Description
A lot of great vehicles dropped in 2026. The BMW iX3, Kia Telluride Hybrid and EV3, Jeep Recon, Mercedes CLA 220 Hybrid, and Audi Q9 for starters. GM gave us the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. There’s the Ram TRX too. Which of these deserve to become North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year?
Let’s find out.
Every October, automotive journalists descend on Ann Arbor, Michigan, to compare contenders and help narrow the field for the NACTOY awards. Tom Voelk, one of 50 NACTOY jurist offers up a look at some of the most compelling vehicles in the competition. This video offers up 13 mini reviews.
The lineup brings together electric SUVs, hybrid family haulers, luxury vehicles and pickups with very different ideas about getting the job done. Some emphasize efficiency. Others have declared a personal war with gasoline conservation.
Come along for a juror’s perspective on the vehicles competing for three coveted titles—and the challenge of choosing standouts from a remarkably varied field. There’s plenty to consider beyond horsepower and a handsome interior.
Which contender would get your vote for Car, Truck or SUV of the Year? Tell me your picks in the comments.
Subscribe to Driven for detailed automotive reviews, clear explanations and a little perspective from Emmy Award-winning journalist and photographer Tom Voelk.
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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting).
00:00 2026 NACTOY Car of the Year Judging
00:45 2027 BMW iX3
3:49 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 Hybrid
7:30 2027 Audi Q9 and SQ9
11:26 2026 Jeep Recon
13:35 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid e-Power
17:34 2027 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss
20:22 Kia Telluride X-Pro and X-Line Hybrid
21:30 2027 Volkswagen Atlas
22:22 2027 Genesis GV60 Magma
25:10 Kia EV3 GT
26:55 Volvo EX60
30:24 2027 Lexus ES 350h Hybrid