New England’s Best for Winter: Kia and Nissan Models Dominate NEMPA Awards

Are you looking for a new family vehicle that can handle anything a New Hampshire winter throws its way? When the snow starts to fly, you need a vehicle that delivers confidence, safety, and comfort. That’s why the experts at the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) spend months testing vehicles in the harshest conditions, and this year, they’ve given top honors to three incredible models you can find right here at Nucar New Hampshire.

We’re thrilled to announce that the 2025 Kia Carnival, 2025 Kia Telluride, and 2025 Nissan Armada have all won their respective categories in the prestigious 2025 NEMPA Winter Vehicle Awards!

What Makes a NEMPA Winter Champion?

The NEMPA Winter Vehicle Award isn’t just a trophy; it’s a badge of honor earned in real-world New England conditions. For months, a panel of expert automotive journalists from across the region drive, test, and evaluate vehicles on snow-covered roads, icy highways, and unplowed back lanes. They push these vehicles to their limits, judging them on crucial criteria for local drivers: traction control, ground clearance, all-wheel drive performance, and winter-specific features like remote start and effective heating systems. When NEMPA names a winner, you can be certain it’s truly built to conquer the cold.

Meet Nucar’s Award-Winning Lineup

2025 Nissan Armada: Best-in-Class Full-Size SUV

The newly redesigned Nissan Armada brings a new level of power and sophistication to the full-size SUV category. Its new twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivers robust performance, while its advanced Intelligent 4×4 system provides exceptional grip and stability. According to Nissan, this system can instantly adapt to changing conditions, giving you the confidence you need, whether you’re navigating traffic in Concord or heading up to the North Country for a ski weekend. With a premium interior and seating for up to eight, the Armada is the perfect command center for your family’s winter adventures.

Find yours at Nucar Nissan of Tilton and Nucar Nissan of Keene.

2025 Kia Telluride: Best-in-Class Mid-size SUV

A perennial favorite of NEMPA, the Kia Telluride has once again proven its mettle. Its consistent wins are a testament to its masterful blend of rugged capability and family-focused design. With its bold styling, available active on-demand all-wheel drive, and adventure-ready X-Pro model, the Telluride is perfectly equipped for a family trip to the White Mountains or navigating a Nor’easter. Three rows of seating and generous cargo space mean you never have to choose between bringing the kids or their snow gear.

Find yours at Nucar Kia of Tilton.

2025 Kia Carnival: Best-in-Class Minivan

Don’t let the “minivan” class fool you—the Kia Carnival is in a league of its own. Earning its first NEMPA award, the Carnival combines the undeniable practicality of a family hauler with the bold aesthetics of a modern SUV. As confirmed by Kia, it offers best-in-class passenger and cargo space, making it a dream for families who need room for hockey bags, groceries, and everything in between for a day out at Lake Winnipesaukee. It’s the smart, stylish, and now officially winter-proven choice for active New Hampshire families.

Find yours at Nucar Kia of Tilton.

Conquer Winter with a Nucar

Don’t just survive winter, conquer it. The experts at NEMPA have done the hard work for you, certifying the Nissan Armada, Kia Telluride, and Kia Carnival as the best of the best for New England driving. The only thing left to do is experience one for yourself.

Visit Nucar Nissan of Tilton, Nucar Nissan of Keene, or Nucar Kia of Tilton to test drive one of these NEMPA-approved winter champions today. You’ll see why Everyone Loves a Nucar!