The annual Las Angeles Auto Show has come, which means that the finalists for the 2023 North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards (NACTOY) have been announced. This year, the focus appears to be more on electric vehicles over other options on the market through all three segments. However, just looking at the shortlist, it feels like a thin field this year. Particularly for the trucks. One is a trim level with the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2. Another seems like it will never come to fruition with the Lordstown Endurance. And the third seems like the predetermined winner in the shape of the Ford F-150 Lightning.
2023 NACTOY Finalist: Details
As mentioned, the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Silverado ZR2, and Lordstown Endurance make it as the finalists in the truck category. As for the Utility Vehicle segment, the Cadillac Lyriq, Genesis GV60, and Kia EV6 advanced toward the finish line – marking the first time the shortlist has been purely electric for SUV of the Year. Interestingly, 50 jurors opted to keep the Rivian R1S from advancing, despite the Rivian R1T being one of the truck segment’s finalists last year.
Cadillac Lyriq Concept. Image Via Cadillac
Finally, in the car segment, the Acura Integra, Genesis Electrified G80, and Nissan Z came in as the top 3. The finalists underscore the industry’s shift to electric vehicles, as all three utilities and two of the three trucks are EVs. The finalists were chosen from a list of 26 semifinalists, which was made up of three trucks, 10 cars, and 16 utility vehicles that are new this year. So now you see why we said the list was thin.
Some other notable vehicles that didn’t make the cut include the Mercedes EQE, Subaru WRX, and Toyota GR Corolla in cars. Meanwhile, the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage were also among the SUVs that didn’t advance. The three trucks are the only ones eligible this year and automatically advanced through the voting.
A group of 50 jurors who work for media outlets across North America voted three times over the year to whittle down the field, which was initially 47 vehicles. Jurors also test the semifinalists at an October group event in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The 2023 NACTOY winners will be announced on January 11 in Detroit, and we have a hunch that an EV will take the Award in each segment.
Image via Chevrolet
