We’re big fans of the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric subcompact crossover. This excellent electric vehicle has won the KBB Electric Car Best Buy award in 2019, 2020, and 2021. In other words, for as long as the Kona Electric has existed.

Hyundai Motor Company announced today its STARIA multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) has won the ‘Best of the Best’ accolade at the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2022. The Best of the Best is awarded for groundbreaking design and is the highest title in the competition. STARIA took the honor in the Cars & Motorcycles category, further reinforcing Hyundai’s global competitiveness in product design.

“STARIA is Hyundai’s new MPV lineup crafted with the ‘inside-out’ design approach that has surely opened up a new mobility era for all,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President, Head of Hyundai Global Design Center. “Our design team has put their passion into this product, working closely with our world-class modelers and engineers to make the dream come true.”

STARIA boasts a strikingly futuristic and mysterious exterior that resembles a space shuttle. A single stroke running from front to rear is reminiscent of the curve of light that illuminates the Earth’s horizon at sunrise when viewed from space.

The cruise ship-inspired interior delivers a luxurious look and unique atmosphere that focuses on the driver’s convenience and passengers’ comfort. The lowered beltlines and panoramic side windows improve overall visibility and create a feeling of openness. This sense of spaciousness, inspired by traditional Korean ‘hanok’ architecture, allows passengers to feel as if the outside scenes are an extension of the vehicle interior.

Since its launch last year, STARIA has won several accolades for its design excellence and product innovation. STARIA received the honor in the transportation category of the 2021 GOOD DESIGN Awards and was recognized in the ‘Best Cars 2022’ readers’ poll organized by Germany’s auto motor und sport magazine.

Hosted by Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany, Red Dot Award is one of the world’s largest design competitions. The award breaks down into three different disciplines: Product Design, Brand & Communication Design, and Design Concept, to better appraise the diversity in the field of design. The Red Dot Award: Product Design sets out to find the year’s best market-ready products that are aesthetically appealing, functional, smart or innovative.

NEW YORK/SEOUL, April 13, 2022 – The highly acclaimed Hyundai IONIQ 5 won big at the prestigious 2022 World Car Awards today, with the all-electric crossover named overall World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle of the Year and World Car Design of the Year. World Car Awards revealed the results at a ceremony held at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

IONIQ 5 was recognized by a jury of 102 automotive journalists from 33 countries around the world. The innovative battery electric vehicle (BEV), which has already won numerous international accolades, was considered alongside 27 competitor models launched in 2021, ultimately claiming victory over other finalists in all three categories in which it was nominated.

IONIQ 5 is the first model in Hyundai’s dedicated BEV lineup brand: IONIQ. It takes full advantage of a bespoke Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) architecture to offer 800-V, ultra-fast charging capabilities for a 10 to 80 percent charge in just 18 minutes and a highly spacious interior. The unique packaging needs of an EV mean the axles can be pushed right to the front and back of the car, providing much more space than a traditional vehicle. When equipped with two-wheel drive (2WD) and up to 77.4-kWh battery, its maximum driving range on a single charge will be around 470~480  km, according to the WLTP standard. Its features include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, advanced connectivity and driver assistance systems that offer the ultimate in-car experience.

“We are truly honored to receive these prestigious awards, which recognize the talent and hard work of all our people and business partners at Hyundai Motor Company. Our vision is to enable Progress for Humanity, and this endorsement of our approach will serve to embolden our commitment to make this vision a reality,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company.

As Hyundai Motor transforms into a smart mobility solutions provider, the company is accelerating its electrification strategy to become the world’s leading EV maker. Hyundai plans to introduce 17 new BEV models by 2030, including Genesis luxury brand models, and aims to boost annual global BEV sales to 1.87 million units by 2030.

Chang added, “IONIQ 5 represents a pivotal achievement for us as we pioneer a new generation of smart mobility solutions with our innovative E-GMP platform technologies, exceptional performance and disruptive approach to design and space. IONIQ 5 has made a strong impression on increasingly eco-conscious consumers around the world, and its success supports the acceleration of electrification of the automotive industry. The pace of change at Hyundai will continue unabated through the rest of 2022 as we will soon be adding to our award-winning IONIQ range.” 

IONIQ 5 heralds a new era in Hyundai design, defined by what the brand’s designers call ‘Parametric Dynamics’ with kinetic jewel-like surface details defining the BEV’s visual identity. The crossover’s unique exterior styling is characterized by clean, sharp lines that convey its dynamic presence on the road and distinctive ‘Parametric Pixel’ LED headlamps and rear lamps that leave a lasting impression.

