North American Car and Truck of the Year list narrowed

From a preliminary list of 29 cars and 26 trucks and SUVs, the jury for the 2015 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards has narrowed the candidates down to 10 cars and 12 trucks/utilities. The independent jury of journalists will announce the winners at the group’s annual press conference held during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next January. 

Short list candidates on the car side include 2015 models of the Acura TLX, Audi A3, Chrysler 200, Ford Mustang, Honda Fit, Hyundai Genesis, Hyundai Sonata, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Golf/GTI.

On the truck/utility side, jurors will evaluate 2015 models of the Audi Q3, Chevrolet Colorado, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford F-150, GMC Canyon, Lexus NX, Lincoln MKC, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, Nissan Murano, Porsche Macan, Subaru Outback and Toyota Highlander.

Also: The Class of 2015 — New Vehicles Ready to Roll

Among the notable vehicles not making the cut on the car side are the BMW i3 and i8 as well as the performance M3/M4, Lexus‘ all-new RC coupe, Alfa Romeo‘s 4C, Mini’s new Hartop, the Subaru Legacy and the Kia K900 luxury sedan. On the truck side, Cadillac‘s Escalade, the facelifted Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator, the Chevrolet Suburban, Ford’s new Transit Connect Wagon and Volvo XC60/XC90 were not included.

The 2014 North American Car and Truck of the Year was won by Chevrolet with the Corvette and Silverado.

Editor’s Note: The author is a member of the North American Car and Truck of the Year jury.