{"id":33708,"date":"2024-11-21T18:15:22","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T22:15:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=33708"},"modified":"2024-11-21T18:15:22","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T22:15:22","slug":"la-auto-show-north-american-car-truck-utility-of-the-year-finalists-unveiled","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2024\/11\/la-auto-show-north-american-car-truck-utility-of-the-year-finalists-unveiled","title":{"rendered":"LA Auto Show: North American Car, Truck, Utility of the Year finalists unveiled"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Finalists for 2025 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) were announced to kick off the Los Angeles Auto Show Thursday. In a variety pack of nominees, Detroit brands scored four nominations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Car of the Year finalists are the $29,845 Honda Civic Hybrid, $23,145 Kia K4, and $29,535 Toyota Camry. The truck category will be a showdown between the $34,575 Ford Ranger, $42,270 Ram 1500, and $32,995 Toyota Tacoma. And the 34,995 Chevrolet Equinox EV, $35,615 Hyundai Santa Fe, and $61,545 Volkswagen ID.Buzz will vie for Best SUV.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/21\/PDTN\/76469949007-nactoy-chevy-equinox-ev.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"2025 NACTOY finalist: Chevy Equinox EV\" width=\"509\" height=\"287\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"2025 NACTOY finalist: Chevy Equinox EV\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<p><em>2025 NACTOY finalist: Chevy Equinox EV. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">\u201cThe competition for these awards will be fierce this year,\u201d said NACTOY president and WWJ Radio-Detroit automotive reporter Jeff Gilbert, , standing in front of the LA Convention Center. \u201cWe have a well-balanced crop of EVs, hybrids and gasoline-powered vehicles. It will be hard to narrow each category down to just one winner \u2013 they\u2019re all great choices.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The winners will be announced on January 10, 2025, ahead of the media days at the Detroit Auto Show which is returning to its traditional winter slot.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The vehicle choices reflected the jurors\u2019 practical streak as the three nominees offer affordable transportation in a market saturated by high-priced EVs, SUVs, and an average transaction price approaching $50,000.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Though electric vehicles made up nearly 50% of the 25 semifinalists that jurors considered, only two EVs made the last round. Manufacturers are flooding the market with pricey EVs to meet onerous government mandates but the market has cooled to just 8% EV sales.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The average, base price of the 25 semifinalist entries was about $66,000 \u2013 some 35% higher than the average US transaction price. NACTOY finalists average price, by contrast, is nearly half that at $36,057. Not surprisingly, the costliest entry on the list is a $61k EV \u2013 surprisingly, it is a Volkswagen, once one of the industry\u2019s most affordable brands. The cheapest finalist is the Kia at $23,145.<\/p>\n<aside id=\"gnt_atomsnc\" class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_anc\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"loadAnc\" aria-label=\"Newsletter signup form\">\n<div class=\"label\" hidden=\"\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"message\">\n<div class=\"title\">Get the\u00a0<span class=\"highlight\">Michigan Politics<\/span>\u00a0newsletter in your inbox.<\/div>\n<p class=\"description\">Washington and Lansing, red and blue, we&#8217;ve got your government covered.<\/p>\n<div class=\"frequency\">Delivery: Daily<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"input-container populated\">\n<p><input autocomplete=\"off\" name=\"email\" required=\"\" type=\"email\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"clickable\"><\/div>\n<p><label>Your Email<\/label><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"bar\">\n<div class=\"highlight\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-primary\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-secondary\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Cars<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">An early favorite for Car of the Year was another $61k EV, the Dodge Charger Daytona, complete with artificial V8 sounds from its Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust. The Dodge EV, however, has not been available for testing and so it dropped down the juror\u2019s list of choices.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/21\/PDTN\/76469980007-nactoy-camry.jpg?width=582&amp;height=272&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"2025 NACTOY finalist: Toyota Camry\" width=\"492\" height=\"230\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"2025 NACTOY finalist: Toyota Camry\" data-c-credit=\"Toyota, Toyota\">\n<p><em>2025 NACTOY finalist: Toyota Camry, Toyota, Toyota<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The Civic is a three-time NACTOY winner and the current lineup marks the first time the compact has offered a hybrid model. The Civis\u2019 first hybrid effort starts at about the same price as the bigger Camry, which is only offered with hybrid drivetrains. A Camry win would be a first for the badge. Though perennially the best-selling sedan in the US, Camry has never won in NACTOY\u2019s 31-year history.