Inside, IONIQ 5’s ‘Living Space’ interior theme takes full advantage of a 3,000-mm wheelbase to offer a never-before-seen moveable center console that allows passengers more freedom of movement. Many interior touchpoints use eco-friendly materials and textiles, such as eco-processed leather, sustainable fibers and bio paint, that reflect consumers’ rising interest in ethical, sustainable products.

“With IONIQ 5, we set out to create a new mobility experience — a game-changer,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center. “This extraordinary vehicle was made possible by the passion and efforts of designers and engineers who pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the EV space.”

Since its global launch last year, IONIQ 5 earned prestigious international honors, including German Car of the Year, UK Car of the Year, Auto Express’ Car of the Year and Auto Bild’s Electric Car of the Year. The model also took the top spot at the first-ever Best Cars of the Year 2021/2022 Awards.

For World Car of the Year, the jury selected IONIQ 5 from an initial entry list of 28 vehicles, then from three finalists. To be eligible for the category, vehicles must be produced in at least 10,000 units per year, priced below the luxury level in their primary markets, and on sale in at least two major markets on at least two continents at some time between Jan. 1, 2021 – Mar. 30, 2022. 

For World Electric Vehicle of the Year, the jury selected IONIQ 5 from an initial entry list of 11 vehicles, then from three finalists. To be eligible for the category, vehicles must be powered solely by one or more electric motors, produced in volumes of at least 5,000 units per year and on sale in at least two major markets on at least two continents at some time between Jan. 1, 2021 – Mar. 30, 2022.

For World Car Design of the Year, the panel of six experts from France, Germany, Japan, U.K. and U.S. selected IONIQ 5 from all the contenders competing in the other five award categories. The panel reviewed each vehicle based on style and innovation that pushes established boundaries.

“We are proud to be part of the most important automotive awards program on the planet,” said Mark Schienberg, New York Auto Show president. “We are pleased to have everyone back at the Auto Show today for the winners’ live announcement. While the last two years have been challenging for everyone, car buyers are ready to come out and experience all the amazing new vehicles and technologies the industry has to offer. Congratulations and best of luck to all the finalists!”

The annual World Car Awards recognize the best design, luxury car, performance car, urban car, EV and the best car of the year. In February, the jury named Luc Donckerwolke, Hyundai Motor Group’s Chief Creative Officer, the 2022 World Car Person of the Year for his significant contribution overseeing new model developments, including IONIQ 5.

Anyone looking for a new car might want to head for a Hyundai dealership.

The brand has racked up five “Best Car for the Money” awards from U.S. News & World Report for 2022.

Among the automaker’s SUVs making the list are its Kona for “Best Subcompact SUV for the Money,” its Tucson for “Best Compact SUV for the Money,” its Santa Fe for “Best 2-Row SUV for the Money” and its Tucson Hybrid for “Best Hybrid and Electric SUV for the Money.”

“They tend to pack a lot of useful technology features into them, and Hyundai is one of the automakers who offers the assurance of a really long powertrain warranty,” said Jim Sharifi, managing editor at U.S. News Best Cars, of Hyundai’s SUV offerings.

The Telluride, from Hyundai’s related brand Kia, won for “Best 3-Row SUV for the Money.”

“And like Hyundai, Kia’s vehicle also offers a very long powertrain warranty, it’s competitively priced, it’s feature-rich, and it’s roomy and comfortable,” Sharifi said.

The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid won for “Best Hybrid and Electric Car for the Money.”

The U.S. News list is based on factors like comfort, features, performance, quality and value, including the long-term cost of ownership.

Honda also did well, with its Civic 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.”

While many vehicles have been selling at or above their suggested retail price, Sharifi said that’s factored in to the rankings. “We’re looking at real-time transaction prices,” he said. “We’re not necessarily looking at sticker price.”

Additionally, with the computer chip shortage affecting production and inventory levels, “it’s harder to get a good deal across the board right now,” Sharifi said. “Honestly, if you can wait right now, it’s not a bad time to wait.”

The awards are being presented Thursday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center during the Public Policy Day at the D.C. Auto Show, which opens to the public Friday.

Hyundai presents at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, an all-new, all-electric concept - the Seven concept - that previews Hyundai's future sport utility electric vehicle (SUEV).

