Since the dawn of the automobile industry, cars have captured people’s imaginations and dominated the award circuits. This set of 22 cars, SUVs, and trucks has impressed critics and enthusiasts across the board based on their innovative designs, groundbreaking technology, and more.
Toyota Camry (1982)
The Toyota Camry, which entered the market in 1982, has been an award-winning car for years due to its reliability and versatility. Akihiro Wada designed the early versions of the Camry that were powered by a 2.0L inline-four engine with 92 horsepower. Through the years, it evolved into a high-tech family sedan. Today, premium materials and a 9-inch infotainment screen are available with Toyota Safety Sense. It takes 5.8 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. The Camry is the epitome of practical excellence that prevails to this day.
Honda Accord (1976)
The Honda Accord was first launched in 1976 by Nobuhiko Kawamoto. Innovative features and excellent quality made it an overnight bestseller. From the 1.6L inline-fours of the earlier models to turbocharged powertrains producing 252 horsepower, the cabin offers ample legroom, advanced driver assistance, and a clean design. Its 0 to 60 mph acceleration now is 5.5 seconds, and it’s one of the class leaders.
Ford F-150 (1948)
The Ford F-150 is an icon of American strength and ingenuity, first released in 1948. This team, led by George Walker, designed the powertrains with V6 engines through hybrid options, which were modern variants that produced up to 450 horsepower. It features massaging leather seats, a 12-inch touchscreen, and a digital instrument cluster for drivers and workers. It can hit 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds in Raptor trim, making this car multi-award-winning and super powerful.
BMW 3 Series (1975)
Launched in 1975, the BMW 3 Series was penned by Paul Bracq and has been continually setting benchmarks for sports sedans. With engines such as a turbocharged inline-six that brings 382 horsepower, performance is thrilling, bringing 0-60 mph times as quick as 4.1 seconds. The interior features advanced tech, luxurious leather upholstery, and driver-centric controls. That balance of performance and luxury has won it many accolades.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (1972)
Since 1972, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Friedrich Geiger’s design have remained the benchmark of luxury. Inline-six units have evolved to twin-turbo V8s. The latest S-Class models achieve 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Features include reclining rear seats, ambient lighting, and the MBUX infotainment system. The S-Class is the benchmark for premium vehicles in comfort, technology, and safety.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (1993)
The Jeep Grand Cherokee was launched in 1993, and Larry Shinoda designed it. It has revolutionized the SUV segment because of its rugged performance and luxury. The powertrains include a 5.7L V8 with 360 horsepower. The latest models have quilted leather seats, a 10.1-inch Uconnect infotainment system, and a panoramic sunroof. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, balancing adventure and elegance, and has won the car several awards.
Volkswagen Golf (1974)
Volkswagen Golf, from 1974, is a bestseller in most countries for its practicality, coupled with spirited performance. Engines range from economical 1.0L turbocharged to high-performance 2.0L units in GTI. Its interior is functional and married with refinements like heated seats, an 8-inch infotainment system, and digital cockpit displays. The 0 to 60 mph can be as low as 5.1 seconds with the Golf R in this award-winning hatchback that continues to set standards.
Subaru Outback (1994)
The Subaru Outback, designed by Olivier Lo in 1994, defined a new category for combining station wagon practicality and SUV capability. Power from a 2.4L turbocharged flat-four that pumps 260 horsepower propels the car from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Water-resistant upholstery inside adds upscale touches, plus there is an 11.6-inch touchscreen. This versatility and dependability have made the Outback win some awards for years.
Tesla Model S (2012)
The Tesla Model S, designed by Franz von Holzhausen in 2012, was the first luxury sedan completely electric, and it can change the car market forever. It features all-wheel-drive dual motors with an incredible 1,020 horsepower output and 0 to 60 mph acceleration within 1.99 seconds. The minimalist interior features a 17-inch touchscreen, vegan leather seating, and a yoke-style steering wheel. It has received numerous awards for innovation and performance, making it a robust pillar of EV excellence.
Chevrolet Corvette (1953)
Engineered by Harley Earl in 1953, the Chevrolet Corvette proved to be America’s sportiest icon. These new Corvettes, including the present C8, have 495 horsepower and a time of 0 to 60 mph in under 2.8 seconds. The interior space includes a focused cockpit of leather upholstery and an eight-inch screen. This sports car offers performance and design features and embodies the American dream on wheels.
Honda Civic (1972)
Introduced by Hiroshi Kizawa in 1972, this car has become synonymous with affordability, efficiency, and reliability. The latest models have turbocharged 1.5L engines, producing 180 horsepower. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. The interior features an ergonomic cabin featuring a 9-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, and a wide range of advanced safety features. Thus, the long list of awards makes the Civic the preferred choice for drivers around the globe.
Ford Mustang (1964)
The Ford Mustang was first introduced in 1964 by John Najjar. It quickly became one of the most popular automobiles. It features thrilling performance and currently offers engines like a 5.0L V8 that delivers 480 horsepower. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Some modern interior upgrades include a 12-inch digital cluster leather seat and a premium B&O sound system. Many awards prove the continuous appeal and performance.
