2022 North American Car, Truck, Utility of the Year semifinalists named

The 2022 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year semifinalists were announced Tuesday at the inaugural Motor Bella at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac.

The vehicles were chosen by a jury of 50 U.S. and Canadian automotive journalists from a list of 36. Free Press auto critic Mark Phelan is on the jury. 

There are now eight cars, six trucks and nine utility vehicles seeking top honors. 

“This year’s group of semifinalists includes some of the most interesting and innovative cars, trucks and utility vehicle candidates in recent memory, and a larger number of new trucks than we’ve seen in many years,”  Gary Witzenburg, NACTOY president, said in a news release. “And it features more electric vehicles than we’ve ever seen, all of which our jurors will continue to test and evaluate prior to our next vote.”

A comparison drive will take place Oct. 18-21, and the finalists will be announced Nov. 17 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The winners will be announced In January  at a Detroit Auto Dealers Association event in Detroit.

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