2013 North American Car and Truck of the Year Finalists
The question of what is the best new car to buy comes up rather frequently but with such a subjective question it can be a difficult one to answer. Fortunately the finalists for the North American Car and Truck of the Year award were recently announced, and while we don't yet know which models won best car, best SUV, or best truck of 2012 it does give a nice short list to work off of.
Best Car and Truck of the Year Finalists
Below is the list of finalists for the North American Car and Truck of the year, with SUV's considered in the truck class. While this isn't a list of best MPG cars, it's clear mileage and starting price were big factors.
Model
Starting MSRP
MPG City/Hwy
2013 Cadillac ATS
2013 Ford Fusion
2013 Honda Accord
2013 Ram 1500
2013 Ford C-MAX
2013 Mazda CX-5
$33,990
$21,700
$21,680
$22,590
$25,200
$20,995
22 / 33
22 / 34
24 / 34
14 / 20
47 / 47
26 / 35
First thing that leaps out is how many of these best cars are under $25000 with the Mazda CX-5 hovering right around the SUVs under $20000 mark. Only the Cadillac ATS is far over that mark and as far as luxury class cars go it's sitting in a pretty comfortable spot price wise, a significant nod considering it's the first luxury sport sedan to be a finalist for the NACOTY award.
Predictions for Best Car of the Year
So who will win? While nobody knows good money is on it being one of the best cars under $25000. The ATS gets a nice nomination to be the first luxury sport but the true battle is between the Ford Fusion and Honda Accord. Both are tremendous candidates but we think the 2013 Ford Fusion, who just won Green Car of the Year, will take it.
Speaking of green cars, look at these best cars over 35 mpg. Wait they're SUVs? That doesn't seem right but it is as both the C-Max Hybrid and CX-5 SUV exceeding their sedan bodied competition. However with Mazda's smaller voter presence, and the C-Max getting some recent bad pub the all redesigned Ram 1500 and recent Motortrend Truck of the Year award winner is the easy bet.
We'll find out who the winners are for North American Car and Truck of the Year when its announced at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in January.