Hyundai is in a position to be a big winner this year at the 2022 North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards. 

This is because the car brand has not one, not two, but three cars in the final rounds of the competition. The 2022 Santa Cruz, 2022 Ioniq 5, and 2022 Genesis GV70 are all in a position to take home the gold this year. 

According to Fox News, a panel of 50 journalists will decide the winners and announce them in January. Here, we’re breaking down what Hyundai got so right about these cars to get all three to the finals, so you can make your judgement before hearing the final verdict in 2022. 

The Hyundai Santa Cruz can best be described as a compact pickup truck. Its look is totally unique not just to Hyundai, but also to anything else we see on the car market today. This could be why it’s made it so far in the competition. 

According to Car and Driver, the 2022 Santa Cruz is available in four trims—SE, SEL, SEL Premium, and Limited. Prices range from $25,215 to $40,945 depending on trim. 

Drivers have the choice between the standard 2.5-liter, four cylinder engine that carries 191 horsepower, or to upgrade to the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that supports up to 281 horsepower. The upgraded engine is impressive in its car category. 

The Santa Cruz has pretty average fuel economy, coming in at 26 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city. But, it does have the ability to tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is particularly impressive for a tow truck of its size and stature. 

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The Ioniq 5 is the first of Hyundai’s new initiative of implementing an all-electric sub brand of the Ioniq name. According to Car and Driver, this is the first in a fleet of 23 battery-powered vehicles Hyundai plans to roll out by 2025. The Ioniq 5 earns major points in the contest for being the first of its kind. 

The Ioniq 5 is only available in three trims, SE, SEL, and Limited. It’s more expensive than the Santa Cruz, with prices ranging from $45,000 to $55,000. 

There are two engine options depending on the type of drive you want, but both are battery powered. For rear drive, the battery engine carries 225 horsepower and can go from 0 to 60 mph in just over seven seconds. For all-wheel drive, the battery can hold 320 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. 

Similar to the Santa Cruz, the first engine option isn’t anything special, but the second one definitely has us raising our eyebrows, especially for an electric car.

Forbes describes the 2022 Hyundai Genesis GV70 as, “a beautiful, unique new ride that undercuts rivals.” With a glowing endorsement like that, it’s easy to see why Genesis has made it so far in the competition. 

The Genesis GV70 is a powerful car that has some futuristic looks and features. The 3.5-liter, twin turbo, V6 engine carries up to 375 horsepower and comes with an eight-speed automatic. That combination delivers power and speed that blows the competition out of the water. We also love the fingerprint reader to start the car.

Passengers will love the heated rear seats that recline in the Genesis GV70, and small touches like red seat belts, a 14.5-inch touchscreen navigation system, and clean, sharp exterior lines make it clear Hyundai definitely took their time making this masterpiece. 

Prices range from $41,000 to $52,600 for the Genesis GV70.