Hyundai honored by MAMA for IONIQ 9 and 2026 Palisade

Hyundai earns top recognition at MAMA Fall Fest 2025 as IONIQ 9 and Palisade 2026 win key awards from Midwest automotive journalists.

Hyundai has once again proven its standing as one of the most recognized automakers in the United States. At the recent Fall Fest hosted by the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) in Illinois, the brand earned two major honors: the all-electric IONIQ 9 was named “Favorite Plug-In EV,” while the updated 2026 Palisade took the title of “Favorite Family Vehicle.” These wins made Hyundai the most awarded automaker at the event.

During the Fall Fest, around thirty automotive journalists tested twenty-five new models. Vehicles were judged across seven categories, including family, hybrid, and luxury segments. Results from the Fall Fest and the earlier Spring Rally will determine the finalists for MAMA’s top prize, the “Favorite Vehicle of 2025,” to be announced at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2026.

Ricky Lao, director of product planning at Hyundai Motor North America, highlighted that both models appeal to drivers seeking space, technology, and versatility. “Each of these three-row SUVs provides a complete range of options—ICE, Hybrid, or EV—allowing customers to match their lifestyle with the right configuration,” he said.

The IONIQ 9, built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, offers a range of up to 620 kilometers and supports rapid charging at about 236 kW. The 2026 Palisade, meanwhile, debuts a new hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-liter turbo engine and two electric motors, producing up to 329 horsepower. It also features expanded safety systems, ten airbags, an integrated dash camera, and a refined interior design.

According to MAMA president Jim O’Brill, the Palisade “continues to set a benchmark for family-oriented SUVs, blending practicality and sophistication in equal measure.” His remarks echo a broader pattern: Hyundai is consolidating its place in the premium SUV market while staying true to everyday usability.

After the IONIQ 5 N claimed MAMA’s “Favorite Vehicle of the Year” last season, Hyundai’s consistent recognition suggests it remains a strong contender heading into the 2026 Chicago Auto Show finals.