2025 NACTOY Winners Announced at Detroit Auto Show

The winners of the 2025 North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards were revealed Friday morning at the Detroit Auto Show.

This year’s honors went to the Honda Civic Hybrid for Car of the Year, the Ford Ranger for Truck of the Year, and the Volkswagen ID.Buzz for Utility Vehicle of the Year.

The winners are focused on practicality in a market drowning in expensive electric vehicles and SUVs. The average price of the NACTOY finalists was $36,057, with the Volkswagen ID.Buzz as the most expensive nominee at $61,545 and the Kia K4 as the most affordable at $23,145.

EVs made up nearly half of the 25 semifinalists but only two reached the final round. The winners stood out for their blend of affordability, innovation, and user experience, making them appealing choices for a wide range of buyers.

Car of the Year

The Honda Civic Hybrid ($29,845) outpaced the Kia K4 ($23,145) and Toyota Camry ($29,535). The Civic Hybrid Hatchback is expected to account for 40% of Civic sales, showcasing its importance to Honda’s lineup. It's also the most powerful Honda Civic ever made, displacing the mighty Type R.

See Also: 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid First Drive

Now in its 32nd year, the NACTOY awards recognize vehicles that excel in innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, user experience, and value. An independent jury of 50 journalists from the U.S. and Canada evaluates the vehicles.

NACTOY President Jeff Gilbert presented the awards during the opening of the Detroit Auto Show Media Day.

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