The Hispanic Motor Press (HMP) revealed the winners of the 2026 Hispanic Motor Press Awards during AutoMobility LA at the Los Angeles Convention Center, marking the 16th annual program. The awards recognize the best new model year 2026 vehicles in five categories, aiming to guide Hispanic car buyers, who account for one in four new-vehicle purchases in the United States.
Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, founder and president of the Hispanic Motor Press, emphasized the importance of reaching Hispanic consumers in their language, noting that the U.S. is the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. The winning vehicles were selected by a 16-member jury panel of independent Hispanic automotive journalists, content creators, and industry influencers after an eight-month testing period from January to September 2025.
The 2026 HMPA winners are: Best EV: Hyundai IONIQ 9; Best Family Car: Kia Carnival; Best SUV: Toyota RAV4; Best Pick-up Truck: RAM 1500; and Best Luxury: Lincoln Navigator. Judges praised the overall value and ownership experience of these vehicles, considering key criteria such as safety, technology integration, ergonomics, content, and price.
Judge Gil Silva, who works at Mitchell reviewing car components, stated, 'We are proud to help the consumer find the right car for their need.' Camilo Alfaro, judge and CEO of the Hispanic Consortium, added, 'Any of these five vehicles deliver excellent value overall.' Carlos Hernandez, judge and publisher of Latinos News, noted the difficulty in choosing a single winner but expressed confidence that the top three in each category would reward consumers.
The Hispanic Motor Press Awards operate independently, with all judges volunteering their time. Manufacturers voluntarily submit entries, and the program aims to help Hispanic consumers make informed decisions. Hispanic consumers represent $1.9 trillion in buying power and are a crucial demographic in the automotive market.
For more information, visit www.hispanicmotorpress.org or follow Hispanic Motor Press on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
