What Makes A Vehicle Of The Year, Really

Awards shape buyer decisions more than most of us realize, so we sat down with veteran juror and radio host Jack Nerad to peel back how North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year actually get chosen. Fifty independent journalists, a year of testing, multiple voting rounds, and a marathon drive event near Detroit all lead to three names everyone talks about. We walk through the process, the politics (or lack thereof), and the real criteria that separate buzz from substance: class leadership, value, significance, innovation, and everyday usability.

The car finalists tell a story of contrast—Nissan Sentra updates, a reborn Honda Prelude, and a radically flexible Dodge Charger that spans two and four doors, a potent turbo six, and an all-electric variant. Hear why the jury rallied behind the Charger’s breadth and execution. On the truck side, the Ford Maverick Lobo edged out Ram 1500 and Ram 2500 by pushing the compact pickup idea further, balancing capability with size, price, and clever packaging for daily life. And in the most crowded arena of all, the Hyundai Palisade claimed Utility of the Year by delivering family comfort, available hybrid efficiency, and true bang for the buck in a segment where buyers vote with their wallets.

We also tackle EV realities. Charging gaps remain a friction point—even in California’s backyard and especially across Texas—so vehicles that offer both electric and gasoline paths are resonating. Jack explains how the jury weighs those infrastructure challenges against performance and innovation without drifting into tech cheerleading. To round things out, we shift gears with Jeff’s Car Culture—five of the longest drivable tunnels in the U.S.—and Mike’s Driving Destinations, highlighting five standout car museums from the Petersen to the Henry Ford.

If you enjoy smart car talk that mixes industry insight with real-world practicality, follow and subscribe. Share your own winners in the comments, and leave a review to help more enthusiasts find the show.

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Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome And Guest Introduction
• 1:28 What NACTOY Is And How It Works
• 5:44 The Testing Year And Voting Rounds
• 9:31 Car Finalists And Dodge Charger Win
• 14:15 EVs, Charging Realities, And Bias
• 17:27 Truck Finalists And Maverick Lobo Choice
• 22:20 Utility Showdown And Palisade Win
• 26:45 How Judges Are Selected And Standards
• 30:30 Comparable Awards And Voting Integrity