Electric vehicles dominate the list of finalists for 2023 North American Car, Truck and Utility vehicle like never before, holding six of the nine spots.
All three finalists for Utility Vehicle of the Year — the auto industry’s best-selling segment — are electric:
- Cadillac Lyriq
- Genesis GV60
- Kia EV6.
The finalists for Truck of the Year are the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 pickup, powered by internal combustion engines, and a pair of EVs: the Endurance from startup Lordstown Motors and Ford F-150 Lightning.
The finalists for Car of the Year are:
- Acura Integra
- Genesis G80 EV
- Nissan Z
The G80 is the only electric finalist for Car of the Year.
Hyundai-Kia leads all automakers
Four of the finalists are produced by U.S.-based companies: the Lyriq, F-150 Lightning, Silverado ZR2 and Endurance.
The list is a tour de force by Korean giant Hyundai-Kia, which also makes Genesis luxury vehicles. It placed three finalists, the Kia EV6, Genesis GV60 and G80 EV.
No European-based brand has a vehicle among the finalists.
The North American Car, Truck and Utility awards are among the most prestigious and influential. They are awarded by a jury of journalists who cover the auto industry for media across the United States and Canada. You can see and hear our work on outlets ranging from newspapers, magazines and websites to podcasts, streaming video, social media, radio and television.
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I’m one of the jurors. My colleagues and I consider factors including value, innovation, performance and design.
The winners will be announced in Detroit on Jan. 11, 2023.
Finalists’ strengths and weaknesses
Cars
Acura Integra
Base price: $30,800 All prices exclude destination charges.
Pros: A sporty and affordable compact that recalls the cars that made Acura the first Japanese luxury brand.
Cons: Doesn’t break any new ground, despite being attractive, affordable and fun to drive.
Genesis G80 EV
Base price: $79,825
Pros: Electric vehicle of luxury sport sedan.
Cons: Conventional vehicles modified for electric power are seldom as good as those engineered as EVs from scratch.
Nissan Z
Base price: $39,990
Pros: The latest version of one of Japan’s historic sports cars boasts updated features and performance.
Cons: Only seats two, small trunk. Declining interest in small sport coupes.
Trucks
Chevrolet Silverado ZR2
Base price: $67,500
Pros: Rugged looks and added features boost popular trucks off-road cred.
Cons: Doesn’t break new ground
Ford F-150 Lightning
Base price: $39,974
Pros: Electrifying America’s best-selling vehicle creates a host of new features.
Cons: Prices rise fast with popular features, long waiting list.
Lordstown Endurance
Base price: $65,060
Pros: EV startup builds a credible light-duty EV pickup for commercial customers
Cons: Basic ‘work truck’ features and trim, uncertain prospects for manufacturer
Utilities
Cadillac Lyriq
Base price: $61,795
Pros: Cadillac’s first EV has looks, luxury tech – and it’s a surprising value.
Cons: AWD not available at launch; glitchy software on early evaluation vehicles.
Genesis GV60
Base price: $59,290
Pros: Innovative features like fingerprint scan and facial recognition.
Cons: Similar power and architecture to less expensive Kia EV6
Kia EV6
Base price: $41,400
Pros: Value, looks, technology – and a 576-hp GT model.
Cons: Prices rise fast from affordable base figure.
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.