These Top Journalists Drove, Then Voted, on the Best Cars of 2025. Here’s What Won
Every year, the Texas Auto Writers Association narrow down and award the best cars. Here's what they picked and why.
We’re a car-obsessed crew of in my family, so taking part in the Texas Auto Writer’s Association annual Auto Roundup, which chooses the best cars of 2025, is a natural. Every spring the group, auto writers from Texas and beyond, gather for a day of test driving the year’s top cars and SUVs and vote on which are the best.
The annual event pits sedans, SUVs, hybrids and even supercars against one another for the top nod in each of 11 categories. We save the truck category for the fall when we hold the annual Texas Truck Rodeo and vote on the best trucks in Texas.
So, which cars and SUVs took home the big trophies? Even I was surprised at a few of the winners.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Which Cars Were In the Running For Best Cars of 2025?
Through the course of one very full day, we drove and compared these cars back-to-back, rating them in everything from performance to interior design to tech features. The head-to-head comparison is really the best way to find out which cars truly stand out, and trust me, we took that mission seriously (with a few snack breaks along the way).
Here are the vehicles we were drove, all 2025 models:
- Acura RDX A-Spec Advance
- Acura ZDX Type S
- Alfa Romeo Tonale 2.0L Turbo
- Chrysler Pacifica Limited AWD
- Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack
- Genesis G80 AWD 3.5T Sport Prestige
- Honda Civic Hybrid Sport Touring
- Honda Odyssey Elite
- Hyundai Elantra N
- Hyundai IONIQ 5 Limited AWD
- Hyundai Kona Limited AWD
- INFINITI QX80 AUTOGRAPH
- Kia Carnival Hybrid SX-Prestige
- Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo
- Lexus LX 700h hybrid Overtrail
- McLaren Artura Spider
- Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve
- Nissan Murano Platinum AWD
- Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport Premium
- Toyota Crown Signia Limited
- Toyota GR Corolla GR Direct Automatic Transmission Premium Plus
- Toyota Sienna Hybrid AWD Platinum
Each journalist took a turn at the wheel of each car and voted for the best in these categories: Vehicle of Texas, which is best overall; The People’s Vehicle of Texas category which represents the best value for the dollar, and the Hybrid Vehicle of Texas for the best hybrid vehicle.
There’s also a Best Family Vehicle of Texas, Minivan of Texas, Performance Vehicle of Texas, and Best Exterior Design, the Luxury Vehicle of Texas, EV of Texas, Best Interior Design, and Best New Interior. For fun, members voted on which car of the bunch had the coolest features for the Best New Feature title.
The Big Kahuna: Genesis Takes Vehicle of Texas
The Genesis G80 took home the top honor of Vehicle of Texas, impressing journalists with its refined luxury, smooth performance, and undeniable value. With its bold design, advanced technology, and serene cabin, the G80 stood out in a competitive field, earning praise as a true all-around standout that delivers both style and substance on Texas roads.
“The Genesis is the epitome of attainable luxury,” said Cory Fourniquet, TAWA President and and founder of GT: Garage Talk. “Its powerful engine, effortless maneuverability, opulently appointed interior, and head-turning looks are all reasons why our journalists named it the 2025 Vehicle of Texas.”
With easy-to-love exterior styling, a gorgeous, intuitive, and tech-forward interior for a fair price of $77,000? Sign us up. It’s almost hard to believe that the 3.5T Sport Prestige has 375 horsepower, thanks to a twin-turbocharged V6. When the pedal goes to the metal, it has an unbelievable growl and a sport mode that instantly puts a smile on your face.
The Genesis G80 is poised, it’s balanced, and it’s an incredible value for the price. Mercedes-Benz should be very nervous about this one.
The Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo took second place, and the Nissan Murano Platinum AWD came in third.
READ MORE: 2025 Genesis G80 First Drive: Athletic Performance And Elegance Set This Car Apart
Shockingly Cool: Hyundai Wins EV of Texas
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 looks like it drove straight out of the future in the best way. Its bold design, smooth ride, and modern vibe make it feel fresh, fun, and next-gen without trying too hard. The addition of the standard NACS charge port means it is the first non-Tesla vehicle that can natively charge at the over 15,000 Tesla Superchargers across the country without the use of an adaptor.
It’s an EV everyone should drive at least once, as we’d guarantee you’ll fall in love with it. Especially for the price. The price for the base model, the SE Standard Range, starts at $42,600, going up to $55,500 for the punchy (and very exciting) XRT trim.
The range is over 400 miles if you opt for the two-wheel drive configuration, and it still boasts over 300 miles with all-wheel drive. Unless, of course, you choose the N or XRT, which is just under 300 miles, thanks to a sporty, purposeful influence.
Almost winning was the Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack, and the Acura ZDX Type S was third.
READ MORE: Hyundai IONIQ 5 First Drive: A Pivotal Moment for Hyundai—and for Electric Cars
Fancy Feels: Infiniti QX80 Wins Best Interior and Best New Interior
This one was like stepping into a luxury lounge on wheels. Plush, intuitive, and roomy enough for a road trip with friends, the INFINITI QX80 made a lasting impression. It not only took home the prize for overall best interior, but also won best new interior design, and we have to agree! It’s as if INFINITI heard every SUV owner’s wishlist and delivered it in leather and brushed metal.
