The New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) has announced its 2024 Winter Vehicle Awards, and Kia has taken top honors with its all-electric EV6 and Telluride SUV. The Kia EV6, now in its third model year, has been named Official Winter EV of the Year for the third consecutive year, while the Telluride has been named Best Mid-Size SUV.
Steven Center, COO & EVP of Kia America, noted that “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.” The Kia EV6’s all-around engineering excellence and durability in harsh climatic conditions have made it a standout in the electric vehicle market.
The EV6’s continued success is a testament to Kia’s “Plan S” strategy, which aims to establish the brand as a leader in the electric vehicle market. The 2024 model year introduces the 77.4-kWh battery to the EV6 Light, as well as two new trim designations in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (e-AWD). Additionally, charge port lighting and charge door marking are now standard across all EV6 models, making it even easier to charge on the go.
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Clifford Atiyeh, President of NEMPA, praised the EV6, saying, “The Kia EV6 handily won our NEMPA Official Winter EV of the Year for the third time. 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.”
The Telluride, designed specifically for the U.S. market, has been a head-turner since its introduction five years ago. The 2024 model builds upon this success, delivering a more rugged and refined appearance. Amber daytime running lights are now standard, while the Telluride X-Line and Telluride X-Pro models feature black gloss exterior trim on the bumpers, lower door garnish, grille surround, and headlight bezels.
Atiyeh noted that “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. 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.“
Both the Kia EV6 and Telluride SUV earned their respective awards after undergoing extensive testing by seasoned NEMPA members in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
