The honours, announced Friday morning during an Automotive Press Association event kicking off the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, are decided by a group of 50 journalists from the U.

The North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year Awards (NACTOY) are prestigious among automotive honors. A jury of 50 automotive media professionals independently evaluates new or significantly upgraded vehicles each year to find the best among them.

The Honda Civic hybrid won the 2025 North American Car of the Year award, while the Ford Ranger took the crown for the truck honors, and Volkswagen ID. Buzz won the utility award.

Snow fell as the first guests entered the auto show's Charity Preview Friday evening, a fitting backdrop for the auto show's return to January.

With the Detroit show’s return to January, the announcements of the North American car, truck, and utility vehicles of the year again kick off the event. On Friday, the Honda Civic Hybrid was named car of the year, the Ford Ranger as truck of the year, and the Volkswagen ID. Buzz as utility of the year.

Just in time for the 2025 Detroit Auto Show, the annual Charity Preview event is here. Attendees wear their Sunday best for a great cause.