Khaberni - The IONIQ 6 N has been named the Global Performance Car of the Year for 2026, making it the second time in three years that Hyundai's N brand has won this award, following the IONIQ 5 N in 2024.
● This win represents the fifth consecutive year that Hyundai Motor has been honored in the World Car Awards.
New York / Seoul, April 1, 2026
Hyundai Motor Company has achieved a significant victory in the 2026 World Car Awards by winning the Global Performance Car title with the IONIQ 6 N. The winners of the twenty-second annual edition of these awards were announced today during a ceremony held on the sidelines of the 2026 New York International Auto Show.
On this occasion, José Muñoz, Chairman and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company stated:
"This recognition from the World Car Awards jury means a lot to the thousands of Hyundai employees who designed, engineered, and built this car. Customers appreciate the excellent design, advanced technology, and true value that the IONIQ 6 N offers. We are grateful to the jury for this honor, and also to customers around the world who choose Hyundai every day and inspire us in everything we make. This award goes back to them and to the team that deserved it."
What are the key features of the winning car?
The IONIQ 6 N excelled in the Global Performance Car category by redefining high performance in the electric vehicle era, combining exciting power and advanced technologies focused on the driver's experience, both on the track and on the road.
● Exceptional performance: The IONIQ 6 N offers up to 641 horsepower with N Grin Boost technology, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds.
● Driver-focused features: N e-Shift technology provides the feel of a real gearbox, while N Active Sound+ delivers an exciting sound experience.
● Advanced battery technology: The 84.0 kilowatt-hour battery allows charging from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes using a 350-kilowatt charger under optimal conditions.
How do these awards enhance Hyundai's trajectory in the World Car Awards?
This award represents the fifth consecutive year that Hyundai Motor Company has been honored in the World Car Awards, proving its continued leadership in technical innovation in the automotive sector. Highlighted previous victories include:
● 2025: INSTER (CASPER Electric) – Best Electric Car in the World
● 2024: IONIQ 5 N – Global Performance Car
● 2023: IONIQ 6 – Car of the Year, Best Electric Car in the World, Best Car Design in the World
● 2022: IONIQ 5 – Car of the Year, Best Electric Car in the World, Best Car Design in the World
This continuous recognition confirms Hyundai Motor Company's leadership in pushing the boundaries of design and technology to new heights.
