2025 Texas Auto Roundup – The Winners, the Standouts, and Where I Disagree

This year, the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) hosted the 22nd annual Texas Auto Roundup at the Margaritaville Lake Resort on Lake Conroe. It was a packed day of back-to-back drives, testing, and talking shop with fellow automotive journalists. I’ve been attending these events for over 15 years now, and this one was one of the most diverse and exciting rounds of vehicles I’ve seen.

After a full day of driving everything from hybrids and EVs to luxury sedans and high-performance head-turners, the votes were cast and the awards handed out.

Below is a rundown of the winners — along with some of my thoughts, especially on the vehicles I drove and, in a few cases, where I respectfully disagree.

People’s Vehicle of Texas (Best Value)

• Winner: Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring
• Second Place: Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo
• Third Place: Nissan Murano Platinum AWD

I drove both the Civic Hybrid and the new K4 GT-Line Turbo, and I’ll say this: the Civic is practical and efficient, but the K4 is the better car for the money. It’s stylish, packed with tech, and genuinely fun to drive. It feels like a step forward, while the Civic just feels like a solid continuation of what Honda already does well. For me, the K4 should’ve taken this win.

Family Vehicle of Texas

• Winner: Toyota Sienna Platinum Hybrid AWD
• Second Place: Kia Carnival Hybrid SX-Prestige
• Third Place: Honda Odyssey Elite

As a Carnival owner, this one hits close to home. The Sienna is solid — hybrid efficiency, comfortable ride — but the Carnival offers more space, a better interior layout, and a cleaner tech interface. For real-world families who live out of their vehicle, I still think the Carnival is the one to beat.

Minivan of Texas

• Winner: Toyota Sienna Platinum Hybrid AWD
• Second Place: Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD
• Third Place: Kia Carnival Hybrid SX-Prestige

Same thoughts here. The Sienna is a great van, no question. But the Carnival Hybrid SX-Prestige continues to lead the segment when it comes to design and practicality. I would’ve voted it to the top.

Performance Vehicle of Texas

• Winner: McLaren Artura Spider
• Second Place: Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack
• Third Place: Toyota GR Corolla

Now, I loved that McLaren brought the Artura Spider to this event. It’s light, fast, beautifully balanced — and that Papaya Spark paint? Incredible. That said, it’s tough to vote for something that’s so far removed from everyday life. It’s not just rare, it’s dream-garage rare. A blast to drive, but for most buyers, it’s not even on the radar.

Luxury Vehicle of Texas

• Winner: Genesis G80 AWD 3.5T Sport Prestige
• Second Place: INFINITI QX80
• Third Place: Lexus LX 700h Hybrid Overtrail

Genesis is on a roll. The G80 is beautifully built, refined, and priced far below its German rivals — and it shows. But I also had the chance to drive the redesigned 2025 INFINITI QX80 Autograph, and that interior is next level. I’m glad it won Best Interior and Best New Interior — those were absolutely deserved.

EV of Texas

• Winner: Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited AWD
• Second Place: Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack
• Third Place: Acura ZDX Type S

I’ve driven the IONIQ 5 a few times now, including at this event, and I have zero issue with this win. Hyundai nailed the balance of futuristic styling, useful range, and great interior quality. Add in Tesla Supercharger compatibility without an adapter, and it’s hard to beat.

I also drove the Acura ZDX Type S, and I was surprised by how refined and sporty it felt. Super Cruise worked well, and the overall experience felt distinctly Acura — not just a rebadged GM product.

Hybrid Vehicle of Texas

• Winner: Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring
• Second Place: Lexus LX 700h Hybrid Overtrail
• Third Place: Toyota Sienna Platinum Hybrid AWD

The Civic is great. But again, I think the Kia Carnival Hybrid or Toyota Crown Signia are stronger all-around vehicles for buyers looking to go hybrid. More space, more flexibility, and still great fuel economy.

Design & Feature Awards

• Best Exterior: McLaren Artura Spider
• Best Interior: INFINITI QX80
• Best NEW Interior: INFINITI QX80
• Best New Feature: Nissan Armada Invisible Hood View

No disagreements here. The QX80’s cabin is stunning, and the McLaren turns heads like nothing else. That invisible hood view in the Armada? Genuinely useful — not just a party trick.

Vehicle of Texas – 2025’s Top Honor

• Winner: Genesis G80 AWD 3.5T Sport Prestige

This one came as a follow-up announcement — and yes, it’s a big one. The Genesis G80 took home the top overall honor: 2025 Vehicle of Texas.

And you know what? I respect this pick. It might not have been my first choice — but it’s a smooth, luxurious, and confident sedan that performs at the level of its German rivals, often for less money. It’s a fantastic long-distance cruiser, a great daily driver, and it’s packed with thoughtful features and materials. A solid, mature choice — and a deserving winner.

Final Thoughts from TXGarage

This year’s Auto Roundup had something for everyone. From EVs to minivans, from value sedans to six-figure exotics — the field was deep and competitive.

I had the chance to drive and film quick impressions of almost a dozen vehicles, and you’ll find all of those videos right here on TXGarage’s YouTube channel.

Disagree with the results? Let’s talk about it. Drop a comment on the videos, or shoot me a message — I love hearing your take.

Thanks again to TAWA for hosting another fantastic event, and to the automakers for showing up with some incredible new metal.And as always — stay tuned to TXGarage for real reviews, Texas perspective, and more automotive fun.