Ford Primes Itself for the 2024 NACTOY Award with the Super Duty

Photo Source: Ford

The finalists for the 2024 Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) Awards were unveiled at the illustrious Los Angeles Auto Show. The culmination of a meticulous selection process that began with 52 eligible vehicles, the finalists represent the epitome of excellence in the automotive world. The coveted honor, set to be announced on January 4, 2024, at a special event in Detroit, has narrowed down to three finalists in each category: Car of the Year, Truck of the Year, and Utility Vehicle of the Year. 

The finalists were revealed to be the Chevrolet Silverado EV (electric vehicle), the Chevrolet Colorado, and the Ford Super Duty in the Truck of the Year category. Ford is a veteran in this category, having earned the Truck of the Year Award three years running, with the Ford F-150 in 2021, followed by the Ford Maverick in 2022, and the Ford F-150 Lightning in 2023.

The Best of the Best

The nine total vehicles emerged as the cream of the crop after an arduous evaluation process that started at the Detroit Auto Show in September 2023, where 52 eligible automobiles were whittled down to the 25 Best of 2024. Subsequently, at NACTOY’s Fall Comparison Drive in October 2023, these finalists were extensively test-driven and scrutinized by automotive journalists. The jurors, numbering 50 in total, are respected figures in the automotive realm, representing diverse online, print, and broadcast media outlets across Canada and the United States. 

As in the last few years, electric vehicles occupy a large part of the list, with five out of nine vehicles being powered solely by electrons. Indeed, as the shift to electric vehicles sweeps globally, the judges who decide which automobiles receive the nominations are leaning heavily toward new electrified trims. 

It is worth noting that the president of NACTOY, Jeff Gilbert, observed that electric vehicles continue to conquer the landscape, constituting over half of the finalists. Gilbert added, “That shows how important they are to carmakers and how many more choices car buyers now have. But there is a lot of variety in this group, including a big work truck, a hybrid and a family sedan.” 

This trend, according to Gilbert, highlights the increasing significance of electric vehicles for manufacturers and the expanding array of choices available to consumers. Nonetheless, the diversity within the finalist group is striking, encompassing a broad spectrum, including a robust work truck, a hybrid trim, and a family sedan. 

How the Assessment Took Place

The evaluation criteria employed by the jurors incorporated design, driver satisfaction, outstanding innovation, value, and performance. Each juror assessed the contenders in their unique manner, reflecting the vast perspectives and expertise within the automotive journalism community. Consequently, being named a NACTOY finalist is regarded as a prestigious accomplishment, and emerging as a winner in any of the categories is considered a pinnacle feat within the highly competitive and dynamic automotive landscape. 

The anticipation is palpable as automotive enthusiasts eagerly await the revelation of the winners, set to unfold at the beginning of the new year (2024). If you are one of those enthusiasts praising the Ford Super Duty as Truck of the Year, please come visit Sunrise Ford. Moreover, do not forget we have a trained service team that can help with an online appointment to get started on all maintenance work and repairs. We know what it takes to provide a worthwhile experience.