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Learn more about NACTOY’s board of 50 independent jurors.
Read the PRESS RELEASE of the 2026 NACOY Winners Press Release
2026 VOTING TOTALS
2026 North American Car of the Year™:
Dodge Charter: 195 points
Honda Prelude: 152 points
Nissan Sentra – 143 points
2026 North America Truck of the Year™:
Ford Maverick Lobo: 277 points
Ram 1500 Hemi: 114 points
Ram 2500: 99 points
2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year™:
Hyundai Palisade: 270 points
Nissan Leaf: 135 points
Lucid Gravity: 85 points
2026 JUROR COMMENTS
CARS
Dodge Charger
“The Dodge Charger SIXPACK was the biggest surprise for me this year. The new Hurricane engine fits perfectly into the new body style and it’s what Dodge should have launched the car with from the start, before the EV. The car is very comfortable to drive, extremely practical and spacious inside, fast and sporty on the road, grabs attention everywhere, and the gas powered SIXPACK models are priced extremely competitively.”
-Sofyan Bey, founder & editor-in-chief of Redline Reviews
“The Dodge Charger is unique in offering enthusiasts a choice between a powerful electric vehicle or a traditional muscle car with its Hurricane inline six.”
-Matt DeLorenzo, editor-in-chief of Tightwadgarage.com and contributor to U.S. News & World Report
“The Dodge Charger, in both EV and ICE versions, is an impressive example of original yet archival engineering. Driving them back-to-back is a true “pick your (delightful) poison” proposition. Both exude the classic muscle car Charger long-wide hood, raucous performance attitude, while still encompassing the latest in automotive engineering. They are both equally stimulating to drive. If I had to make a single choice between the two, I am not sure I could. Two cars, one chassis, one true muscle car experience. That is the reincarnated Dodge Charger. It really is a high point in current automotive engineering.”
-John Davis, managing director/host at MotorWeek
“The Dodge Charger is a tour de force and welcome return to the brand’s gas-fueled sweet spot after a detour down Electric Alley. It’s also a lesson to the industry about the limitations of performance EVs. In addition to a great muscle car, the Charger is an all-around performer with hatchback utility, all-season all-wheel-drive capability, and terrific interior and exterior design.”
-Henry Payne, auto columnist at The Detroit News
“The Dodge Charger is the Swiss Army knife of muscle cars, and I thoroughly enjoyed all of its variations. Dodge did a nice job capturing the magic of the 1960s into a modern car that is both practical and a lot of fun to drive. It’s worthy of the Charger name and also charts a new course for Dodge.”
-Greg Migliore, editorial director at AutoGuide
“The Dodge Charger features innovative tech in both its gasoline- and battery-powered versions, offering two refreshing new takes on the muscle car genre.”
-Jack Nerad, host of “America on the Road Radio” and contributor to JDPower.com
“The Dodge Charger and Charger Daytona prove the American muscle car will survive regardless of power source: internal combustion or electricity. Its STLA Large architecture validates of Stellantis’s multi-energy strategy to develop vehicles that are equally appealing whether they run on dead dinosaurs, wind turbines or solar arrays.”
-Mark Phelan, auto critic and columnist at the Detroit Free Press
“This pair of Dodge Charger performance models—one electric, one gas powered—proves that there’s plenty of life left for that legendary nameplate.”
-Steven Cole Smith, special projects editor at Hagerty and contributing editor at Classic Motorsports & Grassroots Motorsports
“Dodge Charger offers choice like few other vehicles in the marketplace. 2-door or 4-door. ICE or EV. And with its useful hatchback, it’s a practical vehicle suited up in muscle car clothing. Charger is equal parts canyon carver and kiddo delivery machine.”
-Tom Voelk, reporter & photographer at Driven
Honda Prelude
“The return of the Prelude strikes a rare balance between heritage and modern engineering. It delivers engaging driving dynamics, thoughtful electrification, and emotional design—proving that Honda still understands how to build a driver-focused car for today’s market.”
-Al Vazquez, producer at GTR Productions
“With its handsome styling and spirited performance, the Honda Prelude may just be what’s needed to rekindle America’s love for two-door coupes in a market obsessed with SUVs.”
