Fort Worth, TX – May 13, 2022 – The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) is pleased to announce the award winners of the 2022 TAWA Texas Auto Roundup. This year’s event was held in Fort Worth, Texas at the legendary Texas Motor Speedway. The awards were announced in partnership with the Houston Auto Show on May 12, 2022 at 3:00pm Central Standard Time.
Automotive journalists from across the State tested 33 vehicles at this year’s event held on April 24-26, 2022. TAWA members evaluated vehicles based on their interior, exterior, value, performance and overall personal appeal.
This year the title award categories were Family Vehicle of Texas, Performance Vehicle of Texas, Compact Utility Vehicle of Texas and Electric Vehicle of Texas. An additional eight category awards, two feature-based awards and five calculated merit awards were also awarded by TAWA’s Member Journalists.
“The Texas Auto Writers Association thanks and congratulates all automotive members and partners for joining us for this year’s Texas Auto Roundup. We offer a special congratulations to the title and category winners of the 2022 Texas Auto Roundup,” said TAWA Teia Collier. “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to experience these world-class vehicles at this beautiful facility. The future of automotive is bright.”
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was named the Family Vehicle of Texas and serves as a reminder of the continued appreciation of the minivan as an option for families. The Lexus LC 500 was named the Performance Vehicle of Texas, and the IONIQ5 earned the honor of being named TAWA’s first ever Electric Vehicle of Texas as well as CUV of Texas.
QUOTE FROM STELLANTIS:
"We are proud to celebrate an amazing sixth consecutive award as Family Vehicle of Texas for the Chrysler Pacifica, as well as honors for the Pacifica Hybrid as the Green Vehicle of Texas," said Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand CEO - Stellantis. "The Texas Automotive Writers Association is one of the most respected automotive press organizations, which makes the group's recognition of the Pacifica at the recent TAWA Auto Roundup especially significant."
QUOTE FROM TOYOTA/LEXUS:
“The Lexus LC 500 embodies a harmonious blend of emotional design and top-tier driving performance so we’re elated that the Texas journalists thoroughly enjoyed this vehicle that represents the most passionate expression of the Lexus brand,” said Todd Blickenstaff, Lexus Product Marketing. “We are grateful to the Texas Auto Writers Association for having us at this year’s Auto Roundup and are honored to be recognized with these awards.”
QUOTE FROM HYUNDAI:
“Earning five Texas Auto Roundup awards for the IONIQ 5 and Elantra N speaks to the impressive ability of Hyundai’s design, engineering, manufacturing and product development teams to bring to market the best vehicles in two distinct categories,” said Olabisi Boyle, vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. “IONIQ 5 delivers on range, power, charging speed, design, interior space, and advanced technology for today’s eco-focused drivers, while the Elantra N offers dynamic driving capabilities in a thrilling everyday sports car. We work hard at Hyundai to listen to our customers and take care of today and tomorrow.”
The Texas Auto Writers Association would like to thank our generous partners and members for their continued support and vigilance in adhering to safety protocols, without their hard work and support an event of this scale would not be possible.
“As the world continues to reopen, the role of the automotive industry continues to evolve and is shaped by the vehicles created by automakers and the buying habits of consumers.” said Collier. “Now more than ever, the role of the automotive journalist to relay reliable, current information is more important than ever as a challenging year for the automotive industry continues into 2023.”
"It appears that automakers used the Pandemic to create vehicles that met the demand for an engaging drive, increased safety and user-friendly design. That paired with the advancements in technology and the rise of electric vehicles marked the offers brought to this year’s Texas Auto Roundup” said Collier. “After seeing the vehicles represented at the 2022 Roundup, we cannot help but feel excited and optimistic about the state and future of the automotive industry."
2022 Texas Auto Roundup Winners
OVERALL AWARDS
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FAMILY VEHICLE OF TEXAS: Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
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PERFORMANCE VEHICLE OF TEXAS: Lexus LC 500
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CUV OF TEXAS: Hyundai IONIQ 5
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ELECTRIC VEHICLE OF TEXAS: Hyundai IONIQ 5
CATEGORY AWARDS
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LUXURY CAR ($40,000 - $65,000): Genesis G70
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LUXURY CAR ($65,000 - $100,000): Lexus LC 500
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PERFORMANCE COUPE: Toyota GR Supra
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PERFORMANCE SEDAN: Hyundai Elantra
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CUV: Mazda CX-50
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LUXURY CUV: Lexus NX-450h+
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MINI VAN: Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
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GREEN VEHICLE: Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
CALCULATED AWARDS
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BEST INTERIOR: Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
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BEST EXTERIOR: Lexus LC 500
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BEST VALUE: Hyundai Elantra
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BEST PERFORMANCE: Dodge Challenger
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BEST PERSONAL APPEAL: Hyundai IONIQ 5
FEATURE AWARDS
About TAWA
The Texas Auto Writers Association was founded in 1987 by automotive journalists who wanted to provide an avenue for professional growth, development, and networking. These professionals sought to create an automotive event that was unique to Texas, and as a result the TAWA Truck Rodeo was created. Since 1993, Truck Rodeos have been held in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Granbury and Spring Branch, Dripping Springs and most recently at the Star Hill Ranch in Bee Cave, Texas.
In 2003, TAWA created an event for sedans, sports cars and other vehicles not eligible for the Truck Rodeo. The event as it is called today is the Texas Auto Roundup, as the event is called today, returned in 2021 after being canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic. For more information, visit www.texasautowriters.org.
Media Contact: Amy Plemons, amplemons.tvproducer@gmail.com