12 important tips for car commissioning
Learn how to make the most of your car’s test drive with key tips for making an informed decision.
- Six cars, five trucks and 19 utility vehicles are listed and are considered the best cars, trucks and utility vehicles of the year.
- The cars, trucks and SUVs of the year will be unveiled in Detroit on January 14th, 2026.
The process of naming the best new cars, trucks and utility vehicles of the year went high gear on Wednesday, September 17th.
North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year judges revealed 30 nominees for these awards at Michigan Central on Wednesday. A few months after an even more intensive review, the winners will be announced on January 14th, 2026, and the Detroit Auto Show will be held.
The vehicle consists of the following:
- Six cars
- 5 trucks
- 19 Utility Vehicles
Almost half of the vehicle is electric or hybrid
Nine vehicles are fully electric, with at least six of them on hybrid models. One – Dodge chargers for both the sedan and charger Daytona Coupe provide both electric and internal combustion drivetrains. Some debuted as 2025 models, while others debuted as 2026 models, all of which are scheduled to be released this year.
20 brands have at least one vehicle on their list. Automaker breakdown:
- Hyundai Kia – 4 vehicles
- Stellantis – 4 vehicles
- General Motors – 3 vehicles
- Ford – 3 vehicles
- Honda – 3 vehicles
- VW/Audi – 3 vehicles
- Toyota – 2 vehicles
- Nissan – 2 vehicles
- respectively: Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Rivian, Subaru, and Volvo.
Evaluate technology and all features
I am a member of the Nacto decree. With 50 members, the ju apprentice evaluates all the new vehicles, technologies and features that hit the market each year.
The 2026 30 vehicles are the first step from the field of the year to the three vehicles of the year.
We narrowed the field down to people who deserve more meticulous attention from all the new vehicles scheduled for sale this year. The vehicle will be invited to a comparison event in October, where you can drive the vehicle behind you and learn more about its features and technology.
Nine finalists (three in each award category) will be announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. This will give the ju apprentice a few more weeks for further evaluation and test drive.
This year, the ju-degree also established a scholarship fund for those seeking careers in journalism and automobile design and engineering. The SAE International Engineering Society manages scholarships. Scholarship information is available at https://www.sae.org.
The following vehicles are being considered by category this year:
car
Audi A5: A compact sports sedan using VW’s new premium platform combustion architecture. The A5’s wheelbase grows 2.5 inches.
Dodge Charger and Charger Daytona:Using Stellantis’ new STLA large platform, these latest muscle cars offer either a twin-turbo 6-cylinder internal combustion model that produces up to 670 hp power or a maximum of 550 hp.
Honda Prelude: The name associated with some of Honda’s first sporty coupes is back as a hybrid, with the chassis components of the Civic R Performance Compact.
Kia K4 hatchback:A sophisticated, compact hatchback version.
Mercedes-Benz CLA: Based on Mercedes’ new MMA architecture, this compact EV will allow for fast charging of 800 volts and introduce a new operating system that uses artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google.
Nissan Sentra: A compact sedan essential for reviving Nissan’s American business.
track
Ford F-150 Robo: A lowered version of the “Street Truck” version of Peri’s best-selling pick.
Ford Maverick Robo: Ford’s first “street truck” The Stylish Subcompact features a low ride, a 7-speed automatic transmission and a torque vector rear end.
RAM1500 HEMI: The mild pickup in RAM brings back the popular 5.7L HEMI V8.
RAM 2500: RAM’s medium duty 2500 and 3500 pickups get a stronger Cummins turbo diesel, a post-mounted shifter, and towing capacity of up to 36,610 pounds.
Libian R1 Quad Motor: Four internally developed electric motors (one per wheel) produce up to 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft of torque.
Utility Vehicles
Acura ADX: Honda’s luxury brands have added subcompact models to compete with vehicles such as the Audi Q3, Buick Encore GL and Lexus NX.
Audi Q5: This compact SUV lineup starts with a 268 horsepower 2.0L four-cylinder engine, a 7-speed automatic transmission, and updated safety and infotainment features.
Cadillac Escalade IQ: Full-size electric SUV with 4-wheel steering, 3 rows of seats, 460 miles range and 750 HP.
Cadillac Optiq: A compact electric SUV with standard Dolby Atmos audio and a V-series performance model that hits 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
Cadillac Vistiq: The electric “Baby Escalade” has functions including three rows of seats and augmented reality navigation.
Ford expedition: A large-scale internal combustion SUV with party-friendly multi-function tailgate and rear compartment.
Genesis GV70: Genesis’ recognizable grille and headlights get updates in this medium-sized luxury SUV. The most notable internal change is the 27-inch OLED display, which incorporates gauges and infotainment controls.
Honda Passport: Off-road oriented SUV.
Hyundai Ionic 9: Space-age exterior design and three rows for passengers from electric family haulers.
Hyundai Palisade: Hyundai’s Big SUV adds an efficiency and XRT trim level hybrid model with sturdy looks and all-terrain tires.
Jeep Cherokee: The owner’s favorite nameplate is back, bringing hybrid models and a platform designed for Auburn Hills.
Clear gravity:A sophisticated luxury SUV designed to boost enthusiasm for EV startup brands. Range up to 450 miles depending on the model.
Nissan Leaf: A compact electric car.
Pole Star 4: Sporty electric car.
Subaru Forester Hybrid: A hybrid version of the popular compact SUV. EPA ratings predict 35 mpg for city/highway combinations.
Toyota 4runner: Longtime favorite off-roaders receive late exchanges. There are lots of new features.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid:All non-picked American bestsellers are new. The number of head tool hybrid fuel economy is expected.
Volkswagen Tiguan: VW’s bestseller, Tiguan Compact SUV, adds features including a 268 horsepower performance model.
Volvo ex30: Volvo’s Compact Electric SUV has one instrument and infotainment, a 253-mile range and one 422 HP center mount screen.
Please contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Please read more Auto And sign up for us Automotive Newsletter. Become a subscriber.
