Battery power appears to have electrified the jurors of the North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year awards. Eight of the nine finalists are offered in all-electric or hybrid form. Here’s who’s on the list.
The Toyota Camry has won as North American Car of the Year in the past.When the 50 journalist/jurors tallied up their score cards they found that two battery-electric vehicles, along with three hybrids, landed spots on the finalist list. Two of the other nine are available with a hybrid option, while another has an available plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
The list of nine finalists for 2025 North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year was announced at this week’s LA Auto Show. The three winners will be revealed during a ceremony at the Detroit Auto Show in January.
All of the nominees have come to market since January,, some as 2024 models, some as 2025s. Here are the NACTOY finalists by category:
The North American Car of the Year Finalists include:
- Honda Civic: The third-largest Japanese automaker has a history of pacing out different versions of this popular compact model. The current nominee is a new version of the Civic.
- Kia K4: The old Forte got a complete makeover — and a new name. The design of the 2025 Kia K4 is bolder and more distinctive and the compact sedan now offers more upscale features.
- Toyota Camry: Once a bestseller, Camry has slipped as the market moves toward SUVs. But demand is strong enough to justify a complete redesign for 2025. The new generation is offered solely in hybrid form now,
The new Ford Ranger helped the automaker drive strong sales since its launch.
The North American Truck of the Year Finalists include:
- Ford Ranger: the latest version of the automaker’s midsize truck was designed directly with U.S. buyers in mind, rather than the global focus of the prior pickup. It’s bolder, more powerful and offered in a number of different trim packages. It also adds a new hybrid option.
- Ram 1500: Routinely one of America’s best-selling full-size models, the Ram 1500 got a ground-up makeover that gave it a new look, more power, more trim packages and a load of new digital technology. The Ram 1500 is the only finalist not offering at least an electrified option.
- Toyota Tacoma: Overwhelimingly dominant in the midsize pickup category, Toyota intends to stay that way and is determined to stay that way with a complete makeover for Tacoma. It added more features and more trim packages, including off-road and hybrid options.
Along with the VW ID.Buzz (lead picture), Equinox is the second EV finalist.
The North American Utility Verhicle of the Year Finalists include:
- Chevrolet Equinox EV: The Equinox line has generated plenty of demand for Chevy and now buyers have a choice of conventional gas or battery-electric alternatives. Based on a unique platform, the EV is one of the most affordable all-electric models now on the market.
- Hyundai Santa Fe: A complete makeover of the midsize crossover made it into showrooms this year. There’s a more classic SUV design. The cabin is not only roomier but adds more upscale details and plenty of welcome tech. A hybrid version is being readied.
- Volkswagen ID.Buzz: One of the most eagerly awaited launches this year saw Volkswagen finally bring to market the successor to its old Microbus. Buzz has much in common with the original, including massive cabin space and a quirky design. But it’s now only available in all-electric form.
0 Comments