Solid lineup selected from a solid lineup. . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

The winners of the 2025 North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year (NACTOY) were announced this morning at the Detroit Auto Show.

They are:

• Car: Honda Civic Hybrid
• Truck: Ford Ranger
• Utility: Volkswagen ID.Buzz

The three vehicles were selected by a jury consisting of 50 journalists*, so there was a diverse number of people and associated opinions. That is, it isn’t like they all work for the same outlet, so there was no “house opinion.”

The selections are made based on metrics including innovation, design, safety, performance, and value.

Consumers can use the winners as a good rule of thumb should they be in the market for new sheet metal.

The NACTOY awards have been presented since 1994.

It is worth noting the vehicles were up against in the finalist round:

• Car: Kia K4, Toyota Camry
• Truck: Ram 1500, Toyota Tacoma
• Utility: Chevrolet Equinox EV, Hyundai Santa Fe

In other words, the nine vehicles are all notable but three of the nine are even more notable.

A couple of fun facts:

1. The Honda Civic is no stranger to NACTOY trophies. It also won in 2022. 2016 and 2006.
2. When you think “Ford” and “truck” immediately thereafter, you’re not wrong. The Ranger win is the fifth victory in a row for Ford trucks. The Super Duty won in 2024, the F-150 Lightning in ’23, Maverick in ’22, and F-150 in ’21. The F-150 also won in 2015, 2009, 2004, 1996. The Transit Connect won in 2010.

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*Including me.