2024 Texas Auto Roundup Winners And Our Notable Mentions

It's official! We have the winners of the 2024 Texas Auto Roundup!   The annual competition is hosted by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) each spring. The event brings member journalists together to evaluate dozens of vehicles in multiple categories. As a member of TAWA, I attended this year's event that was held at Eagles Canyon Raceway just outside Decatur, TX on April 23-24, 2024.   Vehicles were judged on a wide variety of criteria.

Title Awards

Genesis G70 - Vehicle of Texas  

The Genesis G70 drove away with multiple awards, including Vehicle of Texas. The G70 is newly enhanced for 2024 - a key enhancement being a new, more powerful, entry level engine that is fantastic. A new 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 311 pound-feet of torque replaces a 2.0-liter 252 HP base engine.  Tested back-to-back with the incredible 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that delivers 365-horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque,  I cold not have been more impressed with the entry level upgrade.  It's a GREAT move by Genesis that really benefits entry-level luxury sports sedan buyers.

Other updates for 2024 include standard Brembo brakes, added standard convenience features, and a renewed focus on the interior cabin experience.   

Kia EV9 - Electric Vehicle of Texas 

The flagship Kia EV9 SUV also won its share of accolades, including Electric Vehicle of Texas. It was my first opportunity to get behind the wheel of the 2024 World Car Of The Year, and I can easily see why it won such a prestigious award.  It impresses immediately in terms of its interior and technology but even more notably, its incredible ride and drive that's fast, smooth and quiet.  

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio - Performance Vehicle of Texas

The Performance Car of Texas went to the Alfa Romeo Giulia, a gorgeous luxury sports sedan that's an adrenaline rush to drive both on and off the track  - delivering amazing horsepower and handling.  Its 505-horsepower makes it a thrill ride and then some. TAWA president Cory Fourniquet had this to say about its win:

“The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is the epitome of a premium sport sedan, one that thoroughly impressed our field of judges,” Cory Fourniquet, TAWA president, said. “With its stunning looks and exhilarating performance from a 505-horsepower twin-turbo V-6, the Giulia Quadrifoglio was the obvious choice for Performance Vehicle of Texas.”

Toyota Grand Highlander/Mazda CX-50 - CUV of  Texas  

As it happens, one category had a tie. The Crossover Utility of Texas title went to two very different vehicles: the Toyota Grand Highlander AND Mazda CX-50.  Mazda' is quite well-known for its luxury interiors and the CX-50 certainly does not disappoint.  

However, Toyota really knocked it out of the ballpark with the Grand Highlander Hybrid MAX Platinum's Portobello leather and ultrasuede interior (pictured above). It's unexpected and quite impressive. Well done Toyota! 

Noteworthy Mentions

There are few other notes I'd like to share regarding year's stellar lineup of competitors (in no particular order.) The list includes both winners and non-winners. Regardless of award status, all the automakers who brought vehicles to this year's event should be extremely proud of their design and engineering teams as well as their crews on the assembly line.  Vehicles on the road today are truly outstanding and provide comfort,  technology, safety and more like never before!

Nissan Rogue Platinum

The updated 2024 Nissan Rogue's new for 2024 luxurious and refined interior on the Platinum grade warrants mention. It is quite simply superb!  The quality of the leather, the richness of the color, and the comfort level really takes Nissan to new heights in terms of luxury.  The Platinum grade is also the first Nissan model with Google Built-In.

All-New Toyota Camry XSE

The all-new 2024 Camry is hybrid only - and wow did I enjoy the new powertrain.  When equipped with all-wheel drive as this XSE is,  the hybrid system delivers 232 horsepower. Power feels great.  The Camry's overhaul also includes a completely redesigned cabin -- with -- YAY - all of Toyota's latest technology including its terrific new audio multimedia system.  Plus it gets Toyota's latest 3.0 Safety System.  The new Camry arrives in CarPro dealerships soon!

Lexus TX 550h+ (Luxury CUV and Best Feature: New Powertrain)

I must also make special mention of the award-winning Lexus TX 550h+ Luxury.  This SUV was a dream to drive, though I consider this three-row luxury SUV more a large SUV than a midsize one.  The plug-in hybrid powertrain's 404-horsepower delivers excellent performance.  The ride is amazingly smooth, and acceleration is quick.   Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds has reviewed this SUV and you can check out his review here.

