A 50-strong jury of automotive journalists has named 23 vehicles as semifinalists in the 2022 North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) awards, the annual program that sets out to find the continent’s best cars, pickups, and SUVs.
A list of 23 models – eight cars, six trucks, and nine utilities – was curated from 36 eligible vehicles that are either all-new or substantially changed, and are or will be in showrooms in North America this year.
This time, nearly a quarter of the semifinalists are fully electric vehicles, and several others offer electrified powertrain options.
Among the jurors who spent the year evaluating the eligible vehicles is AutoTrader.ca’s Editor in Chief, Jodi Lai.
“I’m really impressed by all of these semifinalists because they each represent something new and innovative,” said Lai. “I love to see so many electric vehicles in the running. It's truly such an exciting time for the automotive industry.”
The next round of voting will take place in October, when jurors will vote to name three finalists in each vehicle category, which will be revealed on November 17 at the L.A. Auto Show. The winners of this year’s NACTOY awards will be announced in January.
Car of the Year Semifinalists
Audi A3
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Genesis G70
Honda Civic
Lucid Air
Mercedes-Benz EQS
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Volkswagen Golf GTI/Golf R
Truck of the Year Semifinalists
Ford Maverick
GMC Hummer EV
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Nissan Frontier
Rivian R1T
Toyota Tundra
Utility of the Year Semifinalists
Ford Bronco
Genesis GV70
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai Tucson
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer
Kia Carnival
Nissan Pathfinder
Volkswagen ID.4
