The 2019 Ford Ranger FX2 Package
Photo: Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company has a fairly decent shot of coming out of the upcoming North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year awards with some hardware. The 2020 NACTOY finalists were announced on Wednesday; the all-new Ford Ranger finds itself in the running for Truck of the Year, and the new Lincoln Aviator is among the finalists for Utility Vehicle of the Year.
Both vehicles will be up against mighty stiff competition. The Ranger squares off with the Jeep Gladiator and Ram Heavy Duty, and the Aviator has to face down the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade. But both also overcame stiff competition to get to the finals in the first place: The current field of nine was selected from 29 semifinalists.
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The 2020 Lincoln Aviator has a strong chance at taking home the top prize if only because of its Aviator Grand Touring variant. Boasting an advanced hybrid powertrain and standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, the Aviator Grand Touring is a performance dynamo that delivers 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft od torque. The Aviator is also available with cutting-edge features like Phone As A Key, Active Park Assist Plus, and a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system.
2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring
Photo: Lincoln Motor Company
“Competition in the red-hot utility category is especially tough, with entries from a variety of mainstream and luxury classes, including a strong set of three-row crossovers and a new electric SUV,” said NACTOY Secretary/Treasurer Kirk Bell. “We look forward to seeing which vehicle our jurors think is best for buyers.”
Working in favor of the all-new Ranger is its best-in-class gas torque and best-in-class payload, not to mention impressive gas efficiency and an available FX4 Off-Road Package that includes Trail Control™ and Terrain Management System™ technologies.
“Trucks continue to be the backbone of the North American auto industry, both in terms of sales numbers and profits,” NACTOY Vice President Chris Paukert said. “This year we have a particularly diverse slate of competitors, from heavy-duty, full-size work trucks to play-hard midsize offerings for weekend warriors. It’s a great year to be a truck buyer.”
The winners of the 2020 NACTOY awards will be announced on Jan. 13, 2020, in Detroit.
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