Hyundai has secured two prestigious 2025 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards. The IONIQ 5 has won the Best Electric Vehicle category for the third consecutive year, while the Kona has claimed the Best Subcompact SUV award for the second straight year.
These awards, now in their eleventh year, are among the most respected accolades in the automotive industry. They are the result of a year-long evaluation process conducted by Kelley Blue Book’s editorial staff, which involves testing nearly every new model available in the U.S. The team’s evaluation criteria include hands-on vehicle testing, pricing and ownership cost analysis, consumer reviews, and sales data. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kona earned their wins by excelling in technology, safety, and driving dynamics.
Brian Moody, executive editor for Kelley Blue Book, praised the Kona for its contemporary styling and overall quality, highlighting that the finished product is greater than the sum of its many qualities. He also noted that the IONIQ 5 is a practical compact SUV that excels at carrying families and their gear, and that it happens to be fully electric. Moody further emphasized the IONIQ 5’s impressive amount of standard features and useful tech, all at a reasonable price.
Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor North America, expressed gratitude for the recognition of both the IONIQ 5 and Kona. She stated that the team worked to ensure both vehicles aligned with Hyundai’s customer values and lifestyle – tech-forward, design-savvy, and sustainability-conscious. Boyle added that the IONIQ 5 delivers electric mobility with futuristic design and ultra-fast charging, while the Kona provides a bold, urban-friendly experience with style, innovation, and efficiency.
These two awards further demonstrate Hyundai’s success in the automotive market and the company’s commitment to offering high-quality, technologically advanced, and environmentally friendly vehicles.