The 2024 Los Angeles International Auto Show opened on Thursday, November 21 at the Downtown Convention Center. Nine models stood out among the many new cars showcased, making it to the finalists for the 2025 North American Car, Utility, and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) awards.
The Los Angeles International Auto Show is considered the annual focal point of the entire automotive industry, attracting attention from car enthusiasts and professionals worldwide. On the media day of the auto show, the organizers revealed the list of vehicles nominated for the upcoming annual NACTOY awards, including the best cars, trucks, and multi-purpose vehicles.
As usual, a jury of 50 seasoned automotive journalists, known as the NACTOY jury, conducted extensive test drives and evaluations to assess factors such as innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, and value of each vehicle. The final selection of the top nine cars was made to compete for the 2025 North American Car of the Year award in January.
Among the nine vehicles, there are three American cars, three Japanese cars, two Korean cars, and one German car. It is noteworthy that NACTOY is the most prestigious independent automotive award in North America, and the selected vehicles often serve as a reference for many consumers when purchasing new cars in the future.
Jeff Gilbert, the President of NACTOY, stated, “This list exemplifies the outstanding products produced by the automotive industry, ranging from cutting-edge electric vehicles to traditional fuel-driven cars and trucks, including the increasingly popular hybrid vehicles in the market.”
Next, the jury members will continue extensive test drives and evaluations of the nine nominated vehicles, with the winners of the North American Car of the Year awards set to be announced during the Detroit Auto Show in January next year.
The finalists for the 2025 Best Sedan category are the Honda Civic Hybrid, Kia K4, and Toyota Camry. In the Best Truck category, the finalists are the Ford Ranger, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tacoma. And the Best Multi-Purpose Vehicle category finalists include the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
The 2024 Los Angeles International Auto Show is scheduled to run from November 22 to December 1, spanning ten days. Major car manufacturers will showcase their latest models to the public at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to pre-order new cars and participate in test driving experiences.
Exhibitors at the auto show include Acura, Tesla, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Fiat, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, Jeep, Kia, Nissan, Dodge, Porsche, Ram, Subaru, Volkswagen, GMC, VinFast, and more.
During the auto show, car enthusiasts can witness the global or North American debut of several first-time featured vehicles, such as the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 electric car, 2026 Kia EV9 GT, and 2026 Honda Passport.
With the growing interest in off-road adventures among consumers, manufacturers like GMC, Toyota, Subaru, Ford, and Jeep will showcase their latest off-road vehicles under their respective brands.
For instance, the show features a 30,000-square-foot “Camp Jeep” area where enthusiasts can experience Jeep vehicles’ exceptional off-road capabilities through a series of obstacles and challenges. Ford has set up a dedicated “Bronco Mountain” for participants to navigate through specially designed indoor and outdoor off-road tracks.
This year’s auto show also introduces thrilling simulated racing activities where attendees can experience advanced racing equipment, participate in eSports competitions, virtual reality rally races, and more exciting activities.