{"id":35023,"date":"2025-09-20T07:55:18","date_gmt":"2025-09-20T11:55:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=35023"},"modified":"2025-09-20T08:56:52","modified_gmt":"2025-09-20T12:56:52","slug":"best-of-2026-nominees-for-north-american-car-truck-and-utility-of-the-year-unveiled","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/best-of-2026-nominees-for-north-american-car-truck-and-utility-of-the-year-unveiled","title":{"rendered":"Best of 2026: Nominees for North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year unveiled"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Detroit<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 Vehicles, take your marks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards announced their \u201cBest of 2026\u201d candidates this week. The list of 30 vehicles will compete in three different categories \u2014 car (six nominees), truck (five nominees), and utility vehicle (19 nominees).<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">American brands make up 11 of the entries, while ten nominees are electric. The number of electric vehicle nominees is down from 50% for the 2025 awards to 30% this year as EV sales have stabilized at 8% of the market and may decline as $7,500 government purchase subsidies end.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Through August this year, the average transaction price of a new vehicle was about $49,000, and the average price of the NACTOY nominees is $52k. The most affordable offering? The $23k Nissan Sentra while the most expensive sticker belongs to the electric $130k Cadillac Escalade IQ.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2025\/09\/19\/PDTN\/86242587007-nactoy-trophy.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The NACTOY award is one of the industry's most prestigious. It's given at the Detroit Auto Show in January.\" width=\"513\" height=\"289\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The NACTOY award is one of the industry's most prestigious. It's given at the Detroit Auto Show in January.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<p><em>The NACTOY award is one of the industry&#8217;s most prestigious. It&#8217;s given at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Culled from a list of 55 eligible new vehicles for the 2026 model year, the 30 nominees will be evaluated by NACTOY\u2019s 50 jurors at their annual gathering in Ann Arbor October 21-23, after which three finalists in each category will be named at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. The winners will be announced at the January 2026 Detroit Auto Show.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_x__c gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-2-ac1\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"llx\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">Car of the Year<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The stylish Dodger Charger and affordable Kia K4 Hatchback and Nissan Sentra will be early front-runners for the car crown. The small number of nominees is evidence of a market dominated by SUVs, but the two Asian compacts are evidence that sedans are the market\u2019s best value \u2014 especially when loaded with digital technology that could only be found on luxury vehicles a decade ago.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2025\/08\/07\/PDTN\/85554023007-dodge-charger-2026-fr.jpg?width=660&amp;height=441&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The front fascia is unique to SIXPACK-powered 2026 Dodge Charger models, with a larger, more pronounced grille area than all-electric Charger Daytona models to feed the turbo-6 beast behind.\" width=\"531\" height=\"355\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The front fascia is unique to SIXPACK-powered 2026 Dodge Charger models, with a larger, more pronounced grille area than all-electric Charger Daytona models to feed the turbo-6 beast behind.\" data-c-credit=\"Stellantis, \u00a9 2025 Stellantis\">\n<p><em>The front fascia is unique to SIXPACK-powered 2026 Dodge Charger models, with a larger, more pronounced grille area than all-electric Charger Daytona models to feed the turbo-6 beast behind. Stellantis, \u00a9 2025 Stellantis<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Charger returns for the 2026 model year with an all-new lineup of coupes and four-door hatchbacks bearing gorgeous lines reminiscent of the classic, 1966 OG. The only Motown nominee in the category, the Dodge hopes to reboot brand sales with its visceral, gas-powered, inline-6 cylinder engine after sales of the 2025 Charger Daytona EV disappointed.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_x__c gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-3-ac2\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"llx\" data-x-c=\"2\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">NACTOY awards are typically won by mainstream, volume brands, but the all-new Audi A5 gets major interior and exterior upgrades to go with its utilitarian hatchback. The sporty Honda Prelude returns to North America for the first time since 2001 \u2014 this time as a hybrid, and the Mercedes CLA is the lux maker\u2019s entry-level offering at just over $40k.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2025\/04\/18\/PDTN\/83163934007-ny-auto-show-25-kiak-4-hatchback.