Features
22 Jan 18

North American Car, Utility & Truck of the Year at NAIAS

The Honda Accord (pictured on top - photo: Honda), Volvo XC60 and the Lincoln Navigator were crowned North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year 2018 at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

These prizes are awarded by a jury of more than 60 professionals from print, online and broadcast media across the United States and Canada.

"Honda seems to have executed some sort of magic trick — not only is this 10th-generation Accord far sleeker and more decisively styled than its predecessor, it's somehow roomier inside, too," said Chris Paukert, a NACTOY juror and managing editor of Road Show by CNET. "Even in low-end trims, it drives well and offers a strong amount of standard equipment."

"The XC60 offers Volvo's distinct brand of luxury and it may even be more appealing than its bigger brother. The ride is exemplary, and when smartly equipped, it is a fine value," commented NACTOY juror and freelance automotive writer Kirk Bell.

Volvo XC60

Photo: Volvo XC60 (Volvo Cars)

In the truck category, NACTOY Juror Ron Sessions of the New York Daily News said: "The 2018 Navigator received a more dramatic update than its Ford Expedition sibling and its impact for the brand will be stronger as a result. With its design now aligned with the Continental, the Navigator becomes an even more important image – and the profit-maker for Lincoln."

Lincoln Navigator

Photo: Lincoln Navigator (Lincoln)

The winners were chosen from the following finalists:

Car of the Year 

  • Honda Accord 
  • Kia Stinger 
  • Toyota Camry

Utility Vehicle of the Year

  • Alfa Romeo Stelvio
  • Honda Odyssey
  • Volvo XC60

Truck of the Year

  • Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
  • Ford Expedition
  • Lincoln Navigator
Authored by: Benjamin Uyttebroeck