Top 5 Highlights of the Houston Auto and Boat Show

The Houston Auto Show returns to its traditional January dates later this month at NRG Center and has teamed up with the Houston Boat Show to make for an even grander experience. Car and boat buyers are encouraged to attend the event January 26-30, 2022 to learn about the latest options for purchases on, and off, the road.

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.

With more than 500 vehicles from over 30 brands, attendees will have plenty to experience at this year's event. Boat Show has hundreds of exhibitors, boats and watercraft to explore. Here are top stories not to miss:

EVs—A Growing Option

Nearly every brand now offers, or will soon be offering, an electric vehicle option. At this year's Houston Auto Show attendees can learn more about electrification at Evolve Houston's display and check out the newest EVs within the event. Check out the all-new 2023 Nissan Ariya, Nissan's first all-electric crossover SUV, offers powerful acceleration and smooth, quiet operation, and, with an estimated range of up to approximately 300 miles1 for the Venture+ model, Ariya is the perfect partner for daily commutes and road trips alike. Ford introduces Houstonians to the all-new 2022 F-150 Lightning® elevated by all the advantages of electrification and packed with connected technology. F-150 Lightning is a powerhouse that delivers a targeted 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. The 2022 Kia Niro, in high demand locally, arrives wearing new Kia badging and continues to deliver an EPA-estimated 239 miles of range on a single charge and remains eligible for the $7,500 Federal tax credit. Other brands with EVs on display include Jeep, Subaru, Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and Volkswagen.

Hitch It Ip and Take the Boat to the Water

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 & Boat Show.

Take Home a New Car ... and a New Pet

Along with the debut of the first-ever Outback Wilderness™ model that pays tribute to the great outdoors with enhanced trail capability, high-durability interior features and rugged styling, Subaru promotes is love of pets. For the Subaru Loves Pets initiative, the automaker is partnering with Houston-based shelters to get animals adopted. After checking out Subaru's latest vehicle models, attendees will be able to interact with adoptable pets at the Subaru Loves Pets play area, and take one home if they find a perfect match.

Buckle Up! It's Gonna Be a Bumpy Ride

This off-road experience is located indoors! 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.

Hours for the Houston Auto & Boat Show are: