Hispanic Motor Press Announces 2026 Award Winners, Highlighting Key Vehicles for Growing Consumer Segment

The Hispanic Motor Press revealed the winners of its 2026 Hispanic Motor Press Awards during AutoMobility LA at the Los Angeles Convention Center, coinciding with the opening of the Los Angeles Auto Show. The 16th annual program identified top vehicles for Hispanic consumers across five categories, with awards presented to executives from the winning manufacturers. According to Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, founder and president of the Hispanic Motor Press, the awards serve as a guide for Hispanic car buyers, who account for one in four new-vehicle purchases in the United States. Rodriguez-Long emphasized the cultural importance of reaching this demographic in their own language, noting that the United States is the second-largest Spanish-speaking country globally.

The 2026 HMPA winners are the Hyundai IONIQ 9 for Best EV, the Kia Carnival for Best Family Car, the Toyota RAV4 for Best SUV, the RAM 1500 for Best Pick-up Truck, and the Lincoln Navigator for Best Luxury vehicle. Judges highlighted the value and consumer benefits of these selections. Gil Silva, a judge who works at Mitchell reviewing car component repairs and longevity, stated, "We are proud to help the consumer find the right car for their need." Camilo Alfaro, judge and CEO of the Hispanic Consortium, which assists automakers in reaching Hispanic publications, noted, "Any of these five vehicles deliver excellent value overall." Carlos Hernandez, judge and publisher of Latinos News newspaper, acknowledged the competitive selection process, adding, "There is always a bit of tension choosing 'THE' winner of a class. Personally, I am confident that the top 3 of each category will reward the consumer."

All finalist vehicles were deemed to offer a positive overall ownership experience and are considered significant in the market for meeting the needs and desires of Hispanic consumers. Sixteen auto manufacturers voluntarily submitted entries for evaluation by a 16-member jury panel over an eight-month testing period from January to September 2025. The judging criteria included occupant safety, technology integration, ergonomics, overall content, and price. The jury comprised independent Hispanic automotive journalists, content creators, and industry influencers, including Armando Varela of La Opinión, Al Vázquez of Al Vázquez YouTube, and Maria Ravani of Sobre Rodas, among others listed on the organization's website at https://www.hispanicmotorpress.org.

The Hispanic Motor Press Awards is described as the only independent Hispanic awards program in the country aimed at helping, educating, and pre-selecting the best vehicle options for the Hispanic community. The jury assesses vehicles based on key purchase drivers for Hispanic families: quality, reliability, style, safety, and value. Hispanic consumers represent $1.9 trillion in buying power in the United States. The Hispanic Motor Press Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3, operates with the objective to educate and help Hispanic consumers move toward clean, affordable mobility that can reduce greenhouse emissions and improve air quality. The organization maintains complete independence, with judges volunteering their time and manufacturers participating by choice.

This announcement matters because it underscores the growing influence of Hispanic consumers in the automotive market, providing targeted guidance that acknowledges their specific preferences and economic impact. For the industry, these awards highlight which vehicles are resonating with a demographic that drives a quarter of new car sales, potentially influencing future design, marketing, and outreach strategies. For readers, especially Hispanic car buyers, the awards offer a curated, culturally informed resource for making informed purchasing decisions, emphasizing factors like safety, technology, and value that align with family-oriented priorities. The focus on clean mobility through the foundation's mission also reflects broader environmental trends, suggesting a push toward sustainable options within this consumer segment.