"This is the big award every automaker wants to win, and we now know which vehicles have the bragging rights for the next year," said Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds." Last November, I made my predictions on which vehicles would be victorious, and I was correct on two of the three. I was right on the Honda Civic Hybrid, and the VW ID. Buzz, but missed the truck category. I thought the new Tacoma would take the crown, but the judges chose the Ford Ranger. Congrats to Honda, Ford, and Volkswagen for designing some great vehicles in a sea of terrific entries." - Car Pro Show Host Jerry Reynolds
The winners are in for the 2025 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards! Announced Friday, they are the culmination of a year-long evaluation and voting process.
NACTOY says 50 jurors spent hundreds of hours to test driving, researching, and evaluating vehicles. Judging criteria included automotive innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, user experience and value.
“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.”
2025 NACTOY WINNERS
Without further ado, the winners are:
- 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
Judge’s 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
See our review by the CarPro's Amy Plemons here →
Judge’s 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
Check out Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds' review of the Ranger here →
Judge’s Comments on the VW 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
Photo Credit: Volkswagen.
About the Awards
Founded in 1994, the NACTOY awards are the longest-running new-vehicle awards not associated with a single publication. Vehicles 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 votes are confidentially tallied by Deloitte LLP, ensuring each stage of the award cycle is the collective decision of all jurors. Ballots cast for the 2025 NACTOY winners remained secret until envelopes were opened onstage during today’s event.
Photo: NACTOY.