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2023 NACTOY FINALISTS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED: FORD LIGHTNING A FAVORITE

The Finalists Are Made Up Of Many EVs

Ford F-150 Lightning Electric Pickup Truck EV
Image copyright Manoli Katakis, Muscle Cars & Trucks.

The annual Las Angeles Auto Show has come, which means that the finalists for the 2023 North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards (NACTOY) have been announced. This year, the focus appears to be more on electric vehicles over other options on the market through all three segments. However, just looking at the shortlist, it feels like a thin field this year. Particularly for the trucks. One is a trim level with the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2. Another seems like it will never come to fruition with the Lordstown Endurance. And the third seems like the predetermined winner in the shape of the Ford F-150 Lightning.

2023 NACTOY Finalist: Details

As mentioned, the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Silverado ZR2, and Lordstown Endurance make it as the finalists in the truck category. As for the Utility Vehicle segment, the Cadillac Lyriq, Genesis GV60, and Kia EV6 advanced toward the finish line – marking the first time the shortlist has been purely electric for SUV of the Year. Interestingly, 50 jurors opted to keep the Rivian R1S from advancing, despite the Rivian R1T being one of the truck segment’s finalists last year.

Cadillac Lyriq EV SUV electric vehicle fav
Cadillac Lyriq Concept. Image Via Cadillac

Finally, in the car segment, the Acura Integra, Genesis Electrified G80, and Nissan Z came in as the top 3. The finalists underscore the industry’s shift to electric vehicles, as all three utilities and two of the three trucks are EVs. The finalists were chosen from a list of 26 semifinalists, which was made up of three trucks, 10 cars, and 16 utility vehicles that are new this year. So now you see why we said the list was thin.

Some other notable vehicles that didn’t make the cut include the Mercedes EQE, Subaru WRX, and Toyota GR Corolla in cars. Meanwhile, the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage were also among the SUVs that didn’t advance. The three trucks are the only ones eligible this year and automatically advanced through the voting.

A group of 50 jurors who work for media outlets across North America voted three times over the year to whittle down the field, which was initially 47 vehicles. Jurors also test the semifinalists at an October group event in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The 2023 NACTOY winners will be announced on January 11 in Detroit, and we have a hunch that an EV will take the Award in each segment.

2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Bison AEV American Expedition Vehicles
Image via Chevrolet

Written by Zac Quinn

Zac's love for cars started at a young age, after seeing the popular Eleanor from Gone In 60 Seconds. From there, fascination and enthusiasm blossomed and to this day the Ford Mustang remains a favorite. His first job started out detailing cars, but also provided the opportunity to work on restoration including an 1968 Ford Mustang, Pontiac Firebird, and a C3 Corvette, though he left that job before further work and experience could be had. From there, he was a detailer at a car dealership before quitting that job to try and finish college.

Much of his free time while studying was spent watching YouTube videos regarding new cars, or off-roading. 4WD247 is a personal favorite channel which rekindled a dying flame in car enthusiasm, now tailored towards trucks and SUVs and the fun that can be had building up an overlanding rig, and going on adventures, though, that chapter remains unwritten for the time being.

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