Hyundai’s Biggest 2025 Wins: Why it Matters at Your Hyundai Dealer in Bentonville, AR

If you’ve been shopping for a new SUV or electric vehicle, 2025 was a standout year for Hyundai. From industry-leading safety awards to family-focused SUV recognition and major EV wins, Hyundai delivered where drivers actually care. 

At Crain Hyundai of Bentonville, these awards help reinforce why so many Northwest Arkansas shoppers continue to choose Hyundai.

Below is a clear, shopper-friendly breakdown of Hyundai’s biggest 2025 wins and why they matter when choosing a Hyundai dealer in Bentonville, AR.

Safety Leadership that Stands Out

Safety remains a top priority for families, commuters, and anyone logging miles around Northwest Arkansas. In 2025, Hyundai earned more Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ ratings than any other brand.

Models receiving top honors included the IONIQ 9, Palisade, Santa Fe, Tucson, Kona, IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and Elantra. These awards carry extra weight because IIHS updated its testing standards to place more emphasis on second-row passenger protection.

For drivers navigating I-49, daily school drop-offs, or longer drives between Bentonville, Rogers, and Fayetteville, these ratings provide real peace of mind, not just a badge on a window sticker.

Key 2025 Hyundai Safety Awards include:

• 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9—IIHS Top Safety Pick+
• 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz—IIHS Top Safety Pick
• 2026 Hyundai Palisade—IIHS Top Safety Pick
• Additional Top Safety Pick+ awards for Elantra, Sonata, Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, IONIQ 5, and IONIQ 6

Palisade: A Family SUV With Strong Year-End Momentum

Few vehicles closed out 2025 as strongly as the Hyundai Palisade. The all-new generation earned several high-profile awards that matter to families shopping for three-row SUVs.

The Palisade continues to stand out for its spacious interior, available gas and hybrid powertrains, and long list of advanced safety features. Whether it’s hauling kids to practices, packing up for a weekend at Beaver Lake, or handling daily errands around Benton County, it’s built to handle real family life without feeling oversized or intimidating.

Notable Palisade Awards include:

• Best Midsize SUV—Good Housekeeping 2026 Family Car Awards
• 10 Best Trucks and SUVs—Car and Driver (Palisade Hybrid)
• IIHS Top Safety Pick designation

Tucson: Compact Size, Family-Approved Function

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid also earned meaningful recognition in 2025, especially for families with younger passengers. Cars.com named it one of the Best Cars for Car Seats, awarding straight A grades across all seating positions during hands-on testing.

The Tucson also earned Best In-Class SUV honors from the New England Motor Press Association, highlighting its balance of comfort, technology, and all-weather capability. With hybrid and plug-in hybrid options available, it remains a smart choice for drivers who want efficiency without giving up space or everyday versatility.

Tucson recognition highlights include:

• Best Cars for Car Seats – Cars.com (Tucson Hybrid)
• Best In-Class SUV – New England Motor Press Association
• Ongoing praise for hybrid and plug-in hybrid availability

Hyundai’s EV Momentum Keeps Building

Hyundai’s electric vehicle lineup continued to gain momentum in 2025, led by the award-winning IONIQ family.

The IONIQ 5 was once again named one of Autotrader’s 10 Best Electric Cars, thanks to its fast charging, usable range, and roomy interior. Performance-minded drivers also took notice, with the IONIQ 5 N earning Best Performance Car and Official Winter EV honors.

Hyundai also made a strong impression with the launch of the IONIQ 9, which earned top honors for its combination of space, design, and electric driving range.

Major Hyundai EV Awards include:

• IONIQ 5—Autotrader’s 10 Best Electric Cars for 2025
• IONIQ 5 N—Best Performance Car & Official Winter EV (NEMPA)
• IONIQ 5 XRT—Best U.S.-Built Sports Vehicle of the Year
• IONIQ 9—Vehicle of the Year & Best Battery Electric Vehicle (NWAPA)

Design and Innovation Beyond the Vehicles

In addition to vehicle awards, Hyundai’s broader approach to design and innovation was recognized globally in 2025. The brand earned eight honors at the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) across automotive, service, and environmental categories.

These awards highlight Hyundai’s focus on thoughtful design that improves daily ownership, from vehicle interiors to charging solutions and customer-facing services.

Design recognition highlights include:

• Eight total IDEA Awards in 2025
• Honors spanning automotive, service, and environmental design
• Recognition for vehicles, including the IONIQ 9 and Palisade

A More Rewarding Ownership Experience

Hyundai also introduced a new Hyundai Rewards program in 2025, giving owners additional benefits simply for maintaining and using their vehicles. Members can earn discounts on future vehicle purchases and connected services without points, credit cards, or complicated sign-ups.

For customers working with a trusted Hyundai dealer in Bentonville, AR, these perks add value long after the keys are handed over.

Hyundai Rewards program highlights:

• Three-tier rewards structure for Hyundai owners
• Vehicle purchase and Bluelink service discounts
• No point system or credit card required

Why these Awards Matter for Northwest Arkansas Drivers

Awards alone don’t make a vehicle right for your lifestyle, but they do help confirm you’re choosing from the strongest options on the road. Hyundai’s 2025 recognition reflects a consistent focus on safety, family usability, innovation, and long-term value.

At Crain Hyundai of Bentonville, we’re proud to offer a lineup backed by respected third-party testing and real-world evaluations. Whether you’re shopping for a compact SUV, a three-row family vehicle, or your first electric car, Hyundai’s 2025 wins make it easier to shop with confidence.

Tags: Electric Vehicles, Family SUVs, Hyundai Awards, Hyundai Bentonville, Hyundai Safety
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