Built for New England: Why the 2025 Kia Carnival and Telluride are NEMPA’s Winter Champions

Is your current vehicle truly ready for another unpredictable New England winter? When the forecast calls for a foot of snow, and you need to navigate the icy commute on I-93 or handle the Southwick school run, you need a vehicle you can trust completely. That’s where the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) comes in. For decades, their members have rigorously tested vehicles in the harshest winter conditions to find the best of the best. And for 2025, they’ve crowned two Kia models as winter champions.

Nucar Kia of Tilton is proud to announce that the 2025 Kia Telluride and the 2025 Kia Carnival have both won their respective categories in NEMPA’s prestigious Winter Vehicle Awards! This isn’t just an honor; it’s proof that these vehicles are engineered to conquer anything our challenging climate throws their way.

The Champions: A Closer Look at Kia’s Winter Warriors

2025 Kia Telluride: Best-in-Class Midsize SUV

For an incredible fourth time, the Kia Telluride has been named a winter winner by NEMPA, a testament to its consistent excellence and capability¹. The Telluride’s sophisticated design is matched by its rugged performance, featuring an available active on-demand all-wheel-drive system that provides confidence on slick roads. For families from Franklin to Laconia looking for adventure, the available X-Pro trim offers enhanced capability and all-terrain tires, perfect for a weekend trip to Gunstock Mountain. Inside its spacious, three-row cabin, you’ll find the latest technology, including an available dual-screen dashboard, ensuring comfort and connectivity on every journey.²

2025 Kia Carnival: NEMPA’s Official Winter Minivan

Winning its category for the first time, the 2025 Kia Carnival redefines what a family vehicle can be. Dubbed a “Multi-Purpose Vehicle” (MPV), it combines the practicality of a minivan with the bold styling of an SUV. For 2025, the Carnival introduces a powerful and efficient hybrid powertrain, offering a trusted and capable ride for all seasons.¹ With its refreshed exterior and a high-tech, comfortable interior, the Carnival is built to handle everything from daily errands around Tilton to family trips across the state, making it a true all-weather champion.³

What is NEMPA and Why Does This Award Matter?

The New England Motor Press Association is a group of automotive journalists who live and work right here in New England. Their Winter Vehicle Competition isn’t held on a closed course in a sunny state; it’s a real-world test conducted in the mud, snow, and ice that we all face from November to March.⁴ When NEMPA names a vehicle a winner, it means that vehicle has been pushed to its limits and has proven its ability to perform safely and reliably in the most challenging conditions.

Why a Nucar is the Best Car for a New Hampshire Winter

At Nucar Kia of Tilton, we understand what it takes to drive in New Hampshire. We know you need a vehicle that’s safe, capable, and comfortable. These NEMPA awards confirm what we’ve known all along: Kia builds vehicles that are perfectly suited for our local roads and lifestyles. We’re not just selling cars; we’re providing our neighbors with vehicles they can depend on, season after season. It’s a big part of why we say, “Everyone loves a Nucar!”

Ready to feel the difference for yourself? Don’t wait for the first snowfall. Come visit us at Nucar Kia of Tilton at 40 Tilton Rd Lot A, Tilton, and test drive the award-winning 2025 Kia Telluride and 2025 Kia Carnival today. Discover why the experts agree that a Kia is your best partner for a New England winter.

¹ Source: PR Newswire
²  Source: Kelley Blue Book
³  Source: Car and Driver
⁴  Source: NEMPA