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NACTOY’s “Best of 2025” list was an award nominee field, not a ranked list of the 25 best vehicles for every buyer. It covered 10 cars, five trucks and 10 SUVs competing for the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards. The eventual winners were the Honda Civic Hybrid, Ford Ranger and Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
What NACTOY’s “25 best” list actually meant
The headline referred to vehicles selected as contenders for NACTOY’s 2025 model-year awards. Henry Payne’s September 14, 2024 article reported that 25 vehicles advanced from 56 eligible vehicles. The nominees were grouped by category; they were not placed in a first-to-25th ranking, and inclusion did not mean that every model was the right choice for every shopper.
The list reflected a broad mix of vehicle types and powertrains. NACTOY’s later description of its judging process names innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, user experience and value among the criteria. Those considerations inform an award, but they cannot replace a buyer’s own assessment of budget, location, driving needs, charging access and preferences.
The 25 Best of 2025 nominees
These are the models named in Payne’s September 2024 report, arranged by award category rather than ranked order.
#1 Best Overall
- Officially Licensed Replica – Authentic styling and branding from the original manufacturer
- Die-Cast Metal Construction – Durable metal body with detailed plastic components
- Highly Detailed Design – Realistic exterior styling and interior details
- Free-Rolling Wheels – Smooth movement for display or play
- Perfect for Collectors & Kids – Great gift for automotive fans
Cars: 10 nominees
- BMW 3 Series
- BMW M5
- Cadillac Celestiq
- Dodge Charger EV
- Fiat 500e
- Honda Civic Hybrid
- Kia K4
- Mercedes-AMG E Class
- Porsche Panamera
- Toyota Camry
Trucks: 5 nominees
- Ford Ranger
- GMC Sierra EV
- Ram 1500
- Rivian R1T
- Toyota Tacoma
SUVs: 10 nominees
- Chevrolet Equinox EV
- Honda Prologue
- Volvo EX90
- Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Jeep Wagoneer S
- Lincoln Nautilus
- Porsche Macan EV
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Who won the 2025 awards?
NACTOY’s official results name three category winners. These are outcomes announced after the nominee field was published, not a ranking contained in the original September 2024 article.
| Category | 2025 winner | Other finalists |
|---|---|---|
| Car | Honda Civic Hybrid | Kia K4; Toyota Camry |
| Truck | Ford Ranger | Ram 1500; Toyota Tacoma |
| Utility vehicle | Volkswagen ID. Buzz | Chevrolet Equinox EV; Hyundai Santa Fe |
How to read the historical price estimates
Payne’s 2024 article estimated an average base price of about $66,000 across the 25 nominees, with estimates ranging from about $23,000 for the Kia K4 to about $340,000 for the Cadillac Celestiq. These are article-era estimates, not current prices, dealer offers or verified 2026 pricing. They also show why an average across this particular field says little about what a typical buyer should spend: the nominees span very different vehicle classes and price tiers.
Rank #2
- RED BULL CAR – LEGO Speed Champions Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20 F1 Race Car buildable model for Red Bull and Formula 1 fans
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS – This F1 race car features design details from the real-life 2024 version, including a rear wing, halo bar, and wider rear tires imprinted with “Pirelli”
- F1 MINIFIGURE – The vehicle kit includes an F1 driver minifigure wearing a Red Bull outfit and a winged helmet to place inside the F1 race car’s cockpit
- FAMILY F1 FUN – Race for the checkered flag alongside the whole family with other building sets (sold separately) in the LEGO F1 range
- RACE CAR DISPLAY MODEL – After you’ve enjoyed a rewarding building experience, this Red Bull F1 car can be proudly displayed at home or in the office
What the awards can—and cannot—tell a shopper
A finalist or winner is a useful starting point for identifying vehicles that stood out to NACTOY’s jurors, not a substitute for comparing vehicles against your own priorities. For a purchase decision, compare candidates in the same body-type and price range, then weigh the criteria that matter to you: safety, performance, technology, ease of use, driving experience, ownership costs and value. For an EV, charging access and the way you drive are also practical considerations.
A model name on a 2024 nominee list does not establish that the same configuration is still available or unchanged. Check current manufacturer and dealer information for the specific model year, trim, equipment and local availability you are considering.
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- AUTHENTIC F1 RACING COLLECTION – Bring home the high-speed trackside excitement with the Ultimate Formula 1 Collector's Pack. Live the F1 dream
- BUILD. RACE. DISPLAY. – This collectible LEGO car kit brings F1 to life like never before. Cheer on your favorite teams and show off your winning collection
- GREAT MODEL CAR GIFT – The perfect way to build together and race together. A thrilling experience for the whole family
- INCLUDES LIMITED-EDITION POSTER - Exclusive poster features all 10 iconic F1 teams, a visual reminder of your love for the sport
- FEATURES 10 SOUGHT-AFTER SETS – Includes Ferrari SF-24 (77242), Red Bull RB20 (77243), Mercedes-AMG W15 (77244), Aston Martin AMR24 (77245), Visa Cash App ("VCARB") RB01 (77246) Kick Sauber C44 (77247), Alpine A524 (77249), Haas WF-24 (77250), and McLaren MCL38 (77251). 2601 pieces in total
How the award field has changed since 2025
NACTOY’s official site reports the 2026 winners as the Dodge Charger (car), Ford Maverick Lobo (truck) and Hyundai Palisade (utility vehicle). In its September 15, 2026 announcement, the organization said 25 of 56 eligible vehicles advanced to the Best of 2027 field: five cars, four trucks and 16 utility vehicles. That is a separate, later award cycle and should not be confused with the 2025 nominee list above.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Ferrari Die-Cast Race Vehicle in 1/43 scale
- Authentic Race Car and Driver's Helmet Details
- Acrylic Box with Decorative Sleeve
- 2025 Season Car
Rank #4
- 1/24 scale measuring 8.5 x 3 x 3 inches
- Made of Diecast Metal with plastic parts and rubber tires
- Openable front doors and lift gate
- Pre-built model, not a Remote Car, not a building kit
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
