Hyundai IONIQ 9 Named 2025 NWAPA Drive Revolution Vehicle of the Year

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Sep 25, 2025, 07:00 ET

IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy sweeps NWAPA Awards with top honors as Vehicle of the Year and Best Battery Electric Vehicle
Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD wins Best Hybrid Electric Vehicle

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai achieved a standout performance at the 2025 Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) Drive Revolution Vehicle Competition with the all-electric 2026 IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Calligraphy earning Vehicle of the Year, along with the title of Best Battery Electric Vehicle. IONIQ 9's combination of advanced design, spacious three-row versatility, and up to 311-mileⁱ electric range earned top praise from automotive media professionals. Adding to Hyundai's success, the 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD was also recognized as Best Hybrid Electric Vehicle, showcasing the brand's leadership across both electric and hybrid segments.

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 Calligraphy is photographed in California City, Calif., on Nov. 20, 2024.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is photographed in California City, Calif., on November 9, 2024.

"We are honored that NWAPA recognized the IONIQ 9 as an EV leader," said Olabisi Boyle, senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. "We didn't build IONIQ 9 as just another electric SUV, we built it as the ultimate three-row for today's families; long range confidence, charging that's faster than your phoneⁱⁱ, room for everyone and everything, and premium touches that make the drive feel special."

"Combining advanced design, up to 311 miles of range, a native NACS chargingⁱⁱⁱ port, and generous room for passengers and cargo, the three-row Hyundai IONIQ 9 is a breakthrough family vehicle," said Tom Voelk, president, Northwest Automotive Press Association. "The battery electric vehicle segment was the most crowded category at the Drive Revolution event, and IONIQ 9 earned the votes of NWAPA members to lead the pack and earn the title of Drive Revolution 2025 Vehicle of the Year."

The 2025 Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD earned top honors in the Hybrid Electric Vehicle category for its refined design, spacious three-row layout, and versatile performance. Built on a longer wheelbase, it features premium Nappa leather seating and advanced safety technologies. Whether you're navigating city streets or heading out on a road trip, the Santa Fe Hybrid offers the flexibility and refinement today's families expect in a modern SUV.

Drive Revolution is an annual competition hosted by NWAPA that compares vehicles with the most advanced technologies and performance. During the 2025 event, held over three days in September near Ridgefield, Washington, 15 automotive media professionals from a range of respected publications evaluated 15 vehicles across internal combustion (ICE), hybrid (HEV), and battery electric (BEV) categories. Testing takes place on curated drive routes, with journalists assessing each vehicle's ride and handling, powertrain performance, braking, exterior and interior design, technology integration, and overall value. Winners are selected based on a comprehensive scoring system that reflects real-world driving impressions and segment relevance. NWAPA is a professional organization of automotive journalists and media members from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Southwest Canada.

Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

ⁱ EPA-estimated 311-mile driving range for IONIQ 9 AWD Performance Limited and AWD Performance Calligraphy Design trims. Figures are EPA estimates and based on a fully charged battery. For comparison purposes only. Battery capacity decreases with time and use. Actual range will vary based on a number of factors, including vehicle options, driving conditions and habits, vehicle and battery's condition, battery temperature and outside temperature.

ⁱⁱ Approximately 24 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% on a 350-kW, 800V DC ultra-fast charger using the CCS adapter included with the 2026 IONIQ 9. Actual charging time varies based on a number of factors, including current battery charge level, output of the charging unit, vehicle and battery settings, battery temperature and outside temperature. Ultra-fast charging stations are provided by independent companies and availability is not guaranteed.

ⁱⁱⁱ Approximately 40 minutes to charge from 10% to 80% on a NACS V3 Supercharger using the vehicle's native NACS port. Actual charging time varies based on a number of factors, including current battery charge level, output of the charging unit, vehicle and battery settings, battery temperature and outside temperature.

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America