Toyota GR Corolla MT (Category Winner: Best Performance Hatchback)

The award-winning GR Corolla hatchback also gets special mention - because wow does it offer some great performance! I love its 6-speed manual, there is just something extra special about this hatchback.  I absolutely love the GR Supra coupe as well, (if you've read my many reviews you know it's a long time favorite coupe of mine),  but I do prefer it with the automatic transmission. The GR Corolla's manual gearbox is divinely smooth and responsive.  I've previously reviewed the 2023 GR Corolla Core and you can find that review here. 

Mercedes-Benz E 350 (Luxury Vehicle ($75K+) and Feature: Best New Interior)

The Mercedes-Benz E 350 luxury sedan WOWs with its absolutely incredible interior and technology. It  rides and drives like a dream.  For someone who doesn't drive Mercedes vehicles often, it's a real treat to see such a luxurious and meticulously crafted interiors.  Mercedes gets everything right in here.

Chrysler Pacifica Pinnacle  (Category: Best Minivan)

Minivan lovers will delight in the Pacifica PHEV Pinnacle's gorgeous and luxurious leather interior.  It reminds me more of a cabin you'd find in a luxury SUV.   It is inarguably incredible and by far, the most luxurious out there in the minivan market. The quilted seats,  rear seat entertainment system and expansive sunroof are just a few of the highlights.

Nissan Z Nismo

There is nothing like the old-school sportiness of the rear-wheel-drive Nissan Z.  Nissan's done a marvelous job of modernizing this two door coupe in its new generation without losing its character.  The NISMO is equipped with a 3-liter twin-turbo V6 that delivers an impressive 420-horses and 384-pound feet of torque. The Z is absolutely poised to live on in the hearts of fans who seek its driver-centric, track performance.

Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

What. An. SUV! The Durango SRT HEMI Hellcat is truly epic! And absolutely must be mentioned especially given the fact that the Durango HEMI engine lineup is going away soon.  This is an incredibly powerful 707-horsepower SUV with outstanding performance and handling  The interior is everything and more as well.  I can't say enough about the quality of the leather - and the design of the comfortable and supportive seats.   Check out Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds' review of this exact model here.

Lexus RX 450h+ Plug In Hybrid  

If you're in the market for the ever-so-popular Lexus RX -- this, in my opinion, is the one to get. It's the first-ever RX plug in hybrid, and its fast.  With 304-horsepower, it's the second most powerful RX offered behind the 500h F Sport Performance with 366 hp.  For my full 450h+ review from last fall, click here.

2024 Texas Auto Roundup Award Winner List

Title Awards

• Vehicle of Texas: Genesis G70
• Electric Vehicle of Texas: Kia EV9
• Crossover Utility Vehicle of Texas (TIE): Toyota Grand Highlander / Mazda CX-50
• Performance Vehicle of Texas: Alfa Romeo Giulia

Best Overall Awards

• Best Overall Interior: Genesis G70
• Best Overall Exterior: Genesis G70
• Best Overall Performance: Toyota Prius Prime Plug-In Hybrid
• Best Overall Value: Genesis G70
• Highest Personal Appeal: Genesis G70

Vehicle Category Awards

• Electric Vehicle: Kia EV9
• Green Vehicle: Toyota Prius Prime
• Minivan: Chrysler Pacifica
• Luxury CUV:  Lexus TX 550h+
• Mid-Size CUV: Kia EV9
• Compact SUV: Mazda CX-50
• Mid-Size Vehicle: Hyundai Sonata
• Performance SUV: Kia EV9
• Performance Hatchback: Toyota GR Corolla
• Performance Sedan: Genesis G70
• Performance Coupe: Toyota GR Supra
• Luxury Vehicle ($55K-$75K): Genesis G70
• Luxury Vehicle ($75K+): Mercedes-Benz E 350

Feature Awards

• Best New Interior: Mercedes-Benz E 350
• Best New Feature:  Lexus TX 550h+ Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain
• Best Value: Toyota RAV4

You can watch a video of the virtual awards MC'd by TAWA President Cory Fourniquet and hosted by the Houston Auto Show:

Feature Photo Credit: Kevin McCauley/capturingthemachine.