2013 North American Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year Short List Announced
Finalists for this year’s North American Truck/Utility Vehicle of the Year award were announced today — a combination that leaves little space for chunky workhorses from the Detroit 3.
Reinforcing that point, the short list is as follows: the RAM 1500, Ford C-Max and Mazda CX-5.
RAM already took accolades for its half-ton by snagging the Truck of Texas award, but it could be up for another big honor this year if it becomes the North American Truck of the Year. The Lone Star State took a shine to te pickup in part for integrating fuel saving technology like an active shutter grille.
Meanwhile, the sporty Mazda CX-5 is the fun-to-drive contestant on this year’s short list. It uses the brand’s 2.0-liter SkyActiv engine for 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque, although a version powered by a 2.5-liter version of the engine is coming soon.
SEE ALSO: 2013 Mazda CX-5 Review
Fianlly, the Ford C-Max is the blue oval brand’s stab at entering the fuel efficient market largely dominated by Toyota’s Prius family and others like the Chevrolet Volt. Buyers can choose to buy it as either a hybrid or as a plug-in hybrid as the C-Max Energi.
SEE ALSO: 2013 Ford C-Max Energi Review
With files from Craig Cole
Luke is an energetic automotive journalist who spends his time covering industry news and crawling the internet for the latest breaking story. When he isn't in the office, Luke can be found obsessively browsing used car listings, drinking scotch at his favorite bar and dreaming of what to drive next, though the list grows a lot faster than his bank account. He's always on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> looking for a good car conversation. Find Luke on <A title="@lukevandezande on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/lukevandezande">Twitter</A> and <A title="Luke on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/112531385961538774338?rel=author">Google+</A>.
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