The all-electric Kia EV6 and the Telluride SUV have each secured 2024 Winter Vehicle Awards from the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA). The EV6 was named Official Winter EV of the Year for the third consecutive year, recognized for its engineering excellence and durability in harsh climatic conditions. The Telluride earned the title of Best Mid-Size SUV, praised for its sophisticated design and recently introduced X-Pro capability.
“New England winters are the defining, real-world tests of vehicle durability, and the EV6 and Telluride each rise to the occasion as temperatures drop, and overdeliver as pace-setters in their respective segments,” said Steven Center, COO & EVP, Kia America.
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In its third model year, the EV6 remains crucial to Kia’s “Plan S” strategy. The 2024 model year introduces a 77.4-kWh battery to the EV6 Light, offering new trim designations in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (e-AWD). Additionally, all EV6 models now feature standard charge port lighting and charge door marking for improved access.
“The Kia EV6 handily won our NEMPA Official Winter EV of the Year for the third time,” noted Clifford Atiyeh, President of NEMPA. “Its blend of unique style and performance, especially the GT, continues to impress. The accurate range estimates, along with a standard heat pump, make the available all-wheel drive EV6 a capable and trusted car throughout the winter season.”
Designed specifically for the U.S. market, the 2024 Telluride enhances its rugged and refined appeal. The model includes standard amber daytime running lights, and the Telluride X-Line and X-Pro variants feature black gloss exterior trim on the bumpers, lower door garnish, grille surround, and headlight bezels.
“New Englanders have loved the Telluride since it came out five years ago, and the latest refresh makes Kia’s mid-size SUV even more appealing,” Atiyeh added. “The new screens, the X-Pro model with the all-terrain tires, and a very handsome exterior—the Telluride is Kia’s best model by far.”
The awards were determined following year-round product testing by NEMPA members in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Extensive testing and voting by NEMPA members decided the winners in each category.
Kia America, headquartered in Irvine, California, continues to excel in automotive quality surveys and was named one of the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2023. Serving as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA, Kia offers a diverse range of vehicles, including several models proudly assembled in America, through a network of over 775 U.S. dealers.
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