The North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) jury has announced its highly anticipated 2024 award winners, celebrating vehicles that demonstrate exceptional innovation and lead their respective segments. These prestigious awards, unlike some rankings that consider the broader ownership experience, specifically recognize vehicles pushing industry boundaries. Among the winners, the Ford Super Duty stood out, claiming the coveted Truck of the Year title, solidifying its position as one of the Top Ranked Trucks in the market.
The 2024 Ford Super Duty pickup earned the NACTOY pickup truck award, proving that heavy-duty doesn’t mean sacrificing modern comforts and technology. Moving far beyond the purely utilitarian trucks of the past, the new Ford F-250 and F-350 models have incorporated numerous advancements from the popular Ford F-150. These top ranked trucks now boast many of the F-150’s sought-after comfort features, cutting-edge technology, advanced safety systems, and sophisticated towing assistance features, making them not just powerful workhorses but also incredibly user-friendly. Notably, the Ford Super Duty is also recognized as the top-ranked vehicle in the U.S. News & World Report’s heavy-duty pickup truck ranking, further cementing its status among top ranked trucks.
Andrew Kernahan, Super Duty chief program engineer, highlighted the dedication behind this achievement: “It represents the relentless dedication our teams have to our customers and endless hours they’ve poured into designing, engineering and building Super Duty pickups and chassis cabs to be the ultimate Built Ford Tough® tool for work and recreation.” This award underscores Ford’s commitment to producing top ranked trucks that meet the diverse needs of today’s drivers, whether for demanding work tasks or recreational pursuits.
While the spotlight shines brightly on the Ford Super Duty as a leader in the top ranked trucks category, the NACTOY awards also recognized excellence in other vehicle segments. The all-new 2024 Kia EV9 secured the Utility Vehicle of the Year award. This groundbreaking vehicle is the first mainstream three-row electric SUV available, and it also holds the top position in the U.S. News & World Report electric SUV ranking. The Kia EV9 impresses with its accessible price point, innovative technology implementation, and spacious cabin, a direct benefit of its electric vehicle architecture. Seungkyu (Sean) Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, noted the significance of the EV9’s win: “The Kia EV9 represents a new paradigm in the three-row SUV segment. This win proves that EV9 is not only a top utility vehicle, but also an exemplary EV.”
In the car category, the redesigned Toyota Prius and Toyota Prius Prime took home the Car of the Year award. For 2023, these models showcase a sporty new design, enhanced power, and extended range, pushing the boundaries for the iconic hybrid vehicle. Despite their innovative approach, the Prius and Prius Prime are positioned in the lower half of the U.S. News & World Report hybrid car ranking, primarily due to reduced rear seat and cargo space compared to previous generations. Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, commented on the Prius’s enduring impact: “After nearly 25 years, Prius continues to leave its mark on the world and offers customers a great option to reduce their carbon emissions.”
The NACTOY jury, an independent panel of 50 automotive journalists from across North America, plays a crucial role in identifying and celebrating automotive excellence. Their awards highlight vehicles like the Ford Super Duty, confirming their place among the top ranked trucks and setting benchmarks for innovation and progress within the automotive industry.
