2024 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Finalist Announced

The finalists for the 2024 North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) Awards have been unveiled at the prestigious Los Angeles Auto Show. The culmination of a meticulous selection process that began with 52 eligible vehicles, the finalists represent the epitome of excellence in the automotive world.

The coveted honor, set to be announced on January 4, 2024, at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Mich., has narrowed down to three finalists in each category: Car of the Year, Truck of the Year, and Utility Vehicle of the Year. The finalists were revealed to be the Honda Accord, Hyundai Ioniq 6, and Toyota Prius/Prius Prime for the Car of the Year category. In the Truck of the Year category, the contenders include the Chevrolet Colorado, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and Ford Super Duty. The Utility Vehicle of the Year category showcases the Genesis Electrified GV70, Kia EV9, and Volvo EX30, with an interesting note that the asterisk indicates electric vehicles, underscoring the growing prominence of electric mobility.

* Indicates electric vehicle

These nine vehicles emerged as the cream of the crop after a rigorous evaluation process that commenced at the Detroit Auto Show in September, where 52 eligible vehicles were narrowed down to the 25 Best of 2024. Subsequently, at NACTOY’s Fall Comparison Drive in October, these finalists were extensively test-driven and scrutinized by automotive journalists. The jurors, numbering 50 in total, are respected figures in the automotive realm, representing diverse print, online, and broadcast media outlets across the United States and Canada.

Notably, the president of NACTOY, Jeff Gilbert, observed that electric vehicles continue to dominate the landscape, constituting more than half of the finalists. This trend, according to Gilbert, underscores the increasing importance of electric vehicles for manufacturers and the expanding array of choices available to consumers. However, the diversity within the finalist group is striking, encompassing a broad spectrum, including a robust work truck, a hybrid model, and a family sedan.

The evaluation criteria employed by the jurors encompassed outstanding innovation, design, performance, driver satisfaction, and value. Each juror assessed the contenders in their unique way, reflecting the vast expertise and perspectives within the automotive journalism community. Consequently, being named a NACTOY finalist is regarded as a prestigious achievement, and emerging as a winner in any of the categories is considered a pinnacle accomplishment within the highly competitive and dynamic automotive landscape. The anticipation is palpable as automotive enthusiasts eagerly await the revelation of the winners, set to unfold at the beginning of the new year.