Ford has a lot to celebrate as the 2025 Detroit Auto Show kicks off with the NACTOY awards

Ford’s popular midsize truck has just driven off with the most prestigious award in the automotive industry. The Ford Ranger was voted the North American Truck of the Year.  The award was announced this morning at the beginning of the Detroit Auto Show. The award is huge because it is voted on by members of the Automotive Press Association, not tied to any one publication or broadcast outlet. This is the fifth consecutive year that a Ford truck has received the award which is unprecedented.

"Earning this recognition celebrates our team’s dedication to continuously raising the bar for midsize truck customers," said Jim Baumbick, vice president, Advanced Product Development, Cycle Plan, and Programs. "We rigorously tested Ranger in challenging environments around the world to deliver the Built Ford Tough durability our customers demand. This award is a tribute to our customers who inspire us every day."

2024 Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger was redesigned in 2024. It comes standard with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, but also buyers can upgrade to a more powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6.

Ford also introduced a Ranger Raptor version that is geared toward performance and off-roading. Ford Performance added many of the performance tweaks to increase the off-road capability. The 2024 Ranger Raptor’s 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 generates best-in-class 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.

The 2024 Ranger has more available towing technology than ever. It has added the class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist, as well as improved bed access. Technological advancements include available Zone Lighting, and over-the-air updates. The redesigned interior added digital gauge clusters, large touch screens and wireless charging. The Ranger also has fold-flat rear seats for more storage.

The North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year Awards

To compete for the awards, vehicles must be new or substantially changed for the year. The independent and unbiased jury of 50 automotive journalists produce content for a variety of print, broadcast and digital media in the United States and Canada. The jurors test drive the vehicles a number of times and choose a winner based on innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, user experience, driver satisfaction and value.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz EV was named the 2025 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. The ID. Buzz is VW’s modern reinterpretation of its iconic Microbus. The adorable Buzz showcases its design and cutting-edge technology, while trying to recapture the charm of the legendary Microbuses.

The Honda Civic Hybrid was named the 2025 North American Car of the Year. The Civic has won the car award a record four times.

Ford Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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