NEMPA Awards

The NEMPA Winter Vehicle Awards

Real testing for the real world. At the New England Motor Press Association, we don’t evaluate winter capability on a closed track or in a climate-controlled facility. We test where we live.

Every year, our members spend months driving the industry’s newest vehicles through the absolute worst conditions New England has to offer—from December blizzards and sub-zero February mornings to the cratered, pothole-ridden roads of the spring thaw.

To win a NEMPA award, a vehicle can’t just look good on a spec sheet. It has to prove its worth to the drivers who actually rely on it.

Four award-winning vehicles parked on a red carpet next to a table of glass trophies and a digital screen displaying the NEMPA logo.

The hardware and the horsepower: Award-winning vehicles, including the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N, lined up for the annual NEMPA Awards presentation.

The Premier Honors

While we test dozens of vehicles across multiple classes, these are the ultimate honors. The vehicles that take home this hardware represent the absolute best in all-weather engineering, comfort, and capability.

  • The Official Winter Vehicle of New England: Our highest honor, awarded to the single vehicle that delivers the best all-around winter performance, usability, and value, regardless of class.

  • Winter Truck of the Year: Awarded to the pickup that best combines rugged capability, traction, and daily usability in harsh conditions.

  • Winter SUV of the Year: Awarded to the sport utility vehicle that provides the ultimate blend of family-hauling safety, ground clearance, and all-weather confidence.

  • Winter Car of the Year: Awarded to the sedan or wagon that proves you don’t need massive ride height to conquer snow and ice.

  • Official Winter EV of New England: Awarded to the electric vehicle that best overcomes the unique cold-weather challenges of range degradation and charging speed while delivering superior winter traction.

The Legacy Awards

In addition to our cold-weather testing, NEMPA proudly issues two historic awards recognizing industry-wide excellence:

  • The Yankee Cup Technology Award: Selected with input from the faculty at MIT, this award highlights a specific vehicle, feature, or system that significantly enhances the safety, efficiency, or enjoyment of driving.

  • The Ritvo Design & Elegance Award: Selected in conjunction with the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the Larz Anderson Auto Museum, this honors the absolute best in automotive design.

Powered by WordPress. Designed by WooThemes