Toyota is a brand all about reliability, fuel efficiency, and innovation. It's why, for over two decades, the Prius/Prius Prime has been a favorite worldwide. The auto industry showers the model with accolades, while shoppers continually make it one of the most popular Toyota models. Due to its high quality, the Prius/Prius Prime earned the prestigious North American Car of the Year award.
What is the North American Car of the Year Award?
Each year, the Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA) and the Automotive Press Association (APA) co-host this awards show. This award, or NACTOY, is designed to recognize the most outstanding new vehicles in their segments.
A larger panel of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada is assembled to determine a winner. These individuals look at over a half dozen criteria from innovation, design, safety, etc. The awards are unique because no singular publication, website, radio, or television station determines the winner.
Why the Prius Won
Throughout the judging process, journalists kept circling back to the Prius/Prius Prime. Ultimately, it was the models' appearance and fuel economy that helped it win.
One of the journalists judging the event, Matt DeLorenzo, gave his thoughts on the model. He said, "The Toyota Prius and Prius Prime are not just handsomely styled hatchbacks - they represent the future of the automobile." "Of particular note is the plug-in version, which offers more than 40 miles of pure electric range, allowing most owners to skip regular gas station visits."
After winning, Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, said, "The unique combination of sexy styling and industry-leading efficiency put Prius in a league all its own." He continued, "After nearly 25 years, Prius continues to leave its mark on the world…"
Toyota Contineus to Innovate
During the 23/24 award season, 17 awards were handed out to the Prius/Prius Prime. The model continues to impress at every turn, and we can't wait to see what the future holds.