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"2025 New York Auto Show: 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback\" width=\"529\" height=\"298\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"2025 New York Auto Show: 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<p><em>2025 New York Auto Show: 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Notable cars that did not make the Best list are the $329,000 Ford Mustang GTD and $167,000 Porsche 911 GTS T-Hybrid, the German brand\u2019s first hybrid sports car. While boasting state-of-the-art tech, both are exclusive, small-volume cyborgs.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">Truck of the Year<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Detroit brands dominate the pickup truck space, and Ford and Ram dominate the nominees for 2026.<\/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\">Ford\u2019s new Lobo badge brings street-rod cred to the truck space with the Maverick Lobo, the favorite here given its $38k starting price and twin-rear clutch pack drifting capabilities (yes, a pickup drifter). The Ram 1500, however, is the early front-runner as Stellantis\u2019s truck brand brings back the revered Hemi V-8, the truck\u2019s volume engine that faced extinction before new management took over Washington\u2019s EPA this year.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2025\/09\/02\/PDTN\/85933450007-ram-hemi-v-8-fr-34-barn.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The 2026 Ram 1500 eTorque V-8 boasts 395 horsepower.\" width=\"541\" height=\"305\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2026 Ram 1500 eTorque V-8 boasts 395 horsepower.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<p><em>The 2026 Ram 1500 eTorque V-8 boasts 395 horsepower. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The Rivian R1T Quad Motor is new to the American EV maker\u2019s lineup and boasts a hypercar-like 1,025 horsepower and 0-60 mph time to match \u2014 all while towing 11,000 pounds with lots of cargo capacity. However, its $117k price tag means few can afford it.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">SUV of the Year<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The SUV aisle is where the U.S. consumer comes to shop, and brands have flooded the space with everything from compacts to three-row family haulers to battery-powered chariots.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_x__c gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-4-ac3\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"llx\" data-x-c=\"3\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The 500-pound gorilla in the room is the all-new, sixth-generation Toyota RAV4, the best-selling non-pickup in America. Sitting atop the biggest volume SUV segment, the compact RAV4 lineup is now all-hybrid with trims ranging from base hybrid to the adventure-ready Woodland trim to a new GR Sport offering.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2025\/08\/21\/PDTN\/85763039007-jp-026-005-ch.jpg?width=660&amp;height=441&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"Designers said the new Jeep Cherokee has some boxy design elements that call back to the 1980s and '90s-era models.\" width=\"519\" height=\"347\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"Designers said the new Jeep Cherokee has some boxy design elements that call back to the 1980s and '90s-era models.\" data-c-credit=\"Stellantis\">\n<p><em>Designers said the new Jeep Cherokee has some boxy design elements that call back to the 1980s and &#8217;90s-era models. Stellantis<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The Volkswagen Tiguan, Jeep Cherokee, and Subaru Forester Hybrid are all nipping at the heels of the Toyota with significantly upgraded vehicles. In the mid-size segment, Toyota\u2019s Tacoma pickup-based 4Runner is ready to rumble off-road, while Honda\u2019s Passport has been recast as an off-roader with standard all-wheel-drive and rugged looks. Three-row SUVs are all the rage with high-tech to go with their people-moving talents. The Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Ioniq 9 EV, Cadillac Vistiq EV, Cadillac Escalade IQ EV, and Ford Expedition all made the list.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">There are luxury entrants galore including a new Audi Q5, Genesis GV70, Lucid Gravity EV, Volvo EX30 EV, and Volvo\u2019s sister performance EV brand, Polestar 4. Cadillac\u2019s transition to all-electric is well-represented with three electric vehicles in contention including the Escalade IQ, Vistiq, and Optiq.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The latter is a sleeper for best SUV given its entry-level price point and striking styling. Its primary market competitor, the Tesla Model Y, did not make the cut. Despite being the third-best-selling non-pickup in the United States in \u201824 and the best-selling EV in the United States, the refreshed Y won\u2019t be in contention.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2025\/03\/25\/PDTN\/82661050007-cadillac-optiq-frvstesla.jpg?width=660&amp;height=352&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"Not a Tesla: The distinctive, 2025 Cadillac Optiq takes on the best-selling Model 3\/Y.\" width=\"521\" height=\"278\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"Not a Tesla: The distinctive, 2025 Cadillac Optiq takes on the best-selling Model 3\/Y.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<p><em>Not a Tesla: The distinctive, 2025 Cadillac Optiq takes on the best-selling Model 3\/Y. