2024's best cars and trucks reflect automakers' generational shift

The big picture: The winners were chosen from a preliminary list of 52 eligible vehicles, after three rounds of independently verified voting, stemming from hundreds of hours of test driving, research and evaluation.

• Cars are judged on automotive innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, user experience and value.
• Of note: I'm one of 50 automotive journalists on the jury.

Details: The winners were announced Thursday during a joint press conference with the Detroit Area Dealers Association and the Automotive Press Association.

• The redesigned Toyota Prius hybrid (along with the Prius Prime plug-in hybrid version) was named car of the year, beating the electric Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan and gas- or hybrid-powered Honda Accord.
• The Ford Super Duty, used mostly for hauling and towing, beat two Chevrolet truck models: the new Silverado EV and the midsize Colorado.
• Kia's EV9 — the first three-row electric SUV for families — was the best utility of the year, beating the Genesis Electrified G70 and the Hyundai Kona (available in both gas and electric versions).

Joann's thought bubble: All are deserving award winners, even if my choices were different. (That's why we add the votes of all 50 jurors!)

• While I admire the look of the new Prius, I voted for the Ioniq 6 because of its spacious and modern interior and fun-to-drive qualities.
• I also preferred the Colorado over the Super Duty, although I recognize they serve different purposes.
• As for the EV9, it's great — except for the location of the ignition button on the shifter stalk, too close to the steering column. I'm in love with the Electrified G70.
• Here's a summary of the best cars I drove in 2023.