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

If you’ve been researching a new SUV or electric vehicle, 2025 was a meaningful year for Hyundai. From advanced safety recognition to family-focused SUV awards and continued EV momentum, Hyundai earned honors that reflect real-world driving needs, not just industry buzz.

At Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith, these achievements help show why so many drivers throughout the River Valley and western Arkansas continue to choose Hyundai for their next vehicle.

Below is a clear, easy-to-scan look at Hyundai’s biggest 2025 wins and why they matter when choosing a Hyundai dealer in Fort Smith, AR.

Safety Leadership that Stands Out

Safety remains a top priority for families, commuters, and anyone spending time on highways and surface roads around Fort Smith. In 2025, Hyundai earned more Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ ratings than any other automaker.

Award-winning models included the IONIQ 9, Palisade, Santa Fe, Tucson, Kona, IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and Elantra. These honors are especially significant because IIHS raised its testing standards, placing greater emphasis on second-row passenger protection.

For drivers navigating I-40, Highway 71, or daily commutes between Fort Smith, Van Buren, and surrounding River Valley communities, these safety ratings provide confidence that Hyundai vehicles are designed with real passengers in mind.

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

The Hyundai Palisade finished 2025 with strong momentum, earning multiple awards that matter to families shopping for a capable three-row SUV.

With generous interior space, available gas and hybrid powertrains, and a long list of advanced safety features, the Palisade is built for busy family schedules. Whether it’s school drop-offs, weekend sports, or road trips across Arkansas and Oklahoma, it delivers flexibility without feeling oversized behind the wheel.

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 With Family-Ready Credentials

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid proved in 2025 that a compact SUV can still meet serious family needs. Cars.com named it one of the Best Cars for Car Seats, awarding straight A grades for ease of installation across all seating positions.

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 confidence. With hybrid and plug-in hybrid options available, it’s a practical choice for Fort Smith drivers who want efficiency without sacrificing versatility.

Tucson recognition highlights include:

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

Hyundai’s EV Momentum Keeps Building

Hyundai’s electric vehicle lineup continued to gain traction in 2025, led by the award-winning IONIQ family. These vehicles earned recognition for everyday usability as well as performance.

The IONIQ 5 was once again named one of Autotrader’s 10 Best Electric Cars, thanks to its fast charging, competitive range, and roomy interior. Drivers looking for something more performance-oriented also took notice of the IONIQ 5 N, which earned Best Performance Car and Official Winter EV honors.

Hyundai also made a strong impression with the introduction of the IONIQ 9, a three-row electric SUV that earned top awards for its design, space, and electric driving capability.

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

Hyundai’s success in 2025 extended beyond its vehicles. The brand earned eight honors at the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) across automotive, service, and environmental categories.

These awards reflect Hyundai’s focus on thoughtful design that enhances daily ownership, from vehicle interiors to innovative mobility and charging solutions.

Design recognition highlights include:

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

A More Rewarding Ownership Experience

Hyundai also launched a new Hyundai Rewards program in 2025, designed to make ownership more rewarding over time. Members can earn discounts on future vehicle purchases and connected services simply by maintaining and using their vehicles.

For customers working with a trusted Hyundai dealer in Fort Smith, AR, these benefits add value well beyond the initial sale.

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 Fort Smith Drivers

Awards alone don’t decide which vehicle fits your lifestyle, but they do help narrow the field. Hyundai’s 2025 recognition shows consistent performance in safety, family usability, innovation, and long-term value.

At Crain Hyundai of Fort Smith, 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 Fort Smith, Hyundai Safety
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