The process of naming the year’s best new car, truck and utility vehicle kicked into high gear Wednesday, Sept. 17.
The North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the year jury revealed the 30 candidates for those awards Wednesday at Michigan Central. After months of further intensive evaluation, winners will be announced on Jan. 14, 2026, to open the Detroit Auto show.
The vehicles consist of:
Nine vehicles are fully electric and at least six will have a hybrid model. One — the Dodge Charger, both sedan and Charger Daytona coupe — offers both electric and internal combustion drivetrains. While some debuted as 2025 models, others as 2026, all are scheduled to go on sale this year.
Twenty brands have at least one vehicle on the list. The breakdown among automakers:
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I’m a member of the NACTOY jury. Capped at 50 members, the jury evaluates every new vehicle, technology and feature that hits the market annually.
The 30 Best of 2026 vehicles are the first step going from that field of dozens to the three vehicles of the year.
We’ve narrowed the field from every new vehicle expected to go on sale this year to those that deserve closer attention. The vehicles will be invited to our comparison event in October, when we can drive vehicles back to back and learn more about their features and technology.
Nine finalists — three for each award category — will be announced at the Los Angeles auto show in November. That gives jurors a few more weeks for further evaluation and test drives.
This year, the jury also created a scholarship fund for people seeking careers in journalism and automotive design and engineering. The SAE International engineering society administers the scholarships. Information on the scholarships is available at https://www.sae.org.
Here are the vehicles being considered this year, by category:
Audi A5: Compact sport sedan using VW’s new Premium Platform combustion architecture. The A5’s wheelbase grows 2.5 inches.
Dodge Charger and Charger Daytona: Using Stellantis’ new STLA large platform, these modern muscle cars offer either up to 670 horsepower of electric power or twin-turbo six-cylinder internal combustion models producing up to 550 hp.
Honda Prelude: A name associated with some of Honda’s first sporty coupes returns as a hybrid, with chassis components from the Civic R performance compact.
Kia K4 hatchback: Hatchback version of sleek compact.
Mercedes-Benz CLA: Based on Mercedes’ new MMA architecture, this compact EV allows 800-volt fast charging and introduces a new operating system that uses artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google.
Nissan Sentra: A compact sedan vital to reviving Nissan’s American business.
Ford F-150 Lobo: A lowered “street truck” version of the perennially best-selling pickup.
Ford Maverick Lobo: Ford’s first “street truck” the stylish subcompact has a lowered ride, seven-speed automatic transmission and torque vectoring rear end.
Ram1500 Hemi: Ram’s light-duty pickup regains the popular 5.7L Hemi V8.
Ram 2500: Ram’s medium-duty 2500 and 3500 pickups get a more powerful Cummins turbodiesel, column-mounted shifter and up to 36,610-pound towing capacity.
Rivian R1 Quad Motor: Four internally developed electric motors — one at each wheel — produce up to 1,025 hp and 1,198 pound-feet of torque.
Acura ADX: Honda’s luxury brand adds a subcompact model to compete with vehicles like the Audi Q3, Buick Encore GL and Lexus NX.
Audi Q5: This compact SUV’s lineup starts with a 268-hp 2.0L four-cylinder engine, seven-speed automatic transmission and updated safety and infotainment features.
Cadillac Escalade IQ: Full-size electric SUV with four-wheel steering, three rows of seats, 460-mile range and 750 hp.
Cadillac Optiq: Compact electric SUV with standard Dolby Atmos audio and a V-series performance model that hits 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
Cadillac Vistiq: Electric “baby Escalade” with three rows of seats and features including augmented reality navigation.
Ford Expedition: Large internal combustion SUV with a party-ready multifunction tailgate and rear compartment.
Genesis GV70: Genesis’ recognizable grille and headlights get updates in this midsize luxury SUV. Most notable interior change is a 27-inch OLED display incorporating gauges and infotainment controls.
Honda Passport: Off-road oriented SUV.
Hyundai Ioniq 9: Space-age exterior design and three rows for passengers in an electric family hauler.
Hyundai Palisade: Hyundai’s big SUV adds a hybrid model for efficiency and XRT trim level with rugged looks and all-terrain tires.
Jeep Cherokee: An owner-favorite nameplate returns, bringing with it a hybrid model and a platform engineered in Auburn Hills.
Lucid Gravity: A sleek luxury SUV that aims to boost enthusiasm for the EV startup brand. Up to 450-mile range, depending on the model.
Nissan Leaf: Compact electric vehicle.
Polestar 4: Sporty electric vehicle.
Subaru Forester hybrid: Hybrid version of the popular compact SUV. EPA ratings predict 35 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
Toyota 4Runner: A longtime favorite off-roader gets an overdue replacement. New features abound.
Toyota RAV4 hybrid: America’s best-selling non-pickup is all new. Head-turning hybrid fuel economy numbers are expected.
Volkswagen Tiguan: VW’s best-seller, the Tiguan compact SUV adds features including a 268-hp performance model.
Volvo EX30: Volvo’s compact electric SUV has a single center-mounted screen for instruments and infotainment, 253-mile range and 422 hp.
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.

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