Just like the Hyundai 45 concept in 2019 that heralded in the Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Prophecy concept in 2020 that has heralded in the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 6, the Seven concept gives us glimpses of the Hyundai Ioniq 7 SUV.

We must admit that the new concept looks pretty interesting - its styling is extraordinary and futuristic, but likeable. Hyundai explains that it has tried to present a vision of future mobility that would offer "a next-generation customer experience that seamlessly integrates the most advanced technologies into everyday life settings."

The Hyundai Seven concept, based on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), is "redefining SUV with aerodynamically pure exterior and powerful presence."

The things that we can note right away are aerodynamic silhouette, long wheelbase (3.2 m), and rather simple, clean lines. Something unique are wheels with integrated Active Air Flaps, which - according to Hyundai - deploy or retract depending on brake-cooling or low-drag requirements.

"SEVEN has an aerodynamically pure silhouette instinctively divergent from a typical SUV. The low, leading edge of the hood, a single, streamlined roofline and elongated wheelbase communicate a clear break from traditional SUVs powered by internal combustion. The pure volume of SEVEN’s minimal forms contrast with the powerful stance and commanding, rugged presence."

Of course, there are the Ioniq’s signature Parametric Pixel lights both in the front and rear. The manufacturer has developed a Welcome Light Sequence on start-up.

"Parametric Pixels provide a common design thread, linking digital and analog styles, a reminder that its designers considered every aspect of SEVEN’s design, down to a single pixel."

The "Pillarless Coach Doors" welcome passengers to join the premium lounge style interior. Thanks to the E-GMP platform, the floor is flat and overall, the passenger compartment is very spacious.

The concept offers also a possibility to flexibly customize the space depending on needs.

"The flat floor allows Hyundai Motor to explore an alternative to the traditional row-based seat arrangements, creating a more fluid interior layout. The Pillarless Coach Doors offer a grand entrance to reveal a welcoming interior with a completely new dimension of space. The streamlined roofline, long wheelbase and flat floor that extends to the third row opens new opportunities to furnish the interior like a premium lounge."

The concept is also imagined as a fully autonomous vehicle, with a retractable control... stick. At this point, it seems that the manufacturers explore the idea of moving away from a conventional round steering wheel to yoke, stick or remove it completely.

"SEVEN also embodies Hyundai’s future vision of autonomous mobility. The driver’s seat features a retractable control stick that hides away when not in use. Without the need for the usual driver’s equipment, the ultra slim cockpit and integrated screens create a lounge-like experience. The seat arrangement is unlike traditional SUVs, with swiveling lounge chairs and a curved bench seat. This seat arrangement can be customized depending on driver-controlled or autonomous driving modes."

"SEVEN has a Universal Island console, specially designed home appliances and a multi-functional Smart Hub graphic user interface. When the Smart Hub and front seats combine with the rear chaise-lounge seating, SEVEN becomes an environment where customers can experience quality time alone or together in the glow of side-door ambient light. In transit, SEVEN’s built-in mini fridge provides chilled refreshment on the go and shoe-care compartments refresh passengers’ footwear.

The concept’s vision roof features a panoramic OLED screen that not only displays various content based on passengers’ tastes, but also changes the overall interior atmosphere to guarantee maximum relaxation and pleasure during the journey."

Hyundai equipped the concept with eco-friendly materials and two special systems: Hygiene Airflow System (inspired by the sophisticated airflow management of passenger aircrafts) and UVC Sterilization (activates once the vehicle is vacated of its passengers), but those appear to be a step too far to consider in a production car.

Target specs - over 300 miles

According to the press release, the Seven concept is intended to utilize the full potential of the E-GMP platform, including a target range of over 300 miles (483 km) on a single charge.

Moreover, it's expected to be able to recharge from 10% to 80% of state-of-charge (SOC) in just about 20 minutes at 350 kW chargers.

José Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America said:

“The SEVEN concept demonstrates Hyundai’s creative vision and advanced technological development for our electrified mobility future. Its innovative interior space, eco-friendly powertrain and cutting-edge safety and convenience technologies reveal an exciting future for Hyundai SUV customers."

The company presents at the show also the XCIENT heavy-duty fuel cell truck and the soon-to-be-launched (in the U.S.) Hyundai Ioniq 5.

• over 300 miles (483 km) of range
• DC fast charging: from 10% to 80% of state-of-charge (SOC) in about 20 minutes at 350 kW chargers (800 V)