This year’s top vehicles in the North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year cover the complete spectrum of powertrain choices available to consumers with a hybrid, traditional gas engine and a battery-electric vehicle taking top honors in their respective classes.

The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid prevailed over the redesigned Toyota Camry midsize and Kia K4 compact sedans in the Car of the Year category. Its sleek looks, high fuel economy and affordable price put it ahead of the more traditional Camry and the edgy K4.

“The Honda Civic has won awards for half a century now, and the Civic Hybrid brings Honda’s superb and fuel-efficient hybrid system into one of the market’s best compact sedans. Fun, fuel-efficient, and more elegant than its predecessors, it’s a hands-down winner,” said John Voelcker, Contributing Editor: Car and Driver, Green Car Reports, Inside EVs.

In the truck segment, the 2025 Ford Ranger boasts a new 2.7-liter V6 engine. The infusion of power along with the Ranger’s comfortable ride, cargo space and towing capability moved it past the redesigned Toyota Tacoma and the all-electric GMC Sierra Denali EV.

“The Ford Ranger starts at $34,575 and the well-equipped SuperCrew 4×4 XLT has a base price of $39,646. It’s a midsize truck that looks like a full-size F-150, has combined fuel economy of 20 mpg and can tow 7,500 lbs. It has a solid and refined chassis, a nice interior and is a good choice for budget-conscious buyers.” wrote Drew Winter, Contributing Editor, WardsAuto.

The long-awaited Volkswagen ID. Buzz was the top utility of the year. The minivan faced stiff competition from a more traditional gas-powered SUV in the Hyundai Santa Fe and the all-electric Volvo EX90. While the ID. Buzz has a range of only 230 miles, its nostalgic styling and spacious interior impressed the jury.

“No vehicle in the last ten years has captured the imagination, while also bringing the past into the future, better than the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. It is an inspired Volkswagen design for the ages… again,” according to John Davis, Host/Creator, MotorWeek.

–Matt DeLorenzo

A former editor at Road & Track, Autoweek, Automotive News and Kelley Blue Book, Matt DeLorenzo has been covering the auto industry for decades. In addition, he’s authored several books covering everything from the history of the American car to the introduction of such notable vehicles as the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, Chrysler PT Cruiser, and Hummer H2. His latest book “How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car: A Tightwad’s Guide to EV Ownership” is a must-read for those thinking of going electric with their next car purchase.