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Detroit Free Press Announces 2024 Car, Truck, and SUV of the Year

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at 8:54 GMT by Detroit Free Press
      Locale: Michigan, UNITED STATES

Detroit Free Press Crowns its 2024 Car, Truck, and SUV of the Year – A Focus on Design, Technology, and Value

The automotive landscape is constantly evolving, demanding manufacturers to innovate across design, technology, and value. Recognizing these advancements, the Detroit Free Press (Freep) has announced its prestigious "Car, Truck, and SUV of the Year" awards for 2024, celebrating vehicles that exemplify excellence in a fiercely competitive market. This year's winners – the Hyundai Sonata, Ford Maverick, and Kia Telluride – represent distinct approaches to meeting consumer needs while pushing boundaries within their respective segments. The selection process, as detailed by Freep’s automotive critic Mark Phelan, involved rigorous testing and evaluation by a panel of 12 jurors, emphasizing not just performance but also real-world usability and overall appeal.

Hyundai Sonata: Car of the Year – A Bold Blend of Style and Substance

Taking home the coveted "Car of the Year" award is the redesigned Hyundai Sonata. The decision wasn’t taken lightly; Phelan notes that the panel considered a range of compelling contenders, including the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, both long-standing benchmarks in the midsize sedan category. However, the Sonata's striking design – incorporating elements like a sleek "crystal blade" headlight signature (as highlighted in Hyundai's promotional materials) – set it apart. This design choice moves away from the more conservative aesthetics often associated with sedans, appealing to a broader audience seeking visual flair.

Beyond its looks, the Sonata impressed jurors with its advanced technology suite. The available digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system create a modern interior experience, while features like remote smart parking assist (demonstrating Hyundai’s push into autonomous driving capabilities) added significant convenience. Crucially, the Sonata also offers exceptional value for money. While higher trim levels boast premium features, even base models provide a surprisingly generous level of equipment. This combination of design, technology, and affordability ultimately secured its victory. The judges appreciated that the Sonata felt more “premium” than its price point suggested.

Ford Maverick: Truck of the Year – Redefining Compact Pickup Utility

The Ford Maverick earned the "Truck of the Year" title by challenging conventional notions about what a pickup truck can be. Rather than competing directly with full-size behemoths, the Maverick carves out a unique niche as a compact, unibody pickup designed for practicality and affordability. Its hybrid powertrain – standard on most models – prioritizes fuel efficiency, making it an attractive option for urban dwellers and those seeking to minimize their environmental impact. The Maverick’s bed, dubbed the “FlexBed,” is another key differentiator. It's a customizable space featuring slots for DIY organizers and accessories, appealing to a younger, more hands-on demographic (as detailed in Ford's design philosophy).

Phelan emphasizes that the Maverick isn't about towing heavy loads or off-roading extremes. It’s about versatility – hauling lumber from the hardware store, transporting camping gear, or simply providing a practical bed for everyday tasks. This focus on utility and value resonated strongly with the judging panel, especially considering its significantly lower price point compared to traditional trucks. The Maverick's success also highlights Ford’s willingness to experiment with alternative truck configurations and powertrain options, signaling a potential shift in the pickup market.

Kia Telluride: SUV of the Year – Continuing a Reign of Popularity

The Kia Telluride has consistently impressed critics and consumers since its introduction, and its "SUV of the Year" win solidifies its position as a segment leader. While the Telluride hasn’t undergone significant redesigns recently (though updates are expected based on industry speculation), it continues to offer an exceptional blend of style, space, features, and value that remains unmatched by many competitors. The judges were particularly impressed with the Telluride's spacious third-row seating – a critical factor for families needing ample passenger capacity – and its upscale interior design, which belies its relatively accessible price point.

The Telluride’s success isn’t simply about ticking boxes; it’s about creating an experience. Kia has focused on incorporating thoughtful details that enhance the ownership experience, from comfortable seating to user-friendly technology. The vehicle's strong resale value also contributes to its overall appeal and represents a long-term investment for buyers. The continued popularity of the Telluride underscores Kia’s ability to understand and cater to evolving consumer preferences in the SUV market – prioritizing practicality, comfort, and style over sheer size or performance.

Beyond the Winners: Key Trends Emerging from the Awards

These awards highlight several overarching trends shaping the automotive industry. Firstly, design is playing an increasingly important role in vehicle selection, with manufacturers actively seeking to create vehicles that are not only functional but also visually appealing. Secondly, technology continues to be a major differentiator, with advanced features like digital displays, driver-assistance systems, and connected services becoming increasingly commonplace. Finally, value remains paramount for consumers, who are demanding more for their money in an environment of rising vehicle prices. The Freep’s selections demonstrate that vehicles can excel in all three areas, proving that innovation and accessibility don't have to be mutually exclusive. The awards also reinforce the importance of a well-rounded approach – considering not just performance metrics but also real-world usability and overall ownership experience – when evaluating automotive excellence.

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