Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Clinches Top Spot as 2025 MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle

The Midwest Automotive Media Association has spoken, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N reigns supreme as the winner of the 2025 MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle Awards. Nearly 200 seasoned automotive media professionals drove and evaluated over 100 vehicles at the association’s signature events, ultimately selecting the high-performance electric SUV as the best of the best.

“We experienced an incredible variety of new, redesigned, and refreshed vehicles throughout 2024 at events like the MAMA Spring Rally, Favorites Fall Fest, and Chicago Drives Electric,” said Jim O’Brill, MAMA President. “Each winner represents the pinnacle of innovation and quality in its class, but ultimately, one vehicle stood out above all—the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. It’s a true performance marvel that captures the spirit of what MAMA loves most about driving.”

The MAMA’s Favorites Awards highlight the best vehicles in their respective segments, culminating in an overall winner chosen from the finalists. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s combination of exhilarating performance, advanced technology, and EV innovation made it a clear standout among its peers.

MAMA’s 2025 Favorite Vehicle Award Winners

MAMA’s Favorites Awards recognize excellence across multiple segments. Here’s a look at this year’s category winners:

• Performance: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

• Family: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

• Luxury: Genesis GV80 3.5T

• Most Affordable: Honda Civic Si

• Off-Roader: Toyota Land Cruiser

• Pickup: Ram 1500 Rebel

• Plug-In: Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD

An Award That Evolves With the Industry

MAMA’s Favorites is an evolution of the association’s longstanding awards, designed to reflect the dynamic nature of the automotive industry. By putting vehicles through real-world testing and engaging in thoughtful discussions, MAMA’s expert members ensure that only the most deserving vehicles earn top honors. Whether it’s an electric powerhouse like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or a capable off-roader like the Toyota Land Cruiser, each winner exemplifies excellence in its class.

2025 MAMA's Favorite Vehicle of the Year:

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

2024:

MAMA's Favorite Vehicle: Chevrolet Trax

MAMA’s Favorite Family Vehicle: Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX

MAMA’s Favorite Luxury Vehicle: Genesis G90 3.5T E-Supercharger AWD

MAMA’s Favorite Off-Roader: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4xe

MAMA’s Favorite Pickup Truck: Ford Maverick Tremor

MAMA’s Favorite Performance Vehicle: Ford Mustang Dark Horse

MAMA’s Favorite Affordable Vehicle: Chevrolet Trax

MAMA’s Favorite Plug-In Vehicle: Hyundai IONIQ 6

Past MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year Award recipients: 

2011 – Hyundai Sonata

2012 – Volkswagen Passat

2013 – Ford Fusion

2014 – Chevrolet Impala

2015 – Chrysler 200

2016 – Volvo XC90

2017 – Chrysler Pacifica

2018 – Honda Odyssey 

2019 – Subaru Ascent 

2020 – Kia Telluride 

2021 – Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban

2022 - Kia Carnival

2023- Hyundai Palisade

Past MAMA Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Award recipients: 

2019 – Volvo XC40

2020 – Lincoln Aviator 

2021 – Genesis G80

2022 - Genesis GV70

2023 - Genesis GV60

*Luxury category added in 2019