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Learn more about NACTOY’s board of 50 independent jurors.
Read the PRESS RELEASE of the 2025 NACOY Winners Press Release
2025 VOTING TOTALS
2025 North American Car of the Year™:
Honda Civic Hybrid: 205
Kia K4: 165
Toyota Camry: 130
2025 North America Truck of the Year™:
Ford Ranger: 183
Ram 1500: 161
Toyota Tacoma: 156
2025 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year™:
VW ID. Buzz: 187
Hyundai Santa Fe: 185
Chevy Equinox: 128
2025 JUROR COMMENTS
CARS
Honda Civic Hybrid
“Among the cars, the Civic Hybrid stands out with an excellent combination of fuel efficiency, still fun to drive with a more pleasant powertrain than the Toyota and good room and value. The K4 is a huge step up from the Forte and the GT-Line is still impressively efficient. With a hybrid option, the Kia might have overtaken the Civic for me.”
– Sam Abuelsamid, Wheel Bearings podcast co-host, Autopian contributor and VP of Research at Telemetry
“The Civic Hybrid just makes sense. Cars are increasingly becoming hybrids, which improves fuel economy and provides another reason cars should be considered over larger, less efficient trucks and SUVs.”
– Kirk Bell, Senior Editor, Motor Authority
“The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid is a much needed affordable high-mileage family car. In addition to sharp styling, a nicely crafted interior and a comfortable ride, the Civic Hybrid delivers exceptional fuel economy.”
– Matt DeLorenzo, Editor-in-Chief, Tightwad Garage
“It’s a Swiss Army knife on wheels – practical, functional, balanced, attractive and all the car anyone on a budget needs.”
– Ken Gross, freelance
“Honda’s Civic Hybrid elevates the art of small hybrids to a new, loftier place. It’s actually fun to drive, gets brilliant fuel mileage and is completely effortless in daily use. The Kia K4 is an outstanding small car, but it’s not the revelation the Civic Hybrid is.”
– John Pearley Huffman, Road & Track
“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.”
– John Voelcker, Contributing Editor: Car and Driver, Green Car Reports, Inside EVs
“Starting at $30,000, the Honda Civic Hybrid is an excellent value, looks great and is fun to drive. It gets 49 mpg combined, making it a great car that is enjoyable and frugal.”
– Drew Winter, Contributing Editor, WardsAuto
Kia K4
“In an era when affordable cars are scarce, the 2025 Kia K4 offers more than just a low price—it’s filled with tech, safety gear, and comfort items that are a class above.”
– Jack Nerad, America on the Road Radio, Sports Byline Radio Network
“The Kia K4 is a welcome value buy at a time of escalating vehicle prices. But K4’s more than a value play – this is a $23k compact with the interior styling of a Cadillac CT5 and the interior digital tech of a BMW 3-series.”
– Henry Payne, Detroit News auto columnist and 910AM Car Radio host
“Kia continues to impress with its innovation and high-quality vehicles, and the K4 is a terrific example of an affordable, well-made sedan. It’s going to do very well in America.”
– Kristin Shaw, freelance
“The Kia K4 impresses with sticker prices so low that we’ve never seen them for a car that is so well equipped. Add to that Kia’s unsurpassed warranty, and you have a winning combination.”
– John Vincent, Senior Editor / Vehicle Testing at U.S. News & World Report
Toyota Camry
“The latest Toyota Camry checks all the right boxes for most people. Fuel-efficient, comfortable, stylish, and available as an AWD hybrid for the first time. This is a sporty looking and well-rounded family sedan that’ll make you think twice before buying another SUV.”
– Sofyan Bey, Founder/Editor-in-Chief at Redline Reviews
“The latest Toyota Camry embraces the future, where every internal combustion vehicle leverages hybrid technology to improve fuel efficiency and performance.”
– Karl Brauer, Karl Brauer Cars on YouTube and Forbes contributor
“The Toyota Camry just hits all the modern must haves for any vehicle, including advanced safety, great connectivity, standard hybrid powertrain, and available all-wheel drive. Plus it’s super solid to drive, and equally roomy to boot. There isn’t anything else substantive you can ask from a family car that the Camry doesn’t deliver.”
– John Davis, Host/Creator, MotorWeek
“The 2025 Toyota Camry continues to set the bar for the mid-size sedan class with plenty of room, handsome styling and thanks to its hybrid powertrain, excellent fuel economy.”
– Matt DeLorenzo, Editor-in-Chief, Tightwad Garage
“The Camry has evolved from ‘dependable but dull’ to an advanced, attractive and enjoyable car. It’s transition to a 100% hybrid lineup for 2025 is the piéce de resistance.”
