Hyundai Motor Company has achieved a significant victory at the 2026 World Car Awards, the IONIQ 6 N named the World Performance Car. The winners of the 22nd annual awards were announced live today at a ceremony during the 2026 New York International Auto Show.
"This recognition from the World Car Awards jury means a great deal to the thousands of people at Hyundai who designed, engineered, and built this vehicle. Customers appreciate great design, advanced technology, and real-world value that the IONIQ 6 N offers. We are grateful to the jury for this honor. And we are grateful to the customers around the world who choose Hyundai every day and inspire everything we build. This award belongs to them and to the team that earned it." – José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company
What Are the Key Features of the Winning Vehicle?
IONIQ 6 N triumphed in the World Performance Car category by redefining high-performance for the electric era. It combines thrilling power with sophisticated, driver-focused technology for both track and road.
Exceptional Performance: IONIQ 6 N delivers up to 641 hp with N Grin Boost, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds.
Driver-Focused Features: N e-Shift provides the feel of a real gearshift, while N Active Sound+ delivers an engaging sound experience.
Advanced Battery Technology: The 84.0 kWh battery can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 18 minutes with a 350-kW charger under optimal conditions.
How Do These Honors Build on Hyundai’s Success at the World Car Awards?
This is the fifth consecutive year that Hyundai Motor has been recognized at the World Car Awards, a testament to its continued leadership in automotive innovation. Previous major wins include:
2025: INSTER (CASPER Electric) – World Electric Vehicle
2024: IONIQ 5 N – World Performance Car
2023: IONIQ 6 – World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle, World Car Design of the Year
2022: IONIQ 5 – World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle, World Car Design of the Year