Toyota RAV4 (1994)
Launched in 1994, the Toyota RAV4 was conceptualized by Masakatsu Nonaka as the world’s first compact crossover SUV that combines car-like comfort with SUV practicality. It is available with a 2.0L inline-four engine that makes 120 horsepower, and the latest variants include hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. Soft-touch materials adorn the interior, a 10.5-inch infotainment system, and enhanced safety features through Toyota Safety Sense. In the RAV4 Prime, this super-multi-award-winning crossover crosses 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds to keep its grip on the segment.
Mazda MX-5 Miata (1989)
The Mazda MX-5 Miata was introduced by Tom Matano in 1989 and was an overnight hit among sports car enthusiasts. This car has a lightweight 1.6L inline-four engine. The Miata currently is powered by a 2.0L Skyactiv-G engine that produces 181 horsepower. Its design has passed the test of time, as it has a closed, streamlined body and an opening and closing roof. The car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
Porsche 911 (1964)
Porsche 911, launched in 1964 by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, is the perfect sports car. Although the 2.0L flat-six engine is its early variant, newer variants like the Turbo S sport 640 horses, making the 0 to 60 mph time a mere 2.6 seconds. The eternal design, premium leather upholstery, and the latest technologies in Porsche Communication Management keep the vehicle at the top of the best-of-breed class. Very few cars have managed to garner as many accolades or stir the hearts of enthusiasts as has been done by the 911.
Chevrolet Silverado (1999)
The Chevrolet Silverado has been in the market since 1999, with Wayne Cherry’s team of GM designing a strong, versatile full-size truck. It is equipped with a range of engines, including the 6.2L V8 that churns out 420 horsepower to push it from 0 to 60 mph in only 5.4 seconds, depending on the configuration. The interior features plush leather seating, a 13.4-inch touchscreen, and storage innovations. Durability, performance, and practicality make this multi-award-winning workhorse.
Hyundai Sonata (1985)
Hyundai developed the Hyundai Sonata on-house in 1985 and dominated the middle-size market since then. The latest engine models come as a 1.6L turbo with hybrid models. Hyundai incorporates ambient lights and offers a panoramic sunroof paired with a 10.3-inch infotainment screen. The acceleration performance of turbo models at an average rate of around 6.2 seconds over 0 to 60mph has been excellent. Sonata has won accolades worldwide for its stylish, valuable, innovative cars.
BMW X5 (1999)
The BMW X5, penned by Chris Bangle in 1999, revolutionized the luxury SUV market. The range of engines is extensive, from the twin-turbo V8 to 523 horsepower, making it possible to accelerate to 60 mph in as little as 4.1 seconds. Interior features include fine leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital cluster, and ambient lighting. With many accolades for its performance and luxury, the X5 remains a top-tier choice for discerning buyers.
Nissan Leaf (2010)
The Nissan Leaf is one of the first mass-market electric vehicles, designed by Shiro Nakamura in 2010. It is fitted with the latest electric motor that produces 214 horsepower, allowing a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.9 seconds. The Leaf is also equipped with eco-friendly materials and features a digital display, apart from its 9-inch touchscreen. The pioneer car in the EV market has won numerous awards for its sustainability and innovation in sales.
Dodge Ram 1500 (1981)
The Dodge Ram 1500, introduced by Philip E. Payne in 1981, has become iconic for power and comfort, especially in the truck range. Modern versions have a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine that produces a whopping 395 horsepower and completes 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. The premium leather seats, 12-inch infotainment systems, and storage space offer a comfortable cabin. That is why it has collected many truck-of-the-year awards for its rugged capability and luxurious features.
Audi A6 (1994)
The Audi A6, which Peter Schreyer designed and came out with back in 1994, is class and sophistication personified. It even comes with advanced technology. The turbocharged V6 is good for 335 horsepower and can take it from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Inside is a luxury mixed with premium woodwork, leather seats, and a high-class dual-screen MMI system. This is why, despite its opulence, it is one of the luxury sedans in high demand by many people.
Range Rover (1970)
Charles Spencer King pioneered the first luxury SUV to enter the market, the Range Rover. Starting as a 3.5L V8, today, the Range Rover offers an option of the 5.0L supercharged V8, putting out 557 horsepower. The SVAutobiography model comes off the mark at 4.3 seconds in 0 to 60 mph, which brings unmatched luxury with its off-road capability. Its plush interior has reclining rear seats, a Meridian sound system, and high-quality finishes, so it’s no surprise that it is a multi-award-winning icon.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
Electric vehicles are no longer a luxury for the elite—they’re a smart investment for the everyday driver. With manufacturers stepping up to the plate, affordable EVs now deliver on reliability, range, and modern comforts. Here’s a look at 18 economical electric cars engineered to outlast their payment plans.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
