2027 Chevy Bolt Advances in North American Utility Vehicle Awards

The 2027 Chevy Bolt has advanced to the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year competition, earning a place among 16 utility vehicles selected for the 2027 awards.

The returning electric crossover was chosen from an initial field of 56 new or substantially updated vehicles evaluated by 46 independent automotive journalists.

Bolt joins a diverse utility vehicle field

The North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year jury, known as NACTOY, announced its Best of 2027 selections on September 15. The Bolt is competing alongside vehicles including the BMW iX3, Kia EV3, Rivian R2, Volvo EX60, Jeep Recon and Toyota Highlander.

Utility vehicles make up the largest portion of the competition, which also includes five cars and four trucks. The overall field covers gasoline, hybrid, range-extended electric and fully electric powertrains, according to GM Authority.

Jeff Gilbert, NACTOY president and WWJ Newsradio 950 auto reporter, said the range of vehicles reflects changes across the automotive industry.

Jurors began with 56 eligible vehicles before narrowing the field to 25 vehicles across the three categories. The Bolt’s advancement puts it into the next stage of evaluation, but it does not guarantee a spot among the finalists.

Jurors will test contenders in Michigan

NACTOY jurors will put the vehicles through back-to-back testing sessions during the organization’s annual Ride & Drive event in Michigan in October. The evaluations will consider factors including innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, user experience and value.

The organization plans to narrow each category to three finalists, with those selections scheduled to be announced November 19 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The winners of the 2027 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards are scheduled to be announced January 14 at the Detroit Auto Show.

For the Bolt, the nomination provides an early opportunity to gain recognition during the 2027 automotive award season as Chevrolet’s electric crossover moves through the NACTOY evaluation process.

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