Electric Cars

The North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) Awards have announced their impressive roster of 30 semifinalists for 2025, meticulously chosen by a panel of 50 esteemed journalists from both the United States and Canada. This initial screening significantly reduces a vast pool of nearly 100 eligible new or substantially updated vehicles launched this year. The selected contenders represent a broad spectrum of automotive innovation, spanning from traditional gasoline-powered models to cutting-edge electric vehicles, reflecting the evolving landscape of the industry. These awards, now in their 32nd year, continue to highlight excellence in vehicle design, performance, and overall market impact.

NACTOY Awards Announce Diverse Semifinalists for 2025 Titles, Setting Stage for January 2026 Finale

On a recent Wednesday, the prestigious North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year (NACTOY) Awards committee, a panel of 50 leading automotive journalists from the U.S. and Canada, unveiled its list of 30 semifinalists for the 2025 honors. This selection marks a pivotal moment in the annual competition, as it narrows down a field of nearly 100 new or significantly revamped vehicles introduced this year. The semifinalist pool comprises six passenger cars, five trucks, and 19 utility vehicles, demonstrating a rich diversity in vehicle types and propulsion systems. Jeff Gilbert, President of NACTOY and a prominent Detroit radio journalist, highlighted the varied nature of this year's contenders, noting the presence of numerous electric vehicles alongside robust models like the Ram 2500 and compact cars such as the Nissan Sentra. This variety, he explained, offers consumers an abundance of choices and presents a challenging task for the jurors. The NACTOY awards, celebrating their 32nd anniversary, have adapted significantly over time. Initially featuring a single \"Car-of-the-Year\" category, a separate truck award was later introduced. A decade ago, recognizing the burgeoning popularity of SUVs and crossovers, a utility vehicle category was added. Gilbert also mentioned that while jurors once considered a dedicated category for electric vehicles, it's no longer necessary as EVs and hybrids have become mainstream, competing directly with other powertrain options. The next phase of the evaluation will involve a four-day series of road tests next month in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where jurors will rigorously assess the vehicles. Following these tests, the list will be further refined to three finalists in each category, with the announcement slated for late November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The ultimate winners will be revealed on January 14, 2026, during a ceremony preceding the annual Detroit Auto Show.

This announcement from NACTOY offers a compelling snapshot of the current automotive landscape, emphasizing the industry's rapid evolution towards electrification while still catering to a broad spectrum of consumer preferences. The rigorous selection process, involving seasoned journalists, underscores the credibility and importance of these awards in guiding consumer choices. The inclusion of both traditional and electric powertrains across all categories signals a new era where all vehicles are judged on a level playing field, irrespective of their energy source. For both manufacturers and buyers, these awards provide invaluable insights into innovation and excellence, shaping future trends and influencing purchasing decisions in a highly competitive market.

Fueling the Nation: Washington's New Reign in Gas Prices

A New Leader in Fuel Costs: Washington State Edges Out California

For many years, California held the notorious distinction of having the most expensive gasoline in the United States. However, recent data from September 17, 2025, reveals a significant change. Washington state has now taken the lead, with an average fuel price of $4.657 per gallon. California is a very close second, with its average price recorded at $4.656 per gallon. This shift marks an important development for consumers and the economy, as fuel prices continue to be a major concern for households nationwide.

The Rising Tide: National and State-Specific Price Trends

The national average for gasoline prices currently stands at $3.200 per gallon, a stark increase from the under $2.00 average observed during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Washington's average price is a substantial $1.457 higher than this national figure, indicating a disproportionate impact on its residents. This rise in prices is a nationwide phenomenon, but certain states, particularly on the West Coast, are experiencing more severe increases.

Local Variances: Price Disparities Within Washington

Even within Washington state, there are considerable differences in fuel costs. San Juan County reports the highest prices, averaging $4.979 per gallon. King County, which includes major urban centers like Seattle, is not far behind, with an average of $4.881 per gallon. This geographical disparity means that not all residents within the state are affected equally by the overall high prices. Interestingly, only one county, Asotin in southeastern Washington, maintains an average price below $4.00, at $3.982 per gallon, offering a slight reprieve for some.

Examining the Top Five Most Costly Counties in Washington

A closer look at Washington's most expensive counties for gasoline reveals a cluster of areas where residents face particularly high fuel expenses. Leading this list is San Juan County at an astonishing $5.419 per gallon. Following are Pacific County ($4.979), King County ($4.881), Columbia County ($4.873), and Jefferson County ($4.876). These figures underscore the localized nature of high fuel costs and the varying economic pressures on different communities.

Beyond the West Coast: Other States Grappling with High Fuel Costs

While Washington and California lead the charge, other states are also contending with elevated gas prices exceeding $4.00 per gallon. Hawaii reports an average of $4.475 per gallon, and Oregon averages $4.279 per gallon. Nearby states like Nevada ($3.925), Arizona ($3.580), Idaho ($3.536), and Utah ($3.396) are currently below the $4.00 mark but are still experiencing prices well above the national average, indicating a broader trend of increasing fuel expenses across the western United States.

The Nation's Priciest Pumping: A Ranking of Top States

As of September 17, 2025, the five states with the highest average gas prices illustrate the current economic landscape of fuel consumption. Washington tops the list at $4.657 per gallon, closely followed by California at $4.656. Hawaii holds the third position with $4.475, Oregon is fourth at $4.279, and Nevada rounds out the top five at $3.925. This ranking highlights the concentrated impact of high fuel costs in the western states, reflecting a complex interplay of taxes, distribution costs, and market dynamics.