The Honda Civic Hybrid, Ford Ranger, and Volkswagen ID. Buzz have been revealed as the winners of the North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards. The three vehicles were selected by a wide pool of automotive journalists from across the industry, including AutoTrader Editor-in-Chief Jodi Lai.
“With such a tremendous crop of vehicles to review, our jurors worked overtime to decide the ‘best of the best,’” said NACTOY President Jeff Gilbert. “This year’s winners are on the cutting edge when it comes to technology, styling and value.”
The Honda Civic Hybrid, the North American Car of the Year for 2025, was lauded for its fuel-efficient powertrain. The addition of electrification to what jurors described as one of the best compact sedans on the market, made it a “hands-down winner” in the category.
Electrification was a big theme in this year’s awards, with the Utility Vehicle of the Year award going to the all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which was celebrated for its combination of loveable, retro aesthetics with a cutting-edge powertrain. Beyond being adorable and green, the ID. Buzz is also a well-designed van that features oodles of room inside.
Electrified machinery didn’t take the cake in all three awards categories, though. The North American Truck of the Year for 2025 is the Ford Ranger. Jurors said they chose the mid-size truck for combining everything Ford has learned with the F-150 into a smaller, more affordable, and efficient package.
Now in its 31st year of operation, the North American Vehicle of the Year award is the longest-running awards program for new vehicles that isn’t associated with an outlet. Winners were selected by a jury made up of 50 professionals from the U.S. and Canada. The winners were announced on the eve of the 2025 Detroit Auto Show.
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