US EditionNorth American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle Winners Announced in Detroit
The awards recognize vehicles excelling in innovation, design, and performance, with the Ford Maverick Lobo earning 277 points and the Hyundai Palisade 270 points.
- On Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, NACTOY announced the Dodge Charger as 2026 North American Car of the Year, Ford Maverick Lobo as Truck of the Year, and Hyundai Palisade as Utility Vehicle of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show.
- NACTOY's 50-member jury of professional automotive journalists completed a year-long testing and comparative drives, narrowing dozens of entries to semifinalists in September and unveiling finalists in November.
- Vote tallies show the Dodge Charger with 195 points beating the Honda Prelude and Nissan Sentra, the Ford Maverick Lobo with 277 points, and the Hyundai Palisade with 270 points.
- Show hosts and critics noted the winners will remain on display at the Detroit Auto Show, with Boyle saying `This team is going to be so proud` as automakers celebrated.
- The Palisade's hybrid option delivers up to 34 mpg and over 600 miles of range, while Dodge framed the Charger win as validation of its muscle‑car legacy at 60 years.
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The Norfolk Daily News
Hyundai PALISADE Crowned 2026 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year
All-new PALISADE honored by the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) jury, one of the most respected independent automotive accoladesFlagship three-row SUV praised for its hybrid and ICE powertrain lineup, class-above interior space, and advanced safety…
Ford, Dodge, Hyundai Take Top Honors at 2026 NACTOY Awards in Detroit
Photo: David Rodriguez Munoz ~ USA TODAY NETWORK DETROIT — The North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards were announced today at the Detroit Auto Show, highlighting three models that judges say set benchmarks for innovation and value. The Dodge Charger earned Car of the Year, edging out the Honda Prelude and Nissan Sentra. According to the official NACTOY release, jurors praised the Charger for its bold return t…
Associated Press News
Dodge Charger, Ford Maverick Lobo and Hyundai Palisade win the 2026 North American vehicle awards
The Dodge Charger won the 2026 North American Car of the Year award, while the Ford Maverick Lobo took the crown for the truck honors, and the Hyundai Palisade won the utility award.
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