The results are in for the North America’s Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards, with the Toyota Prius, Ford F-Series Super Duty, and Kia EV9 claiming the respective titles. Chosen by a panel of 50 journalists across North America, this marks the 30th anniversary of the NACTOY awards, with the truck category seeing a continued dominance by Ford.
For the fourth consecutive year, a Ford product has secured the North American Truck of the Year. The F-Series Super Duty triumphed over competitors such as the Chevrolet Colorado and the all-electric Chevrolet Silverado EV, garnering 189 votes. Andrew Kernahan, Super Duty chief program engineer, expressed pride in the recognition, highlighting the dedication of Ford teams to delivering robust and reliable vehicles for both work and recreation.
In the utility vehicle segment, the Kia EV9 claimed the top spot with 320 votes, outshining contenders like the Genesis Electrified GV70 and the Hyundai Kona/Kona EV. Notably, production delays led to the replacement of the originally selected Volvo EX30 with the Hyundai Kona.
Seungkyu (Sean) Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, emphasized the EV9’s role in reshaping the three-row SUV segment, noting its exemplary performance as both a top utility vehicle and an electric vehicle.
In the car category, the North American Car of the Year went to the Toyota Prius/Prius Prime, securing 192 votes. This victory marks Toyota’s first win since 2004, with the Prius prevailing over competitors like the Honda Accord and the Hyundai Ioniq 6.
The NACTOY awards underscore the industry’s acknowledgment of outstanding achievements and innovations, providing an annual benchmark for automotive excellence in North America.