– Mark Phelan, Auto critic and columnist, Detroit Free Press
“While it would be easy to shrug and say, ‘Another Camry,’ Toyota has made a big difference with the ninth generation, going all hybrid, which is especially important for consumers who want to electrify but not go all electric.”
– Gary Vasilash, co-host, “Autoline After Hours”; editor, shinymetalboxes.net
TRUCKS
Ford Ranger
“All the trucks this year are good, but the Ranger’s more reasonable pricing makes it a wiser choice.”
– Kirk Bell, Senior Editor, Motor Authority
“With its new 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 engine, the 2025 Ford Ranger delivers full-size pickup capability in a more maneuverable midsize package.”
– Matt DeLorenzo, Editor-in-Chief, Tightwad Garage
“A solid performer, it’s big enough to do a real truck’s job, ruggedly built for off-road adventures,
yet it’s small enough to park anywhere.”
– Ken Gross, freelance
“Ford’s expertise in building trucks is evident in the 2025 Ranger that offers plenty of utility plus an added dose of comfort and convenience.”
– Jack Nerad, America on the Road Radio, Sports Byline Radio Network
“The better Ford makes the Ranger off-road, the better it is to drive on-road. You can’t ask more from a mid-size truck than Ranger delivers.”
– Richard Truett, Engineering & Technology Reporter, Automotive News
“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.”
– Drew Winter, Contributing Editor, WardsAuto
Ram 1500
“The new Dodge Ram retains the truck’s tradition of exceptional capability, a premium cabin experience, and distinct styling, while adding next-gen drivetrain tech in the form of plug-in hybrid and all-electric options.”
– Karl Brauer, Karl Brauer Cars on YouTube and Forbes contributor
“The Ram 1500 continues to pave the way forward for America’s most popular form of transportation, the full-size pickup truck. It took Ram to put everyday comfort on par with the ability to work and play all day. The latest Ram just extends that winning streak.”
– John Davis, Host/Creator, MotorWeek
“In the long-awaited grudge match between Ranger and Taco, the Toyota offers a more complete lineup of engine and bed options. But the Ram takes the category with another stunner of a truck that offers it all: design, a kick-ass RHO halo, and huge rear seat legroom.”
– Henry Payne, Detroit News auto columnist and 910AM Car Radio host
“Ram made the courageous decision to go with an all-six-cylinder lineup for its full-size pickups, in a segment where V8s have been king. After spending much time behind the wheel of the 2025 Ram 1500, it’s obvious that the new Hurricane inline-six is a perfect match, and should quell the doubters.”
– John Vincent, Senior Editor / Vehicle Testing at U.S. News & World Report
Toyota Tacoma
“The Toyota Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize pickup truck in America for decades and this year, the newest Taco is offered in a variety of flavors to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. It’s not perfect, but it comes pretty darn close and Toyota stands alone if you want a hybrid powertrain and multiple cab and bed length options in this class.”
– Sofyan Bey, Founder/Editor-in-Chief at Redline Reviews
“In redesigning the 2025 Toyota Tacoma, the Japanese automaker retains the ruggedness and reliability that has made this truck a favorite while adding new features and a level of much-needed comfort.”
– Matt DeLorenzo, Editor-in-Chief, Tightwad Garage
“The 2025 Tacoma adds features, style and segment-first hybrid power. It shows no sign of relinquishing its spot as the top-selling midsize pickup.”
– Mark Phelan, Auto critic and columnist, Detroit Free Press
“For the Tacoma’s legendarily loyal followers, the wait was worth it: The first all-new Tacoma in more than a decade is the perfect mid-size pickup, with rugged looks, a modern cabin, muscular engines and refined performance.”
– Lawrence Ulrich, contributing editor, Road & Track
“Toyota isn’t taking the route of minimizing choices for the new Tacoma, but has created trim levels for everyone from the truck neophyte to the hard-core offroader.”
– Gary Vasilash, co-host, “Autoline After Hours”; editor, shinymetalboxes.net
UTILITY VEHICLES
Chevrolet Equinox EV
“Among utilities, the ID. Buzz surprisingly enjoyable to drive and proved to be significantly more efficient than the EPA label indicated, but the Equinox EV is my choice because of the impressive value proposition, especially for the LT, excellent range and surprisingly good driving dynamics and roominess.”
– Sam Abuelsamid, Wheel Bearings podcast co-host, Autopian contributor and VP of Research at Telemetry
“The Equinox EV finally delivers the compact crossover practicality and electric efficiency customers want with a price tag customers can afford.”
– Dan Carney, Senior Editor, Design News
“The Chevrolet Equinox EV has an impressive range, is spacious, comfortable, has a lot of terrific features, and is a great value for the money.”
