seating capacity, fuel economy, and infotainment systems. Cars were also judged according to vehicle quality, considering build quality, reliability, and safety. Each of these was allocated a 50 percent weightage, upon which the cars were judged.
Hyundai
For Camping: Cars were judged based on camping-oriented features and stats – such as tow rating, cargo space, and “camper-friendly features” such as power outlets, storage cubbies, and other related features. Cars were also judged on overall quality, as mentioned above; each of these was given a 50 percent weightage, upon which they were judged.
For Off-Roading: While no Hyundais were winners in this category, cars were judged on off-road geometry – referring to approach and departure angles, ground clearance, and other relevant characteristics; cars were also judged according to off-road feature availability, such as trail assists, hill-descent controls, etc. Each of these criteria was given a 50 percent weightage. For this category, the winner was the Ford Maverick.
The All-Electric Standout: Hyundai IONIQ 9
Hyundai
Taking home top honors in two separate categories, the all-electric IONIQ 9. It was crowned both the Best Electric SUV for Road Trips and the Best Electric SUV for Camping. Thanks to its three-row seating configuration, 422 horsepower output, and next-generation convenience features, the IONIQ 9 stood out to the judges as being the most compelling overall package.
Camping Companions: Hyundai Tucson & Tucson HEV
Hyundai
For those who love to pitch a tent and sleep under the stars, the 2026 Tucson and Tucson HEV (Hybrid) earned the title of Best Compact SUV for Camping. U.S. News highlighted these models for their highly travel-friendly features and immense cabin space. It features 38.7 cubic feet of rear cargo room, expanding to 74.5 cubic feet with the seats down. Hybrid models achieve 36 combined MPG, while gas models tow up to 2,750 pounds, sufficient for most people. The Tucson family provides the perfect balance of trail capability and fuel efficiency for remote weekend getaways.
For the Interstate: Hyundai Palisade Hybrid and Hyundai Kona
Hyundai
Long drives require exceptional passenger comfort and seamless connectivity. For families, the Palisade HEV secured the Best Midsize Hybrid SUV for Road Trips. With its three-row configuration, dual 12.3-inch displays, and up to 34 MPG combined, it offers a strong value proposition.
Hyundai
Meanwhile, the Hyundai Kona won Best Subcompact SUV for Road Trips. Offering upgraded connectivity, the latest Hyundai Bluelink technology, active safety systems, and a surprisingly spacious cabin for its class – with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up, and 63.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down, the Kona proved itself, along with its Hyundai siblings, to the judges as some of the most suitable vehicles for adventurers on sale today.
