MAMA’s Favorites replaced the Family & Luxury Vehicle of the year awards in 2023. It breaks down into seven categories to reflect the broad interest in vehicles in all segments, and to reflect immediate impressions our members have on vehicles participating in our signature events throughout the year.

There are segment winners after each MAMA drive event. At the end of the year, celebrated at the following Chicago Auto Show, we will have MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of the Year based on the overall winner from these seven categories. 

There is no fee beyond the entrance fee for each event. 

To qualify for MAMA’s Favorites, vehicles must:

• Participate in at least one MAMA drive event (Spring Rally, Fall Rally, Chicago Drives Electric). 

• Can bring vehicles that have been to other events in that year.

• Be new, redesigned, or significantly refreshed (new trim level, new powertrain, special edition). 

• Each registered vehicle that meets this criteria can qualify for one category. For example, if you bring two Honda Pilots in two different trims, each one can qualify for a different category. The Honda Pilot can qualify for MAMA’s Favorite Family vehicle, and a second Honda Pilot Trailsport, can qualify for MAMA’s Favorite Off-Road. 

• Automakers should decide which of their vehicles qualify for the appropriate category, but final discretion is left to the MAMA Board. 

MAMA media and affiliate members vote for winners at the end of each event.

MAMA’s Favorite: Off-Roader

Pickup trucks, crossovers, and SUVs that are packaged for off-roading. Eligible vehicles must participate in off-road event if available at the drive program.

MAMA’s Favorite: Performance Vehicle

Eligible vehicles must participate in a MAMA track, autocross, or street drive event if available at the drive program.

MAMA’s Favorite: Pickup Truck

Any size pickup truck, any configuration, any trim, any powertrain.

MAMA’s Favorite: Affordable Vehicle

Trucks, crossovers, minivans, SUVs, sedans, and coupes priced under the JD Power Average new vehicle transaction price from the preceding year.

MAMA’s Favorite: Luxury Vehicle 

From a premium/luxury brand. No minimum or maximum price.

MAMA’s Favorite: Plug-in Vehicle

PHEV or BEV at any price point regardless of vehicle segment.

MAMA’s Favorite: Family Vehicle

Starting MSRP under $60,000, four doors, and at least five seats. Niche performance vehicles (i.e. Kia Stinger, F-150 Raptor, Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, etc.) do not qualify. Note that starting MSRP cap is subject to change based on market conditions.

MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of the Year

The winners of each category are finalists for the overall MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of the Year to be voted on by MAMA media and affiliate members at the end of the calendar year. MAMA’s Favorite Vehicle of the Year will be announced at the Chicago Auto Show opening breakfast in February.

2023 MAMA's Favorite Vehicle of the Year:

Chevrolet Trax

Category winners for 2023 are:

MAMA’s Favorite Family Vehicle: Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX

MAMA’s Favorite Luxury Vehicle: Genesis G90 3.5T E-Supercharger AWD

MAMA’s Favorite Off-Roader: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4xe

MAMA’s Favorite Pickup Truck: Ford Maverick Tremor

MAMA’s Favorite Performance Vehicle: Ford Mustang Dark Horse

MAMA’s Favorite Affordable Vehicle: Chevrolet Trax

MAMA’s Favorite Plug-In Vehicle: Hyundai IONIQ 6

Past MAMA Family Vehicle of the Year Award recipients: 

2011 – Hyundai Sonata

2012 – Volkswagen Passat

2013 – Ford Fusion

2014 – Chevrolet Impala

2015 – Chrysler 200

2016 – Volvo XC90

2017 – Chrysler Pacifica

2018 – Honda Odyssey 

2019 – Subaru Ascent 

2020 – Kia Telluride 

2021 – Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban

2022 - Kia Carnival

Past MAMA Luxury Family Vehicle of the Year Award recipients: 

2019 – Volvo XC40

2020 – Lincoln Aviator 

2021 – Genesis G80

2022 - Genesis GV70

*Luxury category added in 2019