The INFINITI QX80 is no cheap pony, with a starting price of $82,450 and going up to $109,900 for the AUTOGRAPH trim level, but it’s a car that feels like it’s worth the money. INFINITI truly thought of everything with the QX80, and we especially adored the overall design.
Every other luxury SUV maker should look to the QX80 and take notes—it’s everything luxury SUV buyers want.
We also loved the Nissan Murano Platinum AWD’s interior, as well as the Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack EV.
Coolest Gadget: Nissan Armada Wins Best New Feature
Backing up and navigating tight spaces just got a major upgrade with Nissan Armada’s Invisible Hood View. This feature lets you “see” what’s directly in front of your massive SUV, perfect for navigating tight parking lots, tricky driveways, or off-road trails where curbs, rocks, or toys might be hiding out of sight.
It’s like giving your vehicle X-ray vision, and honestly, once you use it, you’ll wonder how you ever drove without it.
For the size, space, and capability, the Nissan Armada is an incredible (and beautiful) deal. Starting price is $57,520 for the SV trim, and goes up to $76,990 for the luxe Platinum Reserve.
The Dodge Charger Scat Pack EV’s Chambered Exhaust came in second, with the INFINITI Klipsch Reference Premiere Audio System taking third.
READ MORE: 2025 Nissan Armada: This Full-size SUV Finally Got a Makeover and It’s Spectacular
Best Bang for Your Buck: Honda Civic Takes Two Trophies
Stylish, fuel-efficient and not feeling like a compromise, the Honda Civic Hybrid took two prizes: The People’s Vehicle and Hybrid Vehicle of Texas.
With a starting price of $24,250 and up to 41 mpg, the Honda Civic Hybrid soars above other competitors in the class. Thoughtfully designed and seriously affordable, this is the kind of car that makes you rethink what a hybrid can be.
The Lexus LX 700h Hybrid Overtrail and the Toyota Sienna Platinum Hybrid AWD, however, were very worthy contenders—hence why they’re in second and third place.
READ MORE: 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport Review: Why This Sedan is So Popular
Family MVP: Toyota Sienna Wins Family Vehicle of Texas and Minivan of Texas
With reclining second-row seats with footrests, a built-in vacuum (yes, please), and impressive fuel efficiency, the new Toyota Sienna didn’t just impress, it practically begged us to take it on a road trip.
This was Tucker’s top pick, and that says a lot with competition like the Dodge Charger and McLaren Artura Spider also in attendance!
We all agreed, this one makes carpool lines and hauling sports equipment and backpacks look pretty luxurious. It’s easy to see why it took home the top two awards for family vehicle. There’s also a variety of trim levels to choose from, with a wide price range.
The starting price is $39,185 for the LE, and goes up to $56,905 for the Platinum. With AWD and the hybrid configuration, it climbs over $60,000, especially with any add-ons like the cooler and wood grain fixings.
The Chrysler Pacifica came in second, while the Kia Carnival Hybrid SX-Prestige came in third. See our head-to-head comparison on all four of the top-selling minivans on the GT Garage Talk YouTube channel.
READ MORE: Minor Changes Are a Huge Reason To Look at the Uber-Popular 2025 Toyota Sienna
McLaren Also Scores Twice: Performance Vehicle of Texas and Best Exterior
Speaking of the McLaren Artura Spider, this car is a dream, lightweight, hybrid-powered, and dripping in Papaya Spark orange paint. My heart may never recover! From the moment I got out of it, I was already daydreaming about the next drive.
It also won Best Exterior, because, of course, it did. The color alone had us staring, but the curves, the details, and the unapologetic design made it a clear winner for both of these awards.
Packed with speed-focused features, a hybridized 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine churning up an astounding 690 horsepower, it’s not shocking that it costs well north of $270,000. It’s a car that would dominate on the track and attract all the neighbors.
Naturally, the Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack took second, and the Toyota Corolla GR easily slipped into third place.
READ MORE: When 25 Women Test Drive Dream Cars, What Do They Choose? You Might Be Surprised.
Another Genesis Win: Luxury Vehicle of Texas
Genesis keeps showing up and showing out. The G80 brings luxury, tech, and value together like few others in this category. It’s sleek, it’s smart, and it turns heads for all the right reasons, and an easy pick for Luxury Vehicle of Texas.
The INFINITI QX80 came in second, and the Lexus LX 700h Hybrid Overtrail slipped into third place. It was tough competition, truly.
READ MORE: 7 Luxurious Reasons to Love the 2021 Genesis G80 Sedan
The Event Was a Great Initiation to the Association
All in all, it was a day of horsepower, hybrid smarts, family bonding, and testing firsthand just how far the vacuums go in the minivans.
Driving cars is what we do, but getting to put the latest models through their paces at an event like this (back-to-back, on the same roads, with the same conditions) is what makes the Texas Auto Roundup a great test for each car.
It’s a long day of driving, note-taking, swapping impressions, and squeezing into every last seat and storage cubby, but it’s totally worth it. This is our chance to see what’s really happening across the industry and which cars are raising the bar. Even my son Tucker, who is a budding automotive journalist with his own YouTube channel, Tucker’s Talk, got in on the story.
From luxury cruisers to performance beasts and family haulers, we got to test the best of the best, and they didn’t disappoint.
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