DETROIT — As the Detroit Auto Show kicked off this week, we also learned the identity of the 2025 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards.

Taking home top honors were:
— North American Car of the Year: Honda Civic Hybrid
— North American Truck of the Year: Ford Ranger
— North American Utility Vehicle of the Year: Volkswagen ID.Buzz

The honors were handed out after a year of evaluation by NACTOY jurors who judged vehicles in areas including automotive innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, user experience and value. After the “Best of 2025” semifinalists were announced in September at Michigan Central Station, the list was narrowed further to 9 finalists, unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

“With such a tremendous crop of vehicles to review, our jurors worked overtime to decide the ‘best of the best,’” said NACTOY President Jeff Gilbert. “This year’s winners are on the cutting edge when it comes to technology, styling and value.”

Founded in 1994, the NACTOY awards are judged by 50 professional automotive journalists from a wide variety of print, online, radio and television media outlets in the United States and Canada. The awards are unique because they are given by an independent jury of automotive journalists instead of by a single publication, website, radio or television station.

Juror comments on the Honda Civic Hybrid:
“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

“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

Juror comments on the Ford Ranger:
“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

“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

Juror comments on the Volkswagen ID.Buzz:
“If you have to drive a minivan, why not drive the one everybody waves to and just wants to hug? Seriously, the ID. Buzz has a decent 230+-mile range, beaucoup space inside, lots of useful features and it’s fun to drive.” – Ken Gross, freelance

“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