-Matt DeLorenzo, editor-in-chief of Tightwadgarage.com and contributor to U.S. News & World Report
“With the Prelude, Honda combines the nostalgia of a name with up-to-date tech, a combination that should have great resonance among those looking for something fresh with a dash of authenticity.”
-Gary Vasilash, co-host of Autoline After Hours
“A gorgeous exterior and a mod, spacious interior make this a grand touring machine worth buying. A performance variant will be a welcome addition.”
-Jason Fogelson, managing editor at Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader
“The 44-mpg Honda Prelude hybrid has a light-and-playful personality that challenges one’s sensibilities of what an electrified sport coupe can be in 2026.”
-Bengt Halvorson, automotive journalist
Nissan Sentra
“The Nissan Sentra looks sharp and offers plenty of value among compact sedans.”
-Matt DeLorenzo, editor-in-chief of Tightwadgarage.com and contributor to U.S. News & World Report
“The updated Nissan Sentra moves the needle as a mass-market offering with laudable styling and technology, as well as an impressive price.”
-Sue Mead, automotive journalist
“The Nissan Sentra is really sharp-looking, inside and out, with lots of standard safety equipment and technology, plus a smooth and confident ride, with a sweet starting price of $25,000, well under its primary competitors.”
-Joann Muller, transportation correspondent at Axios
“The unexpected refinement and handsome styling of the Nissan Sentra make it a new benchmark in the small-car class.”
-Steven Cole Smith, special projects editor at Hagerty and contributing editor at Classic Motorsports & Grassroots Motorsports
“The Nissan Sentra is a homerun by any standard of measure—equipment, performance, room, style, quality, and most importantly: value. Sentra arrives at perfect time when consumers need affordable, fun-to-drive cars.”
-Richard Truett, engineering and technology reporter at Automotive News
TRUCKS
Ford Maverick Lobo
“The Maverick Lobo redefines what a compact truck can be—bold, street-focused, and genuinely fun to drive. It brings fresh personality to the segment while staying practical and accessible.”
-Al Vazquez, producer at GTR Productions
“The Ford Maverick Lobo adds a new dimension of performance in a practical, smart-sized affordable compact pickup truck.”
-Matt DeLorenzo, editor-in-chief of Tightwadgarage.com and contributor to U.S. News & World Report
“The Ford Maverick Lobo comes in a right-sized footprint for many pickup buyers. A hybrid powertrain with AWD has smart looks and spirited handling with the Lobo engineering package, if desired.”
-Sue Mead, automotive journalist
“The street truck treatment really suits this small pickup. It has just enough utility to qualify as a truck, and enough style to qualify as a fun ride.”
-Jason Fogelson, managing editor at Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader
“The Maverick Lobo combines urban looks with some tuner capability—to say nothing of the fundamental compact pickup structure—which advances the appeal of the truck.”
-Gary Vasilash, co-host of Autoline After Hours
“The Ford Maverick Lobo is a lower, meaner-looking, street version of Ford’s most affordable pickup truck. It’s got all the capability of the Maverick with more drifting fun, plus a starting price around $36,000.”
-Joann Muller, transportation correspondent at Axios
“The 2026 Ford Maverick Lobo brings Ford back to a category I feared was gone forever: small, sporty, fun trucks that you can toss around without intimidating other drivers. Great handling, all the practical features everyone loves about the immensely popular Maverick… in fact, all it lacks is a hotter engine. Hey, ummmm, Ford? Ahem??”
– John Voelcker, contributing editor at Car and Driver
“The Ford Maverick Lobo is the most fun pickup truck I have driven this year. It’s a great example of injecting emotion into a product, while maintaining Ford’s practical truck ethos.”
-Greg Migliore, editorial director at AutoGuide
“The Ford Maverick Lobo delivers small pickup practicality with an added dose of fun-to-drive—sweet!”
-Jack Nerad, host of “America on the Road Radio” and contributor to JDPower.com
“Ford’s Maverick Lobo opens the door to a new class of fun-to-drive compact pickups. It’s the first to make an affordable compact pickup the basis of a sporty pickup with street smarts and meaningful performance upgrades. It won’t be the last.”
-Mark Phelan, auto critic and columnist at the Detroit Free Press
“Maverick continues to be the little truck that could, filling a niche buyers didn’t know they wanted or needed. The sporty Lobo completes the range that includes basic workhorse, off-road adventurer and hybrid efficiency. If only we were all as flexible and resourceful as Maverick.”
