Detroit, January 15, 2026
The winners of the North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards were announced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Dodge Charger was named North American Car of the Year, the Ford Maverick Lobo received the title of Truck of the Year, and the Hyundai Palisade was awarded Utility Vehicle of the Year. The selections were made by a panel of 50 automotive journalists who evaluated vehicles based on various criteria, including innovation and performance.
Detroit, Michigan – 2026 North American Vehicle Awards Announced
DETROIT, Michigan – The 2026 North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards were unveiled on January 14, 2026, during the North American International Auto Show at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit. The winners are:
- North American Car of the Year: Dodge Charger
- North American Truck of the Year: Ford Maverick Lobo
- North American Utility Vehicle of the Year: Hyundai Palisade
Selection Process and Criteria
The NACTOY awards are determined by a panel of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. Jurors evaluate vehicles based on innovation, design, performance, driver satisfaction, and value. This year’s finalists included a diverse mix of internal combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles, reflecting the evolving automotive landscape.
Details on the Winners
Dodge Charger: The Charger, a midsize car, was recognized for its bold return to gas-powered performance after a brief electric detour. Jurors praised it as “a tour de force” that blends muscle-car heritage with modern engineering.
Ford Maverick Lobo: This performance variant of the compact Maverick pickup truck stood out for its street-smart design and performance upgrades. It offers a fresh twist on affordability and versatility in a market increasingly focused on lifestyle trucks.
Hyundai Palisade: The Palisade, Hyundai’s flagship SUV, underwent a significant refresh for the 2026 model year. It was recognized for improvements in style, size, and power, addressing core design elements that appeal to consumers.
Background Context
The NACTOY awards have been a significant benchmark in the automotive industry since their inception in 1994. They are among the most prestigious prizes, with winners often influencing consumer purchasing decisions and industry trends. The awards are announced annually at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, marking the beginning of the automotive industry’s new model year.
Key Features of the 2026 NACTOY Award Winners
| Vehicle | Category | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Dodge Charger | Car of the Year | Bold return to gas-powered performance, blending muscle-car heritage with modern engineering. |
| Ford Maverick Lobo | Truck of the Year | Performance variant of the compact Maverick, offering street-smart design and performance upgrades. |
| Hyundai Palisade | Utility Vehicle of the Year | Flagship SUV with significant refresh, recognized for improvements in style, size, and power. |
FAQ
What are the NACTOY awards?
The North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards are annual honors presented to the best new vehicles in North America, as determined by a panel of automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada.
Who selects the NACTOY winners?
A panel of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada evaluates vehicles based on innovation, design, performance, driver satisfaction, and value.
When are the NACTOY awards announced?
The awards are announced annually at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, marking the beginning of the automotive industry’s new model year.
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
