Recently, the North American International Auto Show in Detroit announced the 2019 winners of the North American Car, Utility, and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) Awards. A 54-man jury consisting of print, online, radio, and broadcast media personnel from the U.S. and Canada chose the winners. Following hundreds of hours of independent research, test driving, and evaluation, the jurors voted for the winners based on segment leadership, innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction, and value.

NACTOY 2019 Winners

• Car of the Year – Genesis G70
• Utility Vehicle of the Year – Hyundai Kona/Kona EV
• Truck of the Year – Ram 1500

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Car of the Year Awards

The finalists for the Car of the Year Category included the Volvo S60/V60, Honda Insight, and Genesis G70. Although an extremely competitive category, jurors finally settled on the Genesis G70 for its unique features, technological advancements, and innovative design.

“The Genesis G70 doesn’t just go toe-to-toe with segment mainstays like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class—it beats them all in driver engagement while positively slaying them on value for the dollar. No longer just a value play, it’s the real deal.”

-Chris Paukert, Executive Editor of Roadshow by CNET

Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards

A pool of 20 qualified utility vehicles arrived this year. The Acura RDX, Hyundai Kona/Kona EV, and Jaguar I-Pace arrived as the most worthy award candidates. Finally, the jury chose the Hyundai Kona as this year’s winner. The electric model received elevated praise.

“The Kona Electric is the first mass-market electric car that truly works for the mass market. A livable EV range, affordable price, and practical cabin combine with lively driving dynamics to make the Kona EV a true pleasure. It’s the kind of EV that could convince the most ardent EV-skeptic.”

-Jamie Page Deaton, executive editor at U.S. News & World Report Best Cars

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Truck of The Year Award

This year saw two General Motors models, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, as finalists for Truck of the Year. However, the Ram 1500 walked away as the winner.

“Ram continues to lead the way in making a big truck double as a big family pleaser with as much attention paid to interior conveniences and ride comfort as to cargo hauling and towing.”

-John Davis, executive producer at MotorWeek

The North American Car, Utility, and Truck of the Year Awards is an independent, non-profit organization with dues-paying journalist members and elected officials. NACTOY announced this year’s winners at the  North American International Auto Show in Detroit. NACTOY maintains no affiliation, however, with any single publication or media outlet. For more information about NACTOY, check them out at Northamericancaroftheyear.org.