Journalists test drove vehicles to help guide car shoppers toward smarter purchase decisions
The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) today announced the results of its annual Fall Favorites Fest, where automotive journalists gathered to test drive the newest vehicles and select their seasonal favorites.
“Fall Favorites Fest stands apart by focusing on real-world performance and expert evaluation, rather than marketing hype,” said Jim OBrill, President of the Midwest Automotive Media Association.
“Our journalists test and review hundreds of vehicles each year, delivering trusted insights that help consumers navigate their options and make confident, well-informed car-buying decisions. This year they spent the day driving in the rain throughout the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago providing that local, real-world feedback.”
2026 MAMA’s Fall Favorites Fest Award Winners
- Favorite Family Vehicle: 2027 Kia Telluride HEV
- Favorite Plug-In Vehicle: 2026 Subaru Trailseeker
- Favorite Affordable Vehicle: 2026 Subaru WRX
- Favorite Performance Vehicle: 2026 Dodge Charger (RT & Scat Pack Plus)
- Favorite Pick-Up Truck: 2026 RAM 1500 TRX SRT
- Favorite Luxury Vehicle: 2026 Lincoln Navigator
This year’s event featured a full lineup of drivable vehicles from brands such as Ford, Lincoln, Kia, RAM, Dodge, Subaru, Genesis, and Hyundai. Subaru showed their support with a breakfast sponsorship talking about the latest BRZ and WRX special edition models. And Lincoln brought out the 2027 Lincoln Nautilus for many journalists to see for the first time in person.
Through hands-on evaluations and real-world driving experiences, MAMA’s Fall Favorites Fest delivers credible, independent insights to help consumers make smarter, more informed vehicle-buying decisions. Rather than relying on marketing claims or spec sheets alone, automotive journalists assess how vehicles perform in the conditions drivers encounter every day, from comfort and practicality to performance, efficiency, safety, technology, and overall value. The resulting awards represent the collective expertise of experienced automotive journalists who test hundreds of vehicles annually and understand the features and qualities that matter most to today’s car shoppers. These awards reflect the collective expertise of seasoned journalists who know what matters most: performance, value, safety, and innovation.
