Recognizing Excellence in Truck and EV Performance
The latest edition of The Buzz Awards has concluded, with experts from CarBuzz, HotCars, and TopSpeed selecting winners across multiple automotive categories for the 2027 model year. The selection process involved evaluating vehicles based on their overall impact, technological advancement, and industry influence. Amidst a crowded field of pickups, the 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT stood out to the judging panel, earning the title of Best Truck for 2027. This designation reflects the vehicle's unique combination of high-performance capabilities and refined daily utility. Source
The Ram 1500 TRX SRT is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8 engine paired with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. This powertrain produces 777 horsepower and 680 pound-feet of torque. According to testing metrics, the truck is capable of accelerating from zero to sixty miles per hour in 3.5 seconds. Its utility is supported by a maximum towing capacity of 8,100 pounds and a payload capacity reaching 1,220 pounds, confirming its status as a high-performance pickup. Source
Off-road performance is anchored by the Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive shock system, which features dual-valve active damping technology. This system utilizes independent internal valves to manage compression and rebound forces, while external nitrogen-pressurized remote reservoirs ensure hydraulic fluid temperatures remain controlled during high-stress activities. The suspension setup provides 13 inches of front wheel travel and 14 inches of rear wheel travel. ZoneControl hydraulic secondary pistons are integrated to mitigate frame bottoming during extreme landing maneuvers. Source
Beyond its off-road prowess, the TRX SRT incorporates luxury and convenience features designed for daily driving. The interior is equipped with a 14.5-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, complemented by a configurable head-up display. Comfort is prioritized through leather front seats with twelve-way power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the rear seating area also includes heat and ventilation. Standard equipment includes a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and Hands-Free Active Drive Assist for highway travel. Source
The truck features a significant physical presence, measuring 232.9 inches in total length with a 145.1-inch wheelbase. Its body is eight inches wider than standard Ram 1500 models, and it sits on 35-inch Goodyear off-road tires. The starting MSRP for the 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT is set at $99,995. Despite strong competition from updated models like the Toyota Tundra Trailhunter and the updated Ford F-150 Lariat, judges determined the TRX SRT offered an unmatched blend of performance and daily usability. Source
The Car of the Year title for 2027 was awarded to the 2027 BMW iX3. The judges highlighted the model as a pivotal step for BMW, marking its first usage of the Neue Klasse design philosophy and an 800-volt electric architecture. This vehicle features Gen6 eDrive motors and advanced battery technology, which contribute to high efficiency and performance. In its 50 xDrive configuration, the iX3 delivers 118 MPGe and an estimated range of 434 miles, addressing common concerns regarding EV range. Source
Technological features in the iX3 include the full-width Panoramic Vision Display, which replaces traditional instrument clusters. The vehicle supports rapid charging, with the ability to go from 10% to 80% state of charge in 21 minutes when using speeds up to 400 kW. Performance metrics for the dual-motor 50 xDrive variant include 463 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque, with independent testing confirming a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.53 seconds, which surpassed the manufacturer's official estimate of 4.7 seconds. Source
The iX3 is positioned at a starting price of $61,500, a figure noted for being lower than the cost of an equivalent gas-powered X3. This pricing strategy was viewed by the award organizers as a move toward the democratization of performance and efficiency. Following the success of the iX3, the panel noted that additional variants, including an M60 version, are planned for the future, further expanding the Neue Klasse lineup. Source
The Subaru Outback Wilderness earned the Buzz Award for Best Off-Road Warrior for 2027. The selection was based on the vehicle's balance of off-road hardware and family-oriented road comfort. It features 9.5 inches of ground clearance, enhanced by raised springs, and comes standard with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This configuration allows for capable navigation on mud, snow, and gravel, supported by Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Source
The Outback Wilderness incorporates specific hardware designed for trail usage, including steel skid plates, dual-mode X-Mode settings, and reinforced roof rails capable of holding 700 pounds of static weight. The interior is finished with StarTex water-repellent synthetic trim, intended for durability during outdoor activities. With 75.6 cubic feet of total cargo space when rear seats are folded, the vehicle provides significant utility for adventure-focused users while maintaining road manners suitable for daily commuting. Source
In addition to these category leaders, other vehicles received recognition during the voting process. The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X were named Best Performance Vehicles, with prices starting at $198,000 and $227,800 respectively. The 2027 Kia Telluride X Pro, which features 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines with available hybrid systems, was recognized as the Best Family Vehicle. Finally, the 2026 Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric was honored as the Best Luxury Vehicle, noted for its 1,139 horsepower and 2.4-second zero-to-60-mph sprint. Source
The Buzz Awards represent an annual industry benchmark used to highlight significant vehicle developments. As the automotive sector transitions toward increased electrification and platform modularity, vehicles like the iX3 and TRX SRT are evaluated for how they define their respective segments. The competition remains dynamic, with next year’s awards expected to incorporate newly launched models from manufacturers like General Motors, which were released too late for the 2027 evaluation cycle. Source
