Audi A6 and Q9 Make the Cut for 2027 North American Car of the Year Honors

[Source: North American Car & Truck of the Year]

Audi’s newest models are already getting some serious attention. The Audi A6 and Q9 have advanced to the next stage of the prestigious 2027 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards, giving the brand a contender in two of the competition’s three categories.

The A6 is competing for 2027 North American Car of the Year, while the Q9 is in the running for North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. That’s particularly impressive for the A6, which is one of only five vehicles remaining in the car category.

The Competition

The competition began with 56 eligible vehicles before 46 NACTOY jurors narrowed the field to 25 contenders across the car, truck, and utility categories. The independent jury consists of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. For Audi, the timing couldn’t be much better.

The new A6 represents an important piece of the brand’s rapidly evolving lineup. Audi has been rolling out an extensive collection of redesigned and new models, and having the A6 recognized this early suggests the company’s latest generation of products is making an impression.

The Q9 may be even more significant. Audi’s new flagship SUV finally gives the company an entry above the Q7, filling a conspicuous hole in a lineup competing against luxury brands that have offered larger three-row SUVs for years. It faces considerably more competition in the utility category, however, with 16 vehicles still in contention.

Next Steps

Of course, making this list is a long way from taking home the trophy. The field will be narrowed again when NACTOY announces its finalists on November 19. Winners in all three categories are scheduled to be revealed on January 14.

Still, getting two vehicles this far gives Audi enthusiasts something to watch. The A6 and Q9 represent very different parts of Audi’s lineup, but both are important products for the brand’s future. Now we’ll find out whether either can turn that early recognition into some new hardware for Audi’s trophy case.