Kia EV6 and Telluride Win Awards During 2024 NEMPA Winter Vehicle Competition
There are so many automotive publications out there, it’s easier than ever to shop for a new car in the market. Every publication has a “best of list” or a competition to run to narrow down the choices and let consumers know their top picks. Down in South Florida, just about any kind of vehicle works, but what about other parts of the country? What about those of us who tend to travel north? That’s where the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) comes in, having recently concluded their annual winter competition.
NEMPA is widely known in the New England region with plenty of representation on the internet, radio, television, newspapers, and magazines. Attracting an estimated 14.5 million consumer base in the market, especially those looking for a new car, NEMPA speaks most to consumers living in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Every vehicle that enters the competition is on a variety of road conditions in strong weather situations, and those that show strong control and capability during these tests earn an award at the end of the winter vehicle competition.
The Kia Corp took home two awards this year, reminding us that there were jumping off points for the new battery-electric vehicle (BEV) lineup. For instance, the Kia EV6 started it all – the first all-electric vehicle with no gasoline predecessor in the lineup, the EV6 was one-of-kind. Usually, Kia releases a gasoline model and then electrifies it based on popularity and consumer response, like the Kia Sportage Hybrid and Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid. Before the EV6, the Kia Niro was released as the first hybrid crossover, eventually giving life to the Niro Plug-in Hybrid and Niro EV. Working towards its “Plan S” Strategy, Kia continues to introduce new electrified options, like the EV6, to push forward. This year, the EV^ took home the Official Winter EV of the Year for the third consecutive year.
Also taking home an award is the Kia Telluride. Certainly a head-turning proposition for the U.S. market, the Kia Telluride is the largest SUV in the Kia lineup. Its popularity spawned more aggressive models made for adventure off road, known as Telluride X-Line and Telluride X-Pro. Featuring a more rugged and refined appearance. The Telluride X-Line and X-Pro are equipped with amber daytime running lights, and black gloss exterior trim on the bumpers, lower door garnish, grille surround, and headlight bezels. The Telluride was so popular when it first came out, it became the first vehicle to win the “Triple Crown” of Automotive Awards, landing on the 2020 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year from North American Car of the Year (NACTOY); winning MotorTrend SUV of the Year ; and landing on a Car and Driver 10 Best list. As we mentioned, we can’t forget the BEVs that started the growing lineup, and many could say the now popular Kia EV9 was based off of the award-winning Telluride.
The driving conditions found in the northwest may not apply to us, but knowing the best vehicles to rent during the next road trip up north or a weekend getaway helps take off some of the stress. Check out the Kia EV6, Kia Telluride, and more award-winning vehicles when you shop for a new Kia at Miami Lakes Automall.