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The Kia is a Civic competitor \u2013 and the brand\u2019s replacement for the Forte compact sedan. The K4 is not offered as a hybrid and significantly undercuts the Civic Hybrid\u2019s price.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Trucks<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Odds are the truck wars will come down to battle between the Ranger and Taco. The mid-size segment competitors have been significantly upgraded for \u201825 with state-of-the-art electronic systems and high-flying off-road variants like the Tacoma TRD Pro and Ranger Raptor.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/21\/PDTN\/76469969007-nactoy-ram-1500-rho.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"2025 NACTOY finalist: 2025 Ram 1500 RHO\" width=\"513\" height=\"342\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"2025 NACTOY finalist: 2025 Ram 1500 RHO\" data-c-credit=\"Stellantis, \u00a9 2024 Stellantis\">\n<p><em>2025 NACTOY finalist: 2025 Ram 1500 RHO, Stellantis, \u00a9 2024 Stellantis<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The Ram 1500 is remade and continue to lead in style and ride quality. The range-topping, $71k RHO super truck replaces the $100k TRX and is aimed squarely the the F-150 Raptor. EV semifinalists Rivian (the $70k R1T) and GMC ($90k Sierra EV) did not make the cut.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>SUV<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Compact SUVs are the biggest segment in the market and the $35k Chevy Equinox EV aims to make a mark. The Equinox EV beat out the also-new, gas-powered Equinox SUV this year. Though 5 grand more expensive than its ICE sibling the EV undercuts it when a $7500 federal subsidy is applied.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The three-row Hyundai Santa Fe is the favorite here with its attractive pricing (it starts at the same price as the compact Equinox EV) and premium exterior and interior design. Despite its high price, the three-row ID.Buzz wowed jurors with its update of an icon for the EV age. Few vehicles get more looks on the road and the V-dub beat out formidable three-row competitors like the screentastic Lincoln Nautilus and stylish Volvo EX90.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2024\/11\/21\/PDTN\/76469993007-nactoy-santa-fe.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"2025 NACTOY finalist: Hyundai Santa Fe\" width=\"510\" height=\"340\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"2025 NACTOY finalist: Hyundai Santa Fe\" data-c-credit=\"Hyundai, Hyundai\">\n<p><em>2025 NACTOY finalist: Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai, Hyundai<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The finalist trio also beat out contenders Honda Prologue, Jeep Wagoneer S, Porsche Macan EV, and Toyota Land Cruiser,<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">In its 32<sup>nd<\/sup>\u00a0year NACTOY honors vehicles that excel across several criteria including innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, user experience, driver satisfaction and value. Judged by an independent jury of 50 journalists (including the author of this article) from the US and Canada, NACTOY is one of the industry\u2019s most prestigious trophies. Jurors test new vehicles all year long and gather for a semifinalist test in Ann Arbor each fall to winnow the field.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Spanish and French versions of this release are available on NACTOY\u2019s website. For more information about NACTOY and its history: http:\/\/northamericancaroftheyear.org.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>NACTOY finalist list<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Cars<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Honda Civic Hybrid<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Kia K4<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Toyota Camry<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Trucks<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Ford Ranger<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Ram 1500<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Toyota Tacoma<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>SUV<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Chevrolet Equinox EV<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Hyundai Santa Fe<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">VW ID. Buzz<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or Twitter @HenryEPayne<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Finalists for 2025 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) were announced to kick off the Los Angeles Auto Show Thursday. In a variety pack of nominees, Detroit brands scored four nominations. Car of the Year finalists are the $29,845 Honda Civic Hybrid, $23,145 Kia K4, and $29,535 Toyota Camry. The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33708"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33708"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33708\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33709,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33708\/revisions\/33709"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33708"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33708"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33708"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}