Hyundai Rises to No. 29 in Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2026, Now Fourth Among Carmakers
Published on 28 October 2026
Hyundai Motor Company has climbed to 29th place in Interbrand’s “Best Global Brands 2026” report. Among automotive brands, it has moved up two places to fourth, from sixth in 2025. The announcement was made from Seoul on 28 October 2026.
Quick summary
| Detail | Figure |
| Overall rank | No. 29 |
| Brand value | USD 25 billion (up 2%) |
| Rank among automotive brands | 4th (up from 6th in 2025) |
| Consecutive years of brand value growth | 17 |
What the ranking shows
Hyundai’s brand value reached USD 25 billion, a 2% rise over last year. This is the 17th year in a row that its brand value has grown. The company links the result to a stronger product lineup, progress in future technologies like physical AI and software-defined vehicles (SDVs), and its marketing around major sports and creative campaigns.
Hyundai’s President and CEO, José Muñoz, said the streak comes from customers who chose the brand and from the teams and dealer partners who earned their trust.
Product awards and safety ratings
The release lists several recognitions for Hyundai’s global models. These awards are for international or US-market models, not the cars sold in India.
- The all-new Palisade was named the 2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year in January 2026.
- The IONIQ 9 was named World’s Best Large SUV at the 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year Awards.
- The IONIQ 9 also earned the 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award (for US models only) and Euro NCAP’s highest safety rating.
Hybrids and EVs are growing
The TUCSON Hybrid is named as a key contributor to Hyundai’s rising electrified vehicle sales. The company has also unveiled the all-new TUCSON with its next-generation hybrid system.
| Electrified vehicle sales | Figure |
| Full year 2025, total | 961,812 units (up 27% YoY) |
| Full year 2025, EVs | 275,669 units |
| Full year 2025, hybrids (HEVs) | 634,990 units |
| Q1 2026, total | 242,612 units (up 14.2% YoY) |
In Q1 2026, electrified vehicles made up 24.9% of Hyundai’s total global sales, and hybrids alone made up 17.8%. Both are all-time quarterly highs for the company.
Betting on physical AI, robots and SDVs
Hyundai also pointed to its push into robotics and software as a reason for the stronger brand.
- Hyundai Motor Group shared its AI robotics strategy and commercialisation roadmap in January 2026.
- Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot won Best Robot at CNET Group’s Best of CES 2026. Atlas is expected to be deployed at the Group’s Metaplant America from 2028.
- The Group’s MobED robot won a CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award and a Red Dot product design award in May 2026.
- Motional launched an IONIQ 5 robotaxi pilot in Las Vegas in March 2026.
- The Pleos Connect software platform made its debut on The New Grandeur in Korea in May 2026, with a phased global rollout to follow. Hyundai plans to equip about 20 million vehicles with it by 2030.
Sports and creative marketing
Hyundai has been an official FIFA partner for 27 years, since 1999. For the FIFA World Cup 2026, it supplied the largest-ever fleet of official vehicles and ran a campaign called “Next Starts Now”.
The company also returned as the ICC’s top-tier Premier Partner in December 2025, which gives it visibility among cricket fans in India and around the world.
On the creative side, Hyundai won the Grand Prix in the Audio and Radio category at Cannes Lions in June 2026 for its “Coquí Alarmed” campaign. It is the second year in a row that Hyundai has won a Grand Prix there, after “Night Fishing” in 2025.
How Interbrand ranks brands
Interbrand’s report is considered one of the most respected brand valuations in the world. It rates brands on three factors:
- Financial analysis: the financial performance the brand generates.
- Role of brand: how much of the buying decision is down to the brand.
- Brand strength: how well the brand builds loyalty over the medium to long term.
Jihun Moon of Interbrand Group said Hyundai’s AI robotics strategy extended the brand into physical AI, and that proof of strength in robotics and electrification added to trust in the brand.
What this means for car buyers
A brand ranking does not change anything about a car’s price, features or reliability. It does show that Hyundai is gaining global strength, particularly in hybrids, EVs and technology. The release does not mention any new India launches or price changes.
FAQs
What is Hyundai’s rank in Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2026?
Hyundai Motor ranks 29th overall, with a brand value of USD 25 billion.
Where does Hyundai stand among automotive brands?
Hyundai is fourth among automotive brands, up two places from sixth in 2025.
How many years has Hyundai’s brand value grown?
Hyundai’s brand value has grown for 17 years in a row.
What is Interbrand’s Best Global Brands report?
It is an annual brand valuation that ranks leading global brands on financial analysis, role of brand and brand strength.
How many electrified vehicles did Hyundai sell in 2025?
Hyundai sold 961,812 electrified vehicles globally in 2025, made up of 275,669 EVs and 634,990 hybrids.
