The 2025 North American Car of the Year award has been claimed by the Honda Civic hybrid, showcasing its excellence in the automotive industry. The Ford Ranger secured the truck honors, while the Volkswagen ID. Buzz emerged victorious in the utility category. These prestigious awards were announced during an Automotive Press Association event that marked the commencement of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The selection process for these awards involves a panel of 50 journalists from the United States and Canada who meticulously evaluate various criteria such as innovation, design, performance, driver satisfaction, and overall value. The North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards organization ensures a comprehensive assessment to determine the most deserving winners.
This year's awards ceremony was highly anticipated as it marked a return to the traditional January Detroit Auto Show after being held at alternative locations in recent years due to pandemic-related disruptions and scheduling adjustments.
Automakers place significant value on these awards as they serve as a crucial indicator of how the media perceives their latest vehicle offerings. Consumers also rely on these accolades to guide their purchasing decisions, recognizing the significance of these industry accolades.
Aside from the winning Honda Civic hybrid, other notable contenders in the car category included the Kia K4 compact and the Toyota Camry. The truck segment featured strong competition with finalists such as the Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup and the full-size Ram 1500. In the utility category, the Chevrolet Equinox electric vehicle and Hyundai Santa Fe crossovers were among the finalists.
While the 2025 finalists showcased a diverse range of gasoline-powered, hybrid, and electric vehicles, the selection process highlighted the industry's ongoing innovation and commitment to providing a variety of options to consumers.
