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Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N and Tucson have earned prestigious accolades from the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) for their exceptional performance in winter conditions. The IONIQ 5 N was named the Official Winter EV of New England and Best In-Class Performance Car, while the Tucson secured the Best In-Class SUV title. These awards highlight Hyundai’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performing vehicles across both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) platforms.
Key Highlights
- IONIQ 5 N named Official Winter EV and Best In-Class Performance Car.
- Tucson awarded Best In-Class SUV by NEMPA.
- Vehicles evaluated for winter-specific features and all-weather driving dynamics.
- Over 100 vehicles tested during NEMPA’s winter evaluation program.
- Hyundai praised for durability and quality in extreme weather conditions.
Exceptional Winter Performance
NEMPA’s winter testing program evaluates vehicles for their ability to handle harsh New England winters. Over 100 vehicles are assessed annually, with members focusing on winter-specific features, safety, and dynamic driving qualities. The IONIQ 5 N impressed with its silent, comfortable ride and ability to outperform supercars and luxury SUVs. Cliff Atiyeh, NEMPA president, noted, “The IONIQ 5 N knocked out high-performance competitors, earning its place as the Best Performance Car for 2025.”
The Tucson stood out in the crowded compact SUV segment. Its bold design, updated infotainment, and versatile powertrain options, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid trims, made it a standout. Atiyeh highlighted the Tucson’s roomy interior, physical controls, and rugged XRT trim, calling it a “complete package” for winter driving.

Hyundai’s Commitment to Quality
Hyundai’s rigorous testing in extreme weather conditions ensures durability and performance. Ricky Lao, director of product planning at Hyundai Motor North America, emphasized the brand’s dedication to reliable transportation. “Having two vehicles with differing propulsion systems awarded in NEMPA’s winter evaluations is a testament to our commitment to both ICE and EV systems,” Lao said.
About NEMPA and Hyundai Motor America
The New England Motor Press Association comprises automotive journalists and content creators across six states, reaching over 250 million readers, listeners, and viewers monthly.
For more details, visit www.nempa.org.
Hyundai Motor America offers a technology-rich lineup of vehicles, supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. With operations including its California headquarters, Alabama manufacturing plant, and the new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, Hyundai contributes $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy.
Bottom Line
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N and Tucson have set a high standard for winter performance, earning top honors from NEMPA. These awards underscore Hyundai’s ability to deliver versatile, reliable, and dynamic vehicles tailored to diverse driving needs.
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