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Car and Driver’s annual Editors’ Choice awards might not be a definitive list of the year’s most popular cars. However, the roundup gives readers an idea of what the experts like and want in their automobiles. This year, Hyundai and BMW dominate C/D’s prestigious list with 11 models each.

What is Car and Driver’s Editors’ Choice?

According to Car and Driver, its editors award models after a rigorous testing process that factors everything from performance to infotainment systems. With 116 winners among 400 candidates, this year’s results are surprising and expected. From high-performance brands like Porsche to more affordable favorites, the roundup shows the diversity of today’s auto industry. 

The American automotive giant Ford has six entries on the list, while Kia, Dodge, Honda, and other heavy-hitters have plenty to make them proud. But at the end of the voting process, Hyundai and BMW came out on top with the most Editors’ Choice picks.

Hyundai boasts 11 Car and Driver 2022 Editors’ Choice winners

A silver 2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT parked in front of mountains
2022 Hyundai Tucson XRT | Hyundai Motor America

C/D notes how Hyundai’s consumer-friendly cars are a hit with their loyal buyers. But this year helped continue the automaker’s streak as one of the most trusted names in the industry.

Hyundai’s winning coupes, convertibles, hatchbacks, and sedans

Accent

C/D lauds this subcompact car for its styling and smooth ride. Plus, the Accent provides abundant features and technology at a bargain price.

Veloster N 

This zippy hatchback coupe is ideal for drivers who want high-end performance without the exorbitant price. The Hyundai Veloster N gives drivers plenty of bang for their buck, while the sporty design gives it aesthetic appeal too. 

Elantra N

The turbo-powered Elantra N earns praise for its comfort, easy steering, and impressive roominess for a compact car vehicle. 

Sonata 

A cost-efficient midsize sedan, the 2022 Hyundai Sonata has a tech-heavy interior and well-regarded fuel efficiency that puts it above many competitors. 

Ioniq 5 

The Ioniq 5 is one of the best small electric SUVs on the market. Its quick charge rate and smooth performance make it worth the relatively hefty price. 

Hyundai SUVs and trucks that made the Editors’ Choice list

Kona

The feature-heavy Hyundai Kona isn’t the roomiest SUV, but this subcompact crossover has plenty of features and an easy-to-use driver interface for those who don’t need the most powerful engine. 

Kona Electric

The electrified Kona performs in line with the gas-powered version and keeps an impressive charge every time. 

Tucson

Hyundai’s best-selling SUV, the Tucson, comes in several powertrains, ranging from gas to hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Plus, this compact crossover boasts a modern design that looks great out on the road. 

Santa Fe

Hyundai’s first SUV, the Santa Fe, is a midsize crossover for buyers seeking comfort, safety, and performance for less than many other rivals. 

Palisade

This three-row midsize crossover is roomier than the Santa Fe but still easy to drive. Though it still doesn’t hold as much cargo as a full-size SUV, the Palisade’s user-friendly design makes it worth the high price tag. 

Santa Cruz

Hyundai’s SUV/pickup mashup, the Santa Cruz, gives its users plenty of cargo storage in a car with a modern, smoother drive and impressive interior design. 

BMW also has 11 Editors’ Choice entries  

Like Hyundai, the luxury car brand BMW had a great year with its marquee vehicles. They range from sports cars to opulent SUVs and relatively affordable family models. 

BMW luxury SUVs that made the cut

X1

BMW’s subcompact SUV, the X1, earns kudos for its handling and interior, with plenty of cargo space for gear, groceries, and more. 

X2

The X1’s sibling, the X2, has a modern exterior, zippy performance, and excellent fuel economy, which make up for a subpar interior. 

X3

BMW’s luxury compact SUV, the X3, handles like a small car and offers better fuel economy than other SUVs in the lineup. 

X5 

Perhaps the most luxurious model in the X line, the midsize X5 boasts an infotainment system and cabin design that make the interior as impressive as the powertrain. 

X7

A full-size addition to the lineup, the ultra-luxurious BMW X7 adds more space and power to the mix. 

iX

The iX propels BMW toward the future thanks to a smooth electric powertrain and 21st-century interior design. 

BMW’s winning coupes, convertibles, hatchbacks, and sedans

2 Series

The 2 Series is a solid entry-level luxury compact car for those looking to dip their toes into BMW’s acceleration and performance. 

3 Series

A more powerful starter car with more space and a smooth engine, the 3 Series might have subpar steering control, but the luxurious sports design makes up for it. 

M3

The mighty M3 sports sedan provides a smooth ride despite its potent engine and performs faster than many rivals. 

M4

This member of the performance-centric M line brings a sports coupe to the table and adds all-wheel drive to the mix. 

M5

The BMW M5 is an impressive car thanks to its lightning-fast acceleration and rear-wheel drive, giving this sedan unparalleled performance over others. 

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Contributing Writer

Bradley Geiser

Bradley Geiser has been a contributing writer for MotorBiscuit, and Sportscasting. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English literature and English creative writing from UC Davis.