Tested Hard, Chosen Wisely: MAMA’s Favorite Cars of 2026

More than 75 Midwest automotive journalists put contenders through the paces over two days of intensive real-world driving

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) announces the winners of its 2026 Spring Rally “MAMA’s Favorites” awards, spotlighting exceptional vehicles across eight categories as determined by the votes of more than 75 automotive journalists. Held at Road America racetrack in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, the Spring Rally gave journalists the chance to drive and assess more than 70 of the newest vehicles on the market across five distinct driving environments—road, track, off-road course, autocross, and acceleration lane.

“Year after year, the Spring Rally reminds us why in-person evaluation matters,” said Jim OBrill, President of the Midwest Automotive Media Association. “Our members don’t just look at vehicles—they live with them, push them, and put them in the kinds of situations real drivers face every day. When this group reaches a verdict, consumers and the industry alike can trust it. These winners earned their recognition.”

2026 MAMA’s Favorites Spring Rally Award Winners:

• Favorite Family Vehicle: 2027 Kia Telluride X-Pro
• Favorite Luxury Vehicle: 2026 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring
• Favorite Off-Roader: 2026 Jeep Wrangler Sport Willys ’41
• Favorite Pickup Truck: 2026 Ford Ranger Raptor
• Favorite Performance Vehicle: 2026 Dodge Charger SIXPACK Scat Pack
• Favorite Plug-In Vehicle: 2026 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring
• Favorite Affordable Vehicle: 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback GT-Line Turbo
• Best of the Rest: 2026 BMW M5 Touring

When automotive journalists spend two full days behind the wheel—pushing vehicles on the road, flat-out on Road America’s legendary track, through a demanding off-road course, around the autocross layout, and down the acceleration lane—the vehicles that rise to the top have genuinely earned it.

The 2026 Spring Rally would not have been possible without the continued generosity of MAMA’s sponsors: Cars.com, Ford, Jeep, Toyota, Scout, Hyundai, Kia, Chicago Automobile Trade Association, Can-Am, Lucid, Subaru, Mazda, Dodge and Genesis.

About MAMA

Founded in 1991, the Midwest Automotive Media Association comprises nearly 300 automotive journalists and public relations professionals from across the country and Canada. The association’s primary purpose is to provide a forum for the major issues in the automotive industry and to connect newsworthy products with key people.