An independent jury of 50 automotive journalists have named their picks for the 2020 North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year Awards. The winners were announced at a press conference in Detroit with the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, 2020 Jeep Gladiator and 2020 Kia Telluride taking the top spot in their respective categories.
North American Car of the Year: 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
In taking the top award for cars, the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette represents the single biggest departure in this 2-seat American sports car’s history. Since its introduction as a 1953 model, the Corvette has had the engine mounted up front. The new eighth generation Corvette now has a mid-mounted V8 designed to take on much more expensive mid-engine competitors like the Acura NSX, Audi R8, McLaren 570S and Ferrari F8 Tributo. The key to the Corvette’s success is its relative affordability with a base price starting at about $60,000.
The 2020 Corvette was chosen over two other finalists, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata sedan and the 2020 Toyota Supra sports car.
North American Truck of the Year: 2020 Jeep Gladiator
One of the most anticipated launches in recent memory is the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, a pickup variant of the popular Jeep Wrangler. In adding a bed to its versatile utility, the all-new Jeep Gladiator adds a new dimension of rugged off-road styling and capability to the midsize pickup market, which is the fastest growing segment in the auto industry. The Gladiator not only offers a payload carrying cargo box, but it also retains the ability to fold the front windshield flat and remove the doors and roof panels for open-air off-roading.
The 2020 Jeep Gladiator took the award in a category that also included the 2020 Ram Heavy Duty 2500 pickup and the 2020 Ford Ranger midsize pickup.
North American Utility of the Year: 2020 Kia Telluride
This is the first time a Kia vehicle has been recognized by the North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year jury. The new Kia Telluride offers 3-row seating for up to eight, clean, crisp exterior styling and V6 power in a package that includes one of the best warranties in the business—a 5-year, 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty backed by additional 10-year, 10,000-mile coverage for the drivertrain. Kia is doubly proud of its award for the Telluride for its winning design and the fact that this crossover SUV is built in America.
The 2020 Kia Telluride won over its Korean-built sibling, the 2020 Hyundai Palisade and the 2020 Lincoln Aviator, which competes in the luxury market.
KBB Executive Publisher Karl Brauer and Senior Managing Editor Matt DeLorenzo are members of the North American Car, Truck and Utility Award jury.
