03/24/2026
Texas Auto Writers Association Announces 2026 Auto Roundup Award Winners
Boerne, Texas — March 24, 2026 — The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) today announced the winners of the 2026 Texas Auto Roundup, following hands-on vehicle evaluations by automotive journalists from across the state.
Each year, manufacturers enter their vehicles for TAWA members to evaluate and vote on the models they believe best serve Texas drivers. Awards are determined by a ranked ballot system, with points awarded for first-, second-, and third-place votes across multiple categories. These winners are now eligible for this year’s title award of “Car of Texas,” which will be announced at a later date.
“The Texas Auto Roundup stands out because it brings together experienced automotive journalists to test vehicles in real-world conditions, just like Texans drive every day,” said Marc Newman, President of TAWA. “These awards recognize vehicles that offer the best mix of performance, usability, innovation, and value for our members and drivers across the state.”
2026 TAWA Auto Roundup Award Winners
People’s Vehicle of Texas (Best Value)
2026 Kia K4 Hatchback GT-Line Turbo
The Kia K4 Hatchback stood out as a clear value leader, delivering a strong balance of affordability, modern design, and everyday usability. Journalists noted its appeal as an accessible and well-rounded option for Texas drivers seeking practicality without compromise.
“The K4 hatchback is a substantial amount of car at this price point. The styling is exciting, and the interior features on this trim punch well above the MSRP, giving a high amount of value to buyers.”
Cameron Biggs - CarQuicks
Family Vehicle of Texas
2026 Honda Pilot Elite
The Honda Pilot Elite earned top honors for its versatility, space, and family-focused functionality. TAWA members highlighted its comfort, intuitive layout, and overall capability as a dependable solution for Texas families.
“Still the best way to get up to 8 seatbelts and still drive something that will easily fit in most garages. It's a proven formula that just works. It's an easy choice for drivers who want 3-rows. No nonsense, anyone can hop in and quickly operate everything without question, and the smooth revving V6 makes for a great driving experience.”
Adam Moline - DriveItOut
Supercar of Texas
2026 McLaren 750S Spider
The McLaren 750S Spider captured unanimous attention with its dramatic performance and unmistakable presence. Its combination of speed, precision, and open-top excitement made it the standout supercar of the event.
"Driving the 2026 McLaren 750 S Spider is like experiencing a Formula 1 race behind the driver’s wheel. With 740 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft of torque, this Supercar will definitely make one aware of its capabilities very quickly. The McLaren's Proactive Chassis Control linked-hydraulic suspension provides remarkably precise body control and an exceptional performance handling experience.”
Michael Rudd - Rudd Fotos
Performance Vehicle of Texas
2026 Dodge Charger S**t Pack
The Charger S**t Pack impressed journalists with its bold performance character and strong road presence. It successfully blends traditional muscle car appeal with modern usability, resonating with drivers looking for both excitement and practicality.
“The addition of AWD makes this a year-round muscle car. It now makes even more practical sense that we have wide tires at all four corners. I love that at the push of a button, you can have true RWD performance. The Hurricane engine is sublime, even if its sound and cylinder count don’t match the heritage of the vehicle it is wrapped in.”
Cory Fourniquet - GT: Garage Talk
Luxury Vehicle of Texas
2026 Genesis G70 Prestige Graphite AWD
Genesis continues to elevate expectations in the luxury segment, and the G70 Prestige Graphite AWD exemplifies that progress. TAWA members praised its refinement, driving dynamics, and premium interior experience.
“The G70 is one of the best interpretations of what a sports sedan should be, combining a premium interior with excellent handling and powerful, linear power delivery. Even the traditional German competitors struggle to match this level of competence.”
Natan Tazelaar - Tazelaar Media
EV of Texas
2026 Lexus RZ 550e F SPORT AWD
The Lexus RZ 550e F SPORT AWD stood out for its ex*****on as a refined and approachable electric vehicle. Journalists noted its balance of comfort, technology, and driving experience as key factors in its win.
“A well-designed and engineered luxury electric vehicle that is great to drive. With new multimedia displays and excellent driving dynamics, it sets the bar for electric vehicles.”
Marc Newman - High Altitude Entertainment
Hybrid Vehicle of Texas
2026 Honda Prelude
The return of the Prelude made a strong impression, particularly with its blend of efficiency and driver engagement. The S+ Shift system was highlighted as an innovative feature that enhances the driving experience in a hybrid platform.
“The headlines will tell you the Prelude is too slow and too expensive to wear the nameplate. While car enthusiasts like myself will always welcome more power in a sports coupe, what the Prelude showed me was its ability to be a "relaxed performer". The power isn't shocking, but the handling and ability to hold and carry its speed through corners is where this shines as a sports coupe. The ability to be efficient with its hybrid system can be considered the cherry on top for its use case.”
Cameron Biggs - CarQuicks
Best Exterior
2026 McLaren 750S Spider
With its sculpted design and unmistakable supercar proportions, the McLaren 750S Spider was widely regarded as the most visually striking vehicle at the event.
“Everyone stares!”
Gregory Riley - RILEY PLAYS CARS
Best Interior
2026 Dodge Charger S**t Pack
The Charger’s interior surprised and impressed voters with its combination of modern technology, usability, and driver-focused layout, helping it secure top honors in this category.
“Big fan. Really liked the interior options that the charger was able to give me, such as changing the tone of the lighting and the option of having a four-door.”
Alyse Zagada - The Blooming Social
Best New Feature
Lexus RZ Virtual Manual Gear Shift System (M Mode)
Lexus earned recognition for innovation with its virtual manual gear shift system, which introduces a new level of driver interaction in an electric vehicle and sparked significant interest among journalists.
"The new M Mode was fun to test, and it provides a sportier, more responsive driving experience.”
Michael Rudd - Rudd Fotos
About the Texas Auto Roundup
The Texas Auto Roundup is TAWA’s annual spring driving event, bringing together automotive journalists and manufacturers for hands-on evaluation of the newest vehicles on the market. Vehicles are tested on public roads in and around Boerne, Texas, providing real-world driving conditions that reflect the needs of Texas consumers.
These results have been tabulated and certified by Rexroat CFO in Tyler, Texas.
Photo Credits – Kevin McCauley
https://mccauleycreativellc.com/tar2026
Media Contact
Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA)
Marc Newman, President
[email protected]
https://texasautowriters.org
