The jurors for the North American Car of the Year Award have just unveiled their list of eligible vehicles for 2017. This year, for the first time, the list includes a separate category for SUVs. A total of 43 cars, trucks, and SUVs have been selected and the list will be cut down to the semi-finalists in September. The finalists will be voted on in October and the results will be announced in January at Detroit. Although the list of cars has been put together, the organizers say that new cars may be added or dropped.

The list of candidates goes as follows: Cars: Acura NSX, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi A4, Audi R8, Bentley Mulsanne, Buick Cascada, Buick Lacrosse, Cadillac CT6, Chevy Cruze, Chevy Bolt, Fiat 124, Genesis G90, Hyundai Elantra, Infiniti Q60, Jaguar XE, Kia Cadenza, Lincoln Continental, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz S550 Maybach, Mercedes-Benz SL, Mercedes-Benz SLC, Mini Clubman, Mitsubishi Mirage, Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Toyota Prius Prime and Volvo S90. In our opinion, the Volvo S90 deserves to be car of the year. It is the most well-balanced car and should put Volvo back on the map.

SUVs: Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga, Buick Envision, Cadillac XT5, Chrysler Pacifica, GMC Acadia, Infiniti QX30, Kia Sportage, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Jaguar F-Pace, Mazda CX-9 and Nissan Armada. Of the SUV candidates, we would have a tough time choosing between the Audi Q7, Jaguar F-Pace, and the surprisingly excellent Mazda CX-9. Trucks: Ford F-series Super Duty, Ford F-150 Raptor, Honda Ridgeline and Nissan Titan. Like the SUVs, the trucks would be hard to choose between. The Raptor is hard to beat, but the Honda Ridgeline looks like a very practical choice for a lot of buyers.