TAWA 2025 Auto Roundup: The Cars That Blew Us Away

The Texas Auto Writers Association’s annual Auto Roundup hit the road this year—right to our own backyard in Conroe. For us Houston-area folks, it was a welcome change from the usual four-hour haul across the state. Just an easy hour-long cruise up I-45, we were lakeside at the bright and colorful Margaritaville Lake Resort, ready for a 24-hour automotive escape with fellow writers, industry friends, and an eye-popping fleet of vehicles.

We arrived to the Auto Roundup on a cold, windy April day—which felt more like the middle of January than spring in Texas—but spirits were high. The cheerful resort vibe and the stunning view from our cozy suite made for a memorable overnight stay. Still, we wished we had more time to soak it all in (and maybe grab a drink with a tiny umbrella in it).

The lineup this year was nothing short of overwhelming. The parking lot was a car lover’s playground, from sleek sedans and performance beasts to decked-out minivans and flagship SUVs. After a full day of hands-on test drives, heated debates, and a few too many coffee runs, we locked in our Top 5 favorite vehicles from the Roundup.

5. 2025 Lexus LX 700h Overtrail – The Off-Road Executive

As-tested price: $118,510

Horsepower: 457 hp | Torque: 583 lb-ft

MPG: 19 city / 22 highway

The new hybrid Lexus LX 700h Overtrail is what you get when luxury decides to go off-roading in style. This thing is more than just the largest SUV Lexus offers—it’s the brand’s boldest attempt yet at making an off-road-capable flagship that doesn’t sacrifice plush comforts.

From the outside, it demands attention but step inside, and it’s a full-blown spa day. We’re talking massaging seats, a Cool Box in the center console, and a 25-speaker Mark Levinson sound system that will shake the trails and your soul.

Under the hood, a twin-turbo V6 hybrid punches out 457 horses with 583 lb-ft of torque. It tows 8,000 pounds and climbs like a mountain goat, thanks to features like Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and Adaptive Variable Suspension. Our only gripe? The infotainment/center console layout could use a little redesign, but overall, it’s a first-class cabin on 4WD steroids.

4. 2025 Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve – The Underdog That Shines

As-tested price: $86,840

Horsepower: 425 hp | Torque: 516 lb-ft

MPG: 15 city / 18 highway

The 2025 Nissan Armada stunned us in the best way possible. It’s no longer just the burly cousin to the INFINITI QX80—it’s now its own showstopper.

For starters, the redesign is sleek, modern, and confident. There’s a muscular stance, increased ground clearance, and a wide front grille that makes it look more upscale than ever. Inside the Platinum Reserve trim, the cabin feels almost Infiniti-level fancy with massaging front seats, premium materials, and one of the largest panoramic roofs in its class, which floods the space with natural light.

Tech-wise, it’s fully loaded with ProPILOT Assist 2.1, allowing hands-off driving on certain highways, plus a clever Invisible Hood View that makes tight parking or off-roading feel like child’s play. Two 14.3-inch screens up front and built-in Google apps make it feel ultra-modern, while the new twin-turbo V6 delivers smooth power and surprising agility for something this big.

It’s an SUV that punches above its weight and made us say what we rarely do: “This Nissan is NICE.”

3. 2025 INFINITI QX80 Autograph – Luxury on Another Level

As-tested price: $110,595

Horsepower: 450 hp | Torque: 516 lb-ft

MPG: 16 city / 19 highway

If you want the wow factor, the all-new QX80 brings it in spades. INFINITI didn’t just redesign this SUV—they reinvented it. From its elegant exterior lines to the absolutely jaw-dropping cabin, this flagship SUV exudes sophistication and modern luxury.

The interior is a masterpiece of materials, with quilted leather, real wood, ambient lighting, and the kind of meticulous attention to detail you usually only find in European six-figure rides. The dual 14.3-inch screens are crisp and intuitive, the digital rearview mirror is sharp, and everything just feels expensive.

We were especially impressed by how it balances power and poise. The drive is smooth and responsive, though we wouldn’t complain if it rode a bit softer over bumps. Regardless, this QX80 is a statement-maker and represents INFINITI’s luxury renaissance with authority.

2. 2025 McLaren Artura Spider – The Hybrid Hero

As-tested price: $345,818

Horsepower: 690 hp | Torque: 531 lb-ft

Electric-only range: 21 miles | MPGe: 59

Let’s be real—anytime a McLaren is on the lot, it’s going to grab attention. But the Artura Spider doesn’t just turn heads—it melts faces. This high-performance hybrid convertible is equal parts science fiction and street-legal rocket ship.

Its 3.0-liter V6 paired with an e-motor produces a staggering 690 horsepower, launching you from 0 to 60 in just 3 seconds. The retractable hardtop opens in 11 seconds—because who has time to wait when you’re going 205 mph?

We were blown away by how easy it was to drive. Yes, entry and exit are still a bit of a yoga move, and the price tag is astronomical, but the Artura is surprisingly forgiving and beautifully balanced on the road. Plus, it’s electric when you want it and ferocious when you need it. It’s a unicorn.

1. 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV – The New King of Muscle

As-tested price: $82,175

Horsepower: 670 hp | Torque: 627 lb-ft

MPGe: 82 city / 73 highway

And now, our favorite of the entire Roundup: the 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona EV Scat Pack. Yes, you read that right—an electric Dodge muscle car just beat out a McLaren for our top spot.

This new Charger redefines what a performance car can be. It’s wide-bodied, aggressive, and instantly recognizable. It sounds wild, too, thanks to Dodge’s synthetic “Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust” that gives this EV a proper muscle car growl. The Scat Pack trim rockets from 0 to 60 in just 3.3 seconds—and it does it with room for your friends and a Costco haul.

Inside, Dodge nailed the balance between futuristic and familiar. The layout is driver-focused, the tech is easy to use, and the cabin is shockingly spacious for a two-door coupe. AWD comes standard, making this beast daily-drivable—even in bad weather.

We do wish this model came in a brighter color to match its boldness but make no mistake—the Dodge Charger Daytona EV is the future of muscle—and the future is very, very fast.

Final Lap

Even with just 24 hours on the ground at Margaritaville, TAWA’s 2025 Auto Roundup delivered big-time excitement, serious surprises, and more horsepower than we could count. These five stood out for what they could do and how they made us feel behind the wheel.

From supercharged thrills to luxe road-trip royalty, this year’s Auto Roundup was a celebration of where the auto industry is headed—and it looks like the road ahead is going to be a wild (and stylish) ride.