The Houston Auto Show and Boat Show kicks off today, Wednesday January 26th, at Houston's NRG Center.  As we've shared with you previously,  the show will encompass both vehicles and boats this year for the first time ever. 

“Inventories might be tight but demand is still high and that means people are still shopping for their next vehicle purchase,” said Wyatt Wainwright, president of HADA. “The Houston Auto Show is still the best place to learn and compare brands to make an informed buying decision.” 

This year's show will offer car buyers a chance to check out more than 500 vehicles from over 30 brands. Some of the new models on display include the 2022 Ford Maverick, 2023 Kia Sportage, and 2023 Nissan Z. On the boat side, there will be hundreds of exhibitors, boats and watercraft to check out as well.

Here are some of this year's highlights:

Electric Vehicles

Photo Credits: Nissan, Ford, Kia.

Electric vehicles will be a focus of this year's show. Attendees can learn more about electrification at Evolve Houston’s display and check out the newest EVs that include:

2023 Nissan Ariya

Nissan's first all-electric crossover SUV the Ariya offers powerful acceleration and smooth, quiet operation, and comes with an estimated range of up to approximately 300 miles for the Venture+ model.

2022 F-150 Lightning  

Ford's first all-electric F-Series pickup delivers 563 horsepower and 775 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any F-150 ever – an exhilarating drive, a high-tech frunk, and the ability to power your home if needed.

2022 Kia Niro and EV6

The Houston Auto Show says the Niro is in high demand in the Houston area. It delivers an EPA-estimated 239 miles of range on a single charge and remains eligible for the $7,500 Federal tax credit. Kia will also bring its new EV6 all-electric crossover. Kia just announced it will start from $33,400 after the $7,500 federal vehicle tax credit ($40,900 without it.)

Other brands with EVs on display include Jeep, Subaru, Chevrolet, Hyundai and Volkswagen.  

Check Out Trailer and Towing Tech

Trucks are made for hauling and towing, but are you aware what capacity is best to tow
your boat, jet ski or RV, and the safest way to hitch it all together? Trucks today are
versatile and some come with incredible tow assist technology. With the Auto Show
being in conjunction with the Boat Show this event is the perfect place for haulers to
learn and compare the latest offerings to fit their needs.

Trailer or tow assist technology found in the latest vehicles simplifies the process of
reversing a trailer. Depending on the brand and vehicle package, this technology can
include several features such as, trailer sway control that uses sensors to measure
wheel speed, steering angles and how far left or right the trailer is moving, or trailer
cameras, which provide direct view to the hitch, the bed or side views of the trailers,
from the driver’s position. All of these options can be experienced with the help of a
product specialist at the Houston Auto and Boat Show.

Subaru Hosts Pet Adoptions

You'll be able to do more that just check out vehicles like the new Subaru Outback Wilderness at Subaru's display. You'll also be able to adopt a pet.  The automaker is teaming up with a Houston-based shelter to help get animals adopted.  

Indoor Off-Road Experiences

You'll be able to test drive vehicles from 8 different brands. The new Jeep Gladiator and the Texas Green Vehicle of the Year, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, are available to test drive on the Camp Jeep indoor obstacle course. The Ram Test Track will also take guests through a rugged ranch experience that test the vehicles versatility, tow ability and payload.    

Dates and Times

Here the Houston Auto Show and Boat Show dates and times:

• January 26-January 28  Wed. – Fri. Noon – 9 p.m.
• January 29 - Saturday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• January 30 - Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and include access to both events. Children under five are free. For more information, visit www.houstonautoshow.com.