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Genesis, Hyundai, Ram Win N. American Vehicle Awards

Hyundai Motor Co. and its Genesis luxury unit won the 2019 North American Utility and Car of the Year awards with the Kona crossover and G70 sedan, respectively.
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Hyundai Motor Co. and its Genesis luxury unit won the 2019 North American Utility and Car of the Year awards with the Kona crossover and G70 sedan, respectively. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s Ram 1500 was named Truck of the Year.

The Kona subcompact (above) is available with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine or an all-electric powertrain. The other utility finalists were the Jaguar I-Pace crossover and Acura RDX.

Described as a luxury sport sedan, the all-wheel-drive G70 (right) is powered by a 365-hp V-6 engine.

Other car finalists were the Volvo S60 sedan/V60 wagon and Honda Insight hybrid sedan.

Judges praised the mild-hybrid Ram 1500 (left) for its fuel efficiency and revamped interior. The 1500 beat out a pair of General Motors models—the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500—to take home the top truck award.

The honors were announced on Monday at the Detroit auto show. A panel of 54 automotive journalist from the U.S., Canada and Mexico selected the winners based on design, driver satisfaction, design, innovation, performance, safety and value.

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