This week at the Detroit Auto Show (or North American International Auto Show, for you pedants), the three category winners of the 2018 North American Car of the Year (or NACOTY…) were announced. The winners are the Honda Accord, Volvo XC60 and Lincoln Navigator. Voting, which was done in three rounds by a panel of 60 judges, who “evaluated the finalists based on segment leadership, innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.” See the winners below with official descriptions and read the Gear Patrol reviews for our own viewpoint.
Car of the Year
Honda Accord: “‘Honda seems to have executed some sort of magic trick — not only is this 10th-generation Accord far sleeker and more decisively styled than its predecessor, it’s somehow roomier inside, too,’ said Chris Paukert, a NACTOY juror and managing editor of Road Show by CNET. ‘Even in low-end trims, it drives well and offers a strong amount of standard equipment.'”
The New Turbocharged Accord Is a Sound Argument for Not Buying a Luxury Car
A new torquey, turbocharged engine and a suite of tech make it a hypercompetent sedan for the money.
Utility Vehicle of the Year
Volvo XC60: “‘Like the XC90, the XC60 offers Volvo’s distinct brand of luxury and it may even be more appealing than its bigger brother. The ride is exemplary, and when smartly equipped, it is a fine value,’ said NACTOY juror and freelance auto writer Kirk Bell.”
Two Reasons to Like the 2018 Volvo XC60 (And One Major Reason Not To)
In a world of bland crossovers, the XC60 stands out — but it doesn't handle like it should.
Truck of the Year
Lincoln Navigator: “NACTOY Juror Ron Sessions of the New York Daily News said, ‘the 2018 Navigator received a more dramatic update than its Ford Expedition sibling and its impact for the brand will be stronger as a result. With its design now aligned with the Continental, the Navigator becomes an even more important image – and the profit-maker for Lincoln.'”
Lincoln Navigator Review: After 20 Years, the All-New SUV Is On Top of Its Game
Simply put, the Navigator does the "big luxury SUV" thing far, far better.
More News From the 2018 NAIAS
The Detroit Auto Show surprised us with a lot of important and interesting launches. Read up on the new Ford Ranger and Mustang, VW Passat GT (yep) and much more. Read the Story
