NACTOY Releases Revised Vehicle Eligibility List for 2021 Awards

Eligibility list for annual awards expanded by six to 42 cars, utilities and trucks

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North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year Awards (NACTOY)

Jul 08, 2020, 10:30 ET

DETROIT, July 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) Awards today announced the addition of six vehicles to its list of 36 models eligible for the 2021 awards, including some late launches brought on by COVID-19-caused delays.

The six additional vehicles are:

Car

2020 Cadillac CT4/CT4-V
2021 Kia K5
2021 Polestar 2

Utility

2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e
2021 Ford Bronco Sport
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA

NACTOY expects it will add several more models before this year's list closes as jurors work to accommodate the industry's unusual and still-changing 2021 product release cadence.

"In order to provide consumers with the most comprehensive assessment of new cars, SUVs and trucks, we think that it is essential to be as inclusive as we can when it comes to vehicles that will be in showrooms by the end of 2020, so we're adjusting our time schedule accordingly," said NACTOY President Gary Witzenburg.

NACTOY jurors make assessments of vehicles that qualify for consideration during their work for print, online, radio and broadcast outlets, and during an annual comparison drive, which will be held this year from October 5 to 8 in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Semi-Finalists in each category will be announced at the LA Auto Show in November, Finalists in December and category winners in Detroit in January 2021.

To be eligible, vehicles must be all-new or substantially new and must be available at dealerships before the end of the year.

The Previously Released List of 2021 NACTOY Candidates with Additions:

Car of the Year

2021	Acura TLX
2021	BMW 330e and 330e xDrive
2021	BMW 430i, 430i xDrive and M440i xDrive
2021	BMW 545e xDrive
*2020	Cadillac CT4/CT4-V
2021	Genesis G80
2021	Hyundai Elantra family (includes N Line and HEV)
*2021	Kia K5
2021	Lexus IS
2021	Mercedes-Benz E Class Sedan, All-Terrain, Coupe, Cabriolet
2021	MINI Cooper SE
2020	Nissan Sentra
*2021	Polestar 2

Utility of the Year

2021	BMW X2 xDrive25e
2021	BMW X3 xDrive30e
*2021	BMW X5 xDrive45e
2021	Buick Encore GX
2021	Cadillac Escalade
2021	Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban
2021	Chevrolet Trailblazer
*2021	Ford Bronco Sport
2021	Ford Mustang Mach E
2021	Genesis GV80
2021	GMC Yukon/Yukon XL
2020	Honda CR-V Hybrid
2021	Hyundai Santa Fe
2021	Hyundai Venue
2021	Kia Seltos
2020	Land Rover Defender 90 and 110
2020	Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring
2020	Mazda CX-30
*2021	Mercedes-Benz GLA
2021	Nissan Rogue
2020	Toyota Highlander
2021	Toyota RAV4 Prime
2021	Toyota Sienna
2021	Toyota Venza
2020	Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
2021	Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge

Truck of the Year

2021	Ford F-150
2020	Ford Super Duty
2020	Jeep Gladiator Mojave
*Added to list

NOTE: Spanish and French versions of this release will be available on NACTOY's website. For more information about NACTOY and its history: http://northamericancaroftheyear.org.

ABOUT NORTH AMERICAN CAR, UTILITY AND TRUCK OF THE YEAR

The awards are intended to recognize the most outstanding new vehicles of the year. These vehicles are benchmarks in their segments based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. The organization gives out three awards. They are: "North American Car of the Year," "North American Utility Vehicle of the Year," and "North American Truck of the Year." The awards are unique because they are given by an independent jury of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada instead of being given by a single publication, website, radio or television station.

SOURCE North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year Awards (NACTOY)