Korea Automobile Journalists Association Selects Hyundai The New Grandeur as “Car of the Month” for June

Top Marks for Interior and Exterior Design and Emotional Quality
Direct Entry to the First Round of Final Evaluation for Korea Car of the Year

The Korea Automobile Journalists Association (KAJA) announced on June 5 that it has selected “The New Grandeur” by Hyundai Motor Company as the Car of the Month for June 2026.

Hyundai Motor Company The New Grandeur. Hyundai Motor Company

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The Car of the Year Selection Committee under KAJA reviews newly launched and partially updated models released from the 1st to the last day of each month and announces the Car of the Month. The evaluation consists of five categories: interior and exterior design and emotional quality, safety and convenience features, driving performance, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, and marketability and purchase intent.

Among the new cars launched last month, the GMC Hummer EV SUV, KG Mobility New Torres, and Hyundai Motor Company The New Grandeur were nominated for June’s Car of the Month. After a fierce competition, The New Grandeur ultimately won the title, scoring 39 out of 50 points. The vehicle earned 9 out of 10 points for interior and exterior design and emotional quality, 8 points for driving performance, 7.7 points for safety and convenience features, and 7.3 points for energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions.

Won Sun-woong, chairman of the Car of the Year Selection Committee, commented, “The New Grandeur is a symbolic model that signals Hyundai Motor Company’s full-scale transition toward software-defined vehicles (SDV). By integrating the next-generation operating system ‘Fleos Connect’ with a generative AI agent, the vehicle has elevated infotainment completeness to an innovative level. In particular, the outstanding noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) control achieved through reinforced body rigidity and aerodynamic optimization, as well as its solid chassis fundamentals, prove the value of a flagship sedan.”

He continued, “High-tech features such as the segment’s first second-row reclining seats and the smart vision roof provide rear passengers with a differentiated sense of openness and convenience, expanding the value of space.”

He also added, “However, the increased price in line with enhanced marketability may become a perceived entry barrier for consumers. In addition, due to the reinforced chassis and seat settings, the second-row ride comfort may feel somewhat firm on bumpy roads, which is an important consideration for a family sedan. While the technical completeness is outstanding, the key challenge for this model will be to convincingly overcome market resistance to the price increase.”

Since 2019, the Korea Automobile Journalists Association has been selecting and announcing the Car of the Month. Last month, Hyundai Motor Company The New Staria Electric was chosen as the Car of the Month. Vehicles selected as Car of the Month receive a special benefit that allows them to bypass the preliminary and semi-final rounds of the Korea Car of the Year (K-COTY) review and advance directly to the first round of the final evaluation.

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