Sporty, All-Electric Hyundai IONIQ 5 Wins KBB, MAMA Awards

On February 4, 2025, the Hyundai Motor Group announced that its standout all-electric model, the IONIQ 5, earned top honors at the 2025 Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Best Buy Awards. For the third consecutive year, the IONIQ 5 has been named the Best Electric Vehicle (EV). These prestigious awards underscore Hyundai’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Hyundai’s internal combustion engine (ICE) Kona took home the KBB award for Best Subcompact SUV for the second consecutive year.

“Incredibly thankful that the IONIQ 5 and Kona again have been recognized by KBB as top models in their categories. It’s great to see those models get the love they deserve,” said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. “The team worked to ensure that both vehicles aligned with our customer values and lifestyle – tech-forward, design-savvy, and sustainability-conscious. IONIQ 5 is delivering electric mobility with futuristic design and ultra-fast charging, while Kona delivers a bold, urban-friendly experience with style, innovation, and efficiency.”

Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book has become a trusted name for millions of consumers and professionals across the United States. With a commitment to providing accurate, market-reflective values, KBB publishes millions of vehicle assessments each week on its top-rated website, KBB.com.

From trade-in values to comprehensive buying guides, Kelley Blue Book offers essential tools that make navigating the car buying process simpler and more transparent. Kelley Blue Book’s editorial team also reviews and rates hundreds of new vehicles annually, helping consumers identify the Best Cars and Best SUVs that best meet their needs.

Kelley Blue Book is a proud member of Cox Automotive, the world’s largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by vast amounts of first-party data from over 2.3 billion online interactions each year, Cox Automotive tailors innovative solutions for car shoppers, manufacturers, dealers, lenders, and fleets.

“Sporting contemporary and innovative styling, the 2025 Hyundai Kona continues its reign as our subcompact Best Buy; however, it’s not simply its head-turning good looks that revs our engine. We are impressed with every aspect of this scrappy SUV in which the finished product is greater than the sum of its many qualities. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a practical, practical compact SUV that excels at carrying families and their gear and it also happens to be fully electric. It comes with an impressive amount of standard features and useful tech, all at a reasonable price,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Kelley Blue Book.

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

On February 6, 2025, the fun and exciting Hyundai Ioniq 5 N officially claimed the top honor at the 2025 Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) Favorite Vehicle Awards, marking a major achievement for the innovative electric SUV. Chosen by nearly 200 automotive media experts, the Ioniq 5 N emerged victorious after being put through its paces at MAMA’s signature events, where over 100 vehicles were evaluated.

“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 Favorite Vehicle Awards have undergone an evolution this year, shifting to a more refined format that highlights seven category winners from a diverse range of vehicle segments. After intense testing, thoughtful discussion, and collaboration, these finalists were chosen for their excellence in performance, design, and overall appeal. The final winner is then selected from this elite group of category champions.

The Ioniq 5 N stood out from a competitive field, impressing the judges with its remarkable combination of cutting-edge technology, high-performance capabilities, and eco-conscious design. As Hyundai’s first N-branded electric performance model, the Ioniq 5 N delivers a level of excitement and precision that sets a new standard for electric vehicles. With a powerful electric motor, exceptional handling, and a suite of advanced features, the Ioniq 5 N proves that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.

The vehicle’s distinctive design, paired with its state-of-the-art technology, has earned it rave reviews not just from automotive media professionals but also from consumers who are increasingly seeking high-performance, environmentally friendly vehicles. In a year where automotive choices are more diverse than ever, the Ioniq 5 N has proven that it is not just a leader in the electric vehicle category but an all-around top contender in the automotive world.

MAMA’s Favorites narrows the field naming seven category winners for the 2025 Favorite Vehicle Awards, with the victor chosen from these finalists.

The category winners are as follows:

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

The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 Offers Several Key Enhancements

The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 brings several key enhancements and new features to its electric lineup, focusing on improved power, range, and capability. The electric power system now includes the NACS charging port, and increased battery capacities for both Standard Range (58-63 kWh) and Long Range models (77.4-84 kWh). Range has also improved across various trims, with AWD models targeting 250-280+ miles and RWD models aiming for 310+ miles.

A standout addition is the IONIQ 5 XRT, featuring dual motors, a higher 84 kWh battery, suspension lift, and all-terrain tires for a more rugged performance. It includes unique design elements like black 18-inch wheels, custom fascias, and exclusive colors such as Ultimate Red and Cosmic Blue Pearl. Interior upgrades include redesigned HVAC controls, new center console, and a redesigned steering wheel.

Technologically, the 2025 model includes a 12.3-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium, and Over-The-Air software updates. Safety features have been enhanced with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance, and new Advanced Rear Occupant Alert. Additionally, improvements in ergonomics and usability, such as relocated wireless charging pads and updated controls, enhance driver and passenger convenience.

The IONIQ 5 XRT also offers an elevated off-road capability with higher ground clearance, aggressive styling, and an interior featuring H-Tex™ seating and XRT-exclusive badging. This model targets customers seeking an adventurous, all-electric SUV.

With its range of innovations, the 2025 IONIQ 5 sets new benchmarks in performance, technology, and versatility, making it a top choice for eco-conscious drivers seeking a practical yet exciting electric experience. At EVinfo.net, we recommend all of Hyundai’s bold, exciting, top-quality EVs, with the exception of fuel cell vehicles.