– Allyson Harwood, Senior Editor, Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader
“The Equinox compact SUV is the EV a lot of people have been waiting for: In the heart of the market, with mainstream pricing and more than 300 miles range on a charge.”
– Mark Phelan, Auto critic and columnist, Detroit Free Press
“This may be the best all-round Chevrolet not named Corvette in the brand’s history. It’s fast, it’s roomy. It’s well-equipped. It’s user-friendly. The value is there. The range is there. The style is there. Home run for Chevrolet.”
– Richard Truett, Engineering & Technology Reporter, Automotive News
“The Chevy Equinox EV proves, at long last, that GM knows how to make attractive, sensible, long-range, and affordable EVs, in volume, that can compete with Tesla. It may not have the cutting-edge brand image, but the Equinox EV is startlingly good … and priced straight across to compete with the Tesla Model Y. Well done, GM … finally.”
– John Voelcker, Contributing Editor: Car and Driver, Green Car Reports, Inside EVs
Hyundai Santa Fe
“Hyundai has expanded the Santa Fe’s appeal with unique style, increased functionality, and the latest in high-tech convenience and safety features, all while maintaining the brand’s high value proposition.”
– Karl Brauer, Karl Brauer Cars on YouTube and Forbes contributor
“The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe skillfully blends traditional truck-inspired SUV styling with a high-tech and feature laden cabin.”
– Matt DeLorenzo, Editor-in-Chief, Tightwad Garage
“The Hyundai Santa Fe delivers more interior and cargo space than the class average and spices up the offering with leading-edge tech, electronic safety gear and powertrain choices.”
– Jack Nerad, America on the Road Radio, Sports Byline Radio Network
“The Santa Fe knocks it out of the park in one of autodom’s most competitive segments with a stylish, three-row SUV that puts to shame many premium entries. The ID. Buzz and Equinox EV are clever, head-turning EVs, but play in a niche segment.”
– Henry Payne, Detroit News auto columnist and 910AM Car Radio host
“The new Hyundai Santa Fe is exactly where the market is and where it’s going. The Equinox EV is just another EV, and the ID. Buzz is more stunt than practical minivan.”
– John Pearley Huffman, Road & Track
“Hyundai seems unstoppable right now. And the Santa Fe advances the brand’s winning streak: Think Land Rover on a budget, with a handsome, square-jawed shape, knockout interior and thoughtful features throughout.”
– Lawrence Ulrich, contributing editor, Road & Track magazine
“The Hyundai Santa Fe is a bold and beautiful statement in a segment dying of boredom. The 3-row SUV starts as low as $36,000 and the hybrid version gets 34 mpg combined. It’s stunning and practical at the same time.”
– Drew Winter, Contributing Editor, WardsAuto
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
“The ID.Buzz delivers on the looks buyers want and it’s also quite practical, the way a minivan should be.”
– Kirk Bell, Senior Editor, Motor Authority
“Volkswagen has been teasing the return of the Bus for years and the wait is finally over! The new ID.Buzz looks to make minivans cool again and driving the Buzz will constantly remind you why a van is the superior people hauler. The design perfectly captures the spirit of the original Type 2 Bus, but with its modern all-electric drivetrain with available AWD, passengers will not only be comfortable, but driving enthusiasts will also be pleasantly surprised.”
– Sofyan Bey, Founder/Editor-in-Chief at Redline Reviews
“I’ve seldom had a vehicle that drew as much attention as the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, especially from minivan owners. We’ve been waiting a long time for a van that genuinely brings something different to the table, and VW delivered.”
– Steven Cole Smith, Special Projects Editor, Hagerty.com
“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.”
– John Davis, Host/Creator, MotorWeek
“If you have to drive a minivan, why not drive the one everybody waves to and just wants to hug?
Seriously, the I.D. Buzz has a decent 230+-mile range, beaucoup space inside, lots of useful features and it’s fun to drive.”
– Ken Gross, freelance
“With its distinctive “one-box” shape, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz delivers on the unique advantages of electric propulsion in a way that no other EV has.”
– Jack Nerad, America on the Road Radio, Sports Byline Radio Network
“The Volkswagen ID. buzz surprised me in all of the best ways, because I didn’t expect to like it so much. VW did a great job taking this classic bus into the future with a great ride, vibrant colors, and a sleek, spacious interior.”
– Kristin Shaw, freelance
“In what was my toughest category to decide, the all-new Volkswagen ID. Buzz comes out on top. It’s the segment-busting vehicle that might make minivans cool again.”
– John Vincent, Senior Editor / Vehicle Testing at U.S. News & World Report
