The Savvy Drivers at TAWA Auto Roundup

The Texas Auto Writers (TAWA) signature spring driving event, the Auto Roundup, provides its journalist members an opportunity to drive automakers’ latest vehicles.  Automakers value journalists’ thoughts, impressions, and evaluations about their drives in the category and overall competitions for coveted TAWA awards.  Awards are often used for advertising and marketing to showcase manufacturer achievements in Texas and beyond.   This post will be updated when winners are announced!

The 2023 Auto Roundup was hosted at Eagles Canyon Raceway featuring the following categories and contenders:


PERFORMANCE COUPE OF TEXAS

The 2023 Toyota GR Supra adds a new dimension to the driver experience thanks to a new six-speed intelligent Manual Transmission option. 
The 807 horsepower 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Last Call Edition Black Ghost offers a modern manifestation of the original from the 1970s.  Photo by Kevin McCauley, Capturing the Machine
 

PERFORMANCE HATCHBACK OF TEXAS

The 1.6L, three-cylinder turbo engine on the 2023 GR Corolla delivers 300 hp and up to 295 pound-feet of torque.
Based on the all-new Honda Civic Hatchback, the track-ready Civic Type R delivers 315 hp and features smooth and precise six-speed manual transmission along with enhanced suspension, steering and braking. Photo by Kevin McCauley, Capturing the Machine.

PERFORMANCE SEDAN OF TEXAS

The all-electric 2023 Genesis G80 luxury sedan features dual motor AWD delivering 365HP.

We recently enjoyed the G80 for a week-long test drive.  Read the review here.


COMPACT VEHICLE OF TEXAS

The 2023 Toyota Prius features a sleek new exterior design, a reimagined interior and an amped up hybrid powertrain.

LUXURY VEHICLE OF TEXAS ($50K-$75K)

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a testament to Alfa Romeo’s unparalleled balance of engineering and emotion, creating a premium midsize utility vehicle for driving enthusiasts.  It also competes for MidSize Utility Vehicle.  Photo by Kevin McCauley, Capturing the Machine.
 Building on Lexus’s hybrid electric technology and experience of more than 20 years, the 2023 RX 500h F SPORT Performance integrates a high-torque 2.4-liter turbo engine, six-speed automatic transmission, inverter and an electric motor, with an eAxle rear unit that integrates a high output electric motor, inverter and reduction gearbox.

LUXURY VEHICLE OF TEXAS ($75K+)

Photos  by Kevin McCauley, Capturing the Machine.

2023 Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid seven-seater mid-size luxury SUV allows the driver to talk to Google for hands-free help. 
Equipped with 3.5L twin turbo V6 and 48v e-Supercharger, the 2023 Genesis G90 is good for 409HP/405 lb.ft.  Interior highlights:  12.3” screens, Bang & Olufsen audio, Nappa leather seating.

COMPACT UTILITY VEHICLE OF TEXAS

Photos by Kevin McCauley, Capturing the Machine.

TAWA was among the first group of regional media to drive the all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet—built on the same platform as the new Tonale (from Stellantis sister company Alfa Romeo), the Hornet is “the quickest, fastest, most powerful CUV on the market,” and it’s available for under $30,000, contending also for BEST VALUE. 
 
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek unlocks a new level of all-road run, advanced capability and distinctive style. 
With an exterior and is both rugged and sophisticated and a sporty, modern interior, Honda’s 2023 CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring AWD touts new Honda design language. 
 
Outdoor-capability and signature interior finish are hallmarks of the 2024 Mazda CX-50.


ELECTRIC VEHICLE OF TEXAS

Lexus’ first global BEV model, the all-new RZ with 71.4 kWh battery, delivers a total system horsepower rating of 308 and a manufacturer-estimated 0-60 acceleration time of 5.0 seconds.
Toyota’s all-electric bZ4X has a manufacturer-estimated range of up to 250 miles for XLE front-wheel drive models (228 miles for the AWD model.).
The all-new 2023 Ariya, Nissan’s first all-electric crossover SUV, illustrates seamless integration, not only integration of its advanced EV technology, but also impressive is the fact that the wooden center dash is devoid of typical buttons and switches, thanks to integrated “capacitive haptic switches.” Photo by Kevin McCauley, Capturing the Machine. 


CATEGORY AND OVERALL WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!


MID-SIZE VEHICLE OF TEXAS

The all-new 11th-generation 2023 Honda Accord backs up its sleek new exterior design with refined dynamics, and a fun-to-drive personality. Photo by Kevin McCauley, Capturing the Machine.

Read our review on the 2023 Honda Accord


FULL-SIZE VEHICLE OF TEXAS

Toyota Crown is an all-new sedan featuring “lift-up” design and a fourth generation Toyota Hybrid System, achieving a manufacturer-estimated 38
MPG.
 

MINIVAN OF TEXAS

Also contending for GREEN VEHICLE OF TEXAS, the Pacifica Hybrid, the first hybrid minivan, delivers more than 80 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) in electric-only mode, an all-electric range of more than 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles. The Pinnacle model features the most luxurious interior in its class.  Photo by Kevin McCauley, Capturing the Machine.

MID-SIZE CUV OF TEXAS

Photos by Kevin McCauley, Capturing the Machine.

Volkswagon entered two version of its 2023 Atlas—a 2.0 SE with Tech FWD and a 2.0T SE Cross Sport.
The AWD 2023 Honda Pilot Trailsport is a family SUV with true rugged off-road capability. 
The AWD 2023 Mazda CX-9 is a nice blend of performance, style and technology. 

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