The honour was presented to Hyundai executives on the first day of the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.

“We are extremely pleased to see both versions of our Kona win one of the most prestigious automotive awards on the continent. This win reaffirms the new direction for our product and our constant push to make our vehicles as technologically-advanced and dynamically-capable as possible,” said Don Romano, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.

All eligible vehicles were evaluated based on segment leadership, innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for dollar. Votes by 54 jurors were counted for the selection of the finalists in the car, utility and truck categories. For 2019, the field of semi-finalists included 14 models in the car category, 12 utilities and three trucks.

“The utility class is the most hotly contested of our categories,” said NACTOY Secretary-Treasurer Kirk Bell. “Contenders range from game-changing electrics to mainstream brands that have upped their game to luxury brands that are pushing the envelope. Our winner in this class will face the stiffest competition in the auto industry’s hottest market.”