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Other notables that did not make the list are the GMC Terrain and highly-anticipated, boldly-redesigned Subaru Outback which will likely be released in 2026 and be on the jury menu for 2027 Utility of the Year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The NACTOY Best of 2026 was announced at the restored Michigan Central Station in Corktown. Judged by 50 independent journalists from across North America (instead of a single publication or outlet as with other auto contests), the NACTOY trophy is one of the industry\u2019s most prestigious baubles.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2025\/08\/05\/PDTN\/85519509007-volvo-ex-30-firsttripdealercharge.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"Bay City: After failing to charge at Electrify America, the 2025 Volvo EX30 stopped to charge a mile away at a Blink charger at a Ford dealer.\" width=\"513\" height=\"289\" \/><\/figure>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"Bay City: After failing to charge at Electrify America, the 2025 Volvo EX30 stopped to charge a mile away at a Blink charger at a Ford dealer.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\">\n<p><em>Bay City: After failing to charge at Electrify America, the 2025 Volvo EX30 stopped to charge a mile away at a Blink charger at a Ford dealer. Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The awards are intended to recognize vehicles that are benchmarks in their segments based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction, user experience and value.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">2026 North American Car of the Year candidates<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Audi A5 $44,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Dodge Charger $52,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Honda Prelude $42,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Kia K4 Hatchback $25,000<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_x__c gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-5-ac4\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"llx\" data-x-c=\"4\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Mercedes-Benz CLA $43,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Nissan Sentra $23,000<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">2026 North American Truck of the Year Candidates<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Ford F-150 Lobo $60,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Ford Maverick Lobo $38,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Ram 1500 Hemi $46,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Ram 2500 $48,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Rivian R1T Quad Motor $117,000<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2025\/09\/19\/PDTN\/86242691007-nactoy-logos.jpg?width=660&amp;height=201&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year Awards\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year Awards\" data-c-credit=\"NACTOY, NACTOY\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year Candidates<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Acura ADX $37,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Audi Q5 $54,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Cadillac Escalade IQ $130,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Cadillac OPTIQ $52,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Cadillac VISTIQ $79,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Ford Expedition $65,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Genesis GV70 $50,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Honda Passport $46,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Hyundai Ioniq 9 $61,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Hyundai Palisade $41,000<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_x__c gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-6-ac5\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"llx\" data-x-c=\"5\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Jeep Cherokee $38,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lucid Gravity $97,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Nissan Leaf $26,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Polestar 4 $58,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Subaru Forester Hybrid $38,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Toyota 4Runner $43,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Toyota RAV4 Hybrid $34,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Volkswagen Tiguan $31,000<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Volvo EX30 $46,000<\/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>Detroit\u00a0\u2014 Vehicles, take your marks. The North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards announced their \u201cBest of 2026\u201d candidates this week. The list of 30 vehicles will compete in three different categories \u2014 car (six nominees), truck (five nominees), and utility vehicle (19 nominees). American brands make up 11 of 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":[7,87],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35023"}],"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=35023"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35023\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35024,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35023\/revisions\/35024"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35023"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35023"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35023"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}