Hyundai Takes Top Honors at MAMA's Fall Fest Automotive Awards Event

Hyundai Dominates at MAMA's Fall Fest

The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) recently held its much-anticipated Fall Fest in Wheaton, Illinois, showcasing an impressive lineup of automotive talents. This year, Hyundai emerged as the most decorated automaker at the event, securing two coveted Favorite Vehicle awards.

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 was honored as the Favorite Plug-In Electric Vehicle, while the 2026 Palisade took home the award for Favorite Family Vehicle. This double win positions Hyundai as a leader in automotive innovation and consumer appeal, reinforcing its commitment to producing vehicles that resonate with today's drivers.

Ricky Lao, the director of product planning at Hyundai Motor North America, emphasized the unique appeal of both models, stating, "Both the IONIQ 9 and Palisade attract audiences seeking versatility and added space for their commuting pleasure." The IONIQ 9 is designed to cater to environmentally conscious drivers, marrying cutting-edge electric vehicle technology with expansive passenger comfort. Meanwhile, the Palisade excels in providing families with an SUV that balances safety, style, and spaciousness, making it a favorite among critics and consumers alike.

The Fall Fest provided MAMA's automotive journalists with a firsthand experience of approximately 25 new vehicle models. The process for selecting winners involved collaborative voting from over 30 MAMA members, reflecting a consensus within the automotive media community. Besides assessing performance metrics, the association acknowledges exceptional vehicles across seven critical categories, highlighting the breadth of choice available to consumers.

With the recent honors, Hyundai builds on previous successes, as last year, the IONIQ 5 N was named MAMA's Favorite Vehicle of the Year. Jim O'Brill, MAMA's president, noted, "Hyundai continues to be a favorite among our members. For many, this was their first time behind the wheel of the all-new 2026 Palisade, and it continues to set a benchmark for family-focused SUVs. The Palisade demonstrates that practicality and sophistication can coexist seamlessly."

In addition to consumer-focused insights, the MAMA awards highlight Hyundai's strategic focus on offering versatile vehicles powered by various energy sources, including Internal Combustion Engines (ICE), hybrids, and full electric systems. This flexibility is increasingly important as consumers become more discerning about their automotive choices, seeking not just functionality but also environmental responsibility.

The next stage in the award process will pit the winning vehicles against contenders from the Spring Rally event, with results slated to be unveiled at MAMA's upcoming Holiday Party on December 4. The winners of each category will then have the opportunity to compete for the coveted title of MAMA’s 'Favorite Vehicle of 2025,' which will be disclosed at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2026.

In conclusion, Hyundai's performance at the Fall Fest reinforces its position as an automotive industry heavyweight. With an unwavering focus on innovation and consumer-centric design, Hyundai demonstrates its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of drivers while maintaining an impressive balance of practicality and elegance in its vehicle lineup. As the automotive world awaits further developments, Hyundai's recognition serves as a testament to its dedication to excellence in every facet of its operation.

For more information about Hyundai's product offerings, visit their official news site at Hyundai News.