-Tom Voelk, reporter & photographer at Driven
“The Maverick Lobo is an absolute hoot to drive. Even though it has car underpinnings, Ford made it feel like a truck. This is the one vehicle I wanted to own most out of all this year’s fantastic nominees.”
-Richard Truett, engineering and technology reporter at Automotive News
Ram 1500 Hemi
“The Ram 1500 is not only a hard-working full-size pickup but also provides plenty of comfort in its well-appointed interior. The icing on the cake is the return of the Hemi V8.”
-Matt DeLorenzo, editor-in-chief of Tightwadgarage.com and contributor to U.S. News & World Report
“Last year, Ram asked its customers to quit the V8 engine cold turkey. Withdrawal symptoms were severe. Now, the Hemi – and its intoxicating exhaust note – is back like a comfortable pair of blue jeans.”
-Matthew Guy, Postmedia
Ram 2500
“The Ram 2500 HD brought all the excellent upgrades from the smaller 1500 into the heavy-duty segment. The Cummins HO Diesel engine is smooth, punchy, and refined. It has the best ride quality in its segment and the updated tech worked effectively along with the spacious and comfortable cabin.”
– Sofyan Bey, founder & editor-in-chief of Redline Reviews
“The Ram 2500 shows off significant improvements that make it a more versatile option whether you’re heading off-road or towing a heavy load on the highway.”
-Nicole Wakelin, editor-at-large for CarBuzz and co-host of the Wheel Bearings podcast
UTILITY VEHICLES
Hyundai Palisade
“The new Hyundai Palisade may just be the ultimate family SUV for the money. You get Genesis levels of luxury and technology, and with the addition of the new Hybrid engine, it gets near best-in-class fuel efficiency and excellent power. The design may not be to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying how good the new Palisade is. Hyundai just reset the bar and the only car that could surpass it may be its sister car, Kia’s upcoming Telluride.”
-Sofyan Bey, founder & editor-in-chief of Redline Reviews
“The Hyundai Palisade is a great all-around family hauler that now comes with a choice of a traditional V6 and a turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. Plenty of comfort for passengers and room for hauling gear, the Palisade offers an upscale experience at an affordable price.”
-Matt DeLorenzo, editor-in-chief of Tightwadgarage.com and contributor to U.S. News & World Report
“The Hyundai Palisade plays above its class with gorgeous looks, legroom for the “fam” and lacrosse team, along with a cache of bells, whistles and top technology.”
-Sue Mead, automotive journalist
“The Hyundai Palisade is the clear winner for SUV of the year—it’s a masterful redesign and an excellent product that’s gotten even better with the latest update. Sincere congratulations to Hyundai for such a great vehicle, and for improving on what was already a great vehicle. I’m proud to vote for it.”
-Doug DeMuro, YouTube content creator/car reviewer
“This family hauler delivers elegance inside and out, a smooth ride, and a trim range to fit many budgets. Even base model buyers will feel good about driving this beauty.”
-Jason Fogelson, managing editor at Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader
“The Hyundai Palisade gen-two is surprising because what was already a stylish—inside and out—vehicle in its first execution has become even better, making it the benchmark for midsize SUVs, even those with a significantly higher MSRP.”
-Gary Vasilash, co-host of Autoline After Hours
“This generation of the Hyundai Palisade is improved in just about every way possible, vaulting to the top of the family SUV class.”
-Jack Nerad, host of “America on the Road Radio” and contributor to JDPower.com
“Hyundai has been on a tear, going from home run to home run in its showroom—and this Palisade is the next batter up.”
-Matthew Guy, Postmedia
“The 2026 Hyundai Palisade is a great family car, with 3 rows of seating, a posh interior and lots of safety equipment. With a starting price under $40,000 and a new hybrid powertrain available, it’s the perfect blend of value, technology and efficiency.”
–Joann Muller, transportation correspondent at Axios
“The Hyundai Palisade is an outstanding three-row family SUV that combines standout design with superb practicality for a value price.”
-Alistair Weaver, editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com and host of the Edmunds + CarCast podcast
“The Hyundai Palisade remains one of the best SUVs you can buy. It looks and feels more expensive than it is, which makes it a great value for consumers. It’s stylish inside and out, and Hyundai wisely added a hybrid option, which sips fuel and is great for families.”
