Kia’s all-electric, three-row EV9 flagship SUV proved that bigger is better in Texas at the 2024 Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) “Truck Rodeo”, taking home the prestigious “2024-2025 Electric SUV of Texas” award.
The annual competition saw more than 40 TAWA automotive journalist members evaluating 28 of the industry’s best trucks, EVs, SUVs and CUVs on more than 260 driver/vehicle excursions. Results for the “Truck Rodeo” are based on assessments of the TAWA journalist members who attended the event and evaluated participating vehicles across a wide variety of criteria.
“Kia has a long history with TAWA, and we’re thrilled that the EV9 has been named ‘2024-2025 Electric SUV of Texas’ at the TAWA ‘Truck Rodeo’ by this distinguished group of journalists. This award is further evidence that Kia builds vehicles held in high regard by the press and desired by consumers,” said Steven Center, COO and EVP, Kia America. “Texans love their SUVs, and the EV9 resonates with TAWA members for its design, interior space, range, technology and dynamic driving performance. Winning this award is adds to the EV9’s long list of accolades and is further proof of its success as the first mainstream 3-row fully electric SUV..”
After driving each vehicle on predetermined off-road and street courses, TAWA members voted on the top vehicles in a variety of categories. Journalists were encouraged to drive the vehicles as they would if they were simulating their own day-to-day driving experiences
