The award for the 2018 car of the year went to the Honda Accord, the Lincoln Navigator was named truck of the year, and the Volvo XC60 won utility of the year at the North American International Auto Show on Monday.
Larger than models from previous years, the Accord edged out the Toyota Camry and the Kia Stinger for the honor presented in Detroit. The Accord is powered by a choice of two distinct four-cylinder turbocharged engines and comes in high-performance and hybrid versions.
"Honda seems to have executed some sort of magic trick—not only is this 10th-generation Accord far sleeker and more decisively styled than its predecessor, it's somehow roomier inside, too," said Chris Paukert, managing editor of CNET's Roadshow and one of nearly 60 automotive journalists on a jury that voted on the awards.
Hey folks,
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If you need a link to winners release, it is here, on our web site:https://t.co/7klP7VgBTh#NAIAS
Winners are: Honda Accord, Volvo XC60 and Lincoln Navigator
Thanks to the Accord, Honda won awards for three years straight. The Honda Ridgeline was crowned truck of the year last year, and the Honda Civic won car of the year in 2016.
The Lincoln Navigator was completely re-engineered for the first time in the model's history. Its body is about 200 pounds lighter because it is built mostly from aluminum, improving its fuel economy.
Juror Ron Sessions of the New York Daily News said, the 2018 Navigator "received a more dramatic update than its Ford Expedition sibling and its impact for the brand will be stronger as a result."
The Volvo XC60 is the latest model the car company has constructed using its new four-cylinder-only concept. It includes numerous safety features including a steering assistance system designed to help mitigate head-on collisions.
"Like the XC90, the XC60 offers Volvo's distinct brand of luxury and it may even be more appealing than its bigger brother," said juror Kirk Bell, a freelance automobile writer. "The ride is exemplary, and when smartly equipped, it is a fine value."
The awards, on their 24th year, are handed out based on innovation, design, value, driver satisfaction and safety.