-Greg Migliore, editorial director at AutoGuide
“After raising the bar as to what three-row SUVs could be with its first generation, the redesigned 2026 Hyundai Palisade, and especially its hybrid model, again sets the standard in the class. It’s simply the best SUV you can buy today.”
–John Vincent, senior editor for vehicle testing at U.S. News & World Report
“For the money, the Hyundai Palisade is a stunner. Controls are easy to use and intuitive, power is delivered smoothly, and even the auto start/stop function is better than most. Hyundai hit a home run with the latest iteration of its top-tier family SUV.”
-Kristin Shaw, freelance writer for Popular Science, Edmunds.com, and Forbes
“Hyundai’s striking and innovative Palisade delivers class-leading style, comfort and features for thousands of dollars less than the competition.”
-Mark Phelan, auto critic and columnist at the Detroit Free Press
“So many good vehicles in the SUV category, but I’d submit that the restyled Hyundai Palisade stands just a bit taller than the others, with looks and refinement inside and out at an appealing price point.”
-Steven Cole Smith, special projects editor at Hagerty and contributing editor at Classic Motorsports & Grassroots Motorsports
“Hyundai clearly did its homework designing the handsome Palisade. It nails the U in SUV with exceptional utility. In this case the V stands for value. It packs in comfort, technology and features found only in vehicles a class higher. Maybe two.”
-Tom Voelk, reporter & photographer at Driven
Lucid Gravity
“The Lucid Gravity is a technological triumph. Great looks along with a leading-edge electric drivetrain, the Gravity delivers on range, performance and comfort.”
-Matt DeLorenzo, editor-in-chief of Tightwadgarage.com and contributor to U.S. News & World Report
“The Lucid Gravity can do it all. It’s an 828-horsepower monster with all the room and almost all of the practicality of a minivan. Lucid continues to tune its suspensions well and offer great efficiency.”
-Kirk Bell, automotive journalist
“The Lucid Gravity is extraordinary. It’s spacious in all three rows, it has one of the best electric powertrains yet offered, has great range, and the chassis tuning is spectacular. Beyond that, it seems exquisitely well built.”
-John Pearley Huffman, senior editor at Road & Track
Nissan Leaf
“The Leaf continues to play a critical role in making EV ownership accessible. Its affordability, proven technology, and everyday usability reinforce its importance as a gateway electric vehicle for North America.”
-Al Vazquez, producer at GTR Productions
“Nissan Leaf has transitioned from an electric hatchback to a small SUV in a package that’s both stylish and practical. It opens the door to a new generation of affordable EVs.”
-Matt DeLorenzo, editor-in-chief of Tightwadgarage.com and contributor to U.S. News & World Report
“The new Nissan Leaf matures into a small offering with big potential: room, range and a passel of important features at a notable price.”
-Sue Mead, automotive journalist
“It’s ironic that Nissan has gone to such a significant marketing effort to try and classify the Leaf as an SUV when it is (obviously) a hatchback, as I would’ve probably given it the win (or at least a majority of my points) in the Car of the Year category! But certainly it’s no SUV, and it’s no competitor to the better choices listed here.”
-Doug DeMuro, YouTube content creator/car reviewer
“The 2026 Nissan Leaf is just what we need: an AFFORDABLE, practical, long-range small SUV (or tall hatchback) that happens to run on electric fuel. A price around $30K, more than 300 miles of range, plenty of room for passengers + all their gear: what’s not to love? Pretty much everyone was surprised just how good the new Leaf is. Well done, Nissan.”
-John Voelcker, contributing editor at Car and Driver
“The Nissan Leaf blew me away with its value. The range and features the Leaf offers at this price point make it an exciting option for budget-conscious shoppers, even as (or, perhaps, in spite of) interest in full-electric vehicles waned this year.”
-Antuan Goodwin, automotive reviews editor at CNET
“Nissan swung for the fences and connected with this new generation of the Nissan Leaf.”
–Steven Cole Smith, special projects editor at Hagerty and contributing editor at Classic Motorsports & Grassroots Motorsports
“The 2026 Nissan Leaf is a charming, refined compact EV—and a stunning achievement in terms of value for money.”
-Bengt Halvorson, automotive journalist
