GM Models Lead List of Car-of-the-Year Semifinalists

The organizers of the North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year awards have pared the list of 44 eligible 2017 models to 30 semifinalists in the three categories.

General Motors leads all carmakers with seven semifinalists. Hyundai (including its new Genesis sub-brand) and its Kia affiliate are next best with a combined four nominees, while Ford and Nissan each have three semifinalists.  

In the Car category there are 15 models vying for the title. The list comprises the Acura NSX, Audi A4, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CT6, Chevrolet Cruze and Bolt EV, Genesis G90, Hyundai Elantra, Jaguar XE, Kia Cadenza, Lincoln Continental, Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan, Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman, Toyota Prius Prime and Volvo S90.

The new Utility category, which includes SUVs, crossovers and minivans, was added last year. The remaining contenders are the Audi Q7, Buick Envision, Cadillac XT5, Chrysler Pacifica, GMC Acadia, Infiniti QX30, Kia Sportage, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, Jaguar F-Pace, Mazda CX-9 and Nissan Armada.

On the truck side, which now consists of just pickups, the four semifinalists are the Ford F-Series Super Duty, Ford F-150 Raptor, Honda Ridgeline and Nissan Titan half-ton.

The winners will be announced Jan. 9, in conjunction with the Detroit auto show.