New England Motor Press Association Names IONIQ 5 Best All-Wheel Drive Car

Rairdon’s Hyundai of Bellingham is pleased to announce another award for the IONIQ 5. Adding to an already crowded trophy case, the EV has been named the Best All-Wheel Drive Car by the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) in the organization’s Winter Test evaluations. NEMPA members evaluated numerous vehicles during the winter months to determine those that surpassed others in content, interior and exterior design, and capability, in some of the toughest driving conditions and one of the most densely populated regions in America.

“The IONIQ 5 offers EV customers a sense of comfort and convenience in all types of weather conditions,” said Ricky Lao, director of Product Planning, Hyundai Motor North America. “We appreciate the recognition by NEMPA in helping educate consumers on the benefits of EV ownership even in wintery conditions.”

Vehicles selected for the Winter Vehicle Awards must offer a combination of winter-accommodating features and options as well as the dynamic qualities that make for safe, enjoyable, and competent all-weather driving. The organizations’ collective experience with winter driving and commitment to testing dozens of new vehicles each year, in extreme weather conditions are unmatched.

“The IONIQ 5 is a statement piece for Hyundai and a practical choice for New England drivers, who are increasingly buying this EV for its style, space, and all-wheel drive performance,” said NEMPA President, Clifford Atiyeh. “The standard heat pump further improves range in the cold, which is an absolute necessity in New England.”

NEMPA is not alone in their accolades to the IONIQ 5 by people who know winter driving.  Earlier this year, the 2023 IONIQ also won Best EV, 2023 AJAC Canadian Car of the Year, and 

Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year, 2023 AJAC Canadian Car of the Year.  In all, the IONQ 5 has won 30 awards since its debut from journalists all around the world, including the 2022 World Car of the Year.

As we head into fall with winter soon to follow, consider the value of an EV thought to be one of the best AWD vehicles in the industry by a variety of experts. Visit Rairdon’s Hyundai of Bellingham and take a close look and test drive of the IONIQ 5.