The 2011 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards recently were announced at the beginning of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The revamped 2011 Ford Explorer was declared the North American Truck of the Year.  For the third year in a row, Ford edged out the competition in the truck category, which this year included the newly redesigned 2011 Dodge Durango and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The new Ford Explorer was first revealed in July and immediately sparked interest with its new driving capabilities, convenience, technology, and intelligent four-wheel drive with the Terrain Management system. The new Explorer is also America’s most fuel-efficient full-size SUV, with a 3.5L V6 engine and a new wind-skipping aerodynamic shape. Ford also is offering 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine on the Explorer, which will help increase the fuel economy even further.

2011 North American Truck of the Year: Ford Explorer

To qualify as “Truck of the Year,” all of the finalists must be either brand new or significantly changed. The winner is chosen by 49 U.S. and Canadian veteran automotive journalists.  The trucks are judged on several factors, including innovation, handling, safety, design, driver satisfaction, and value for the dollar.  In the 18 years since the Truck of the Year award began, Ford has taken home the grand prize a total of seven times.

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