#VOTY2025: Join Us!

Last year, Toyota took home its second #VOTY for its best-selling mid-size pickup truck – the Tacoma. The stars aligned with the latest generation of this popular vehicle for the #VOTY2024 win, thanks to its inclusion of a hybrid driveline and expansion of its off-road ready offerings with the Trailhunter.

Which brings us to the 19th #VOTY – #VOTY2025! 

To become #VOTY2025, each candidate vehicle receives a full evaluation of the format, metrics, and process is undertaken. These numbers are crunched and are presented to a Nominee List for a panel vote. 

You may find this a bit different than past years. It is because we want to simplify the process and include you – the readers – in the process. 

How will that work? Here is the official format of #VOTY2025…

• The Nominee List will consist of vehicles that were received for a full review in Victory & Reseda and in other publications written by our publisher/lead writer Randy Stern from November 1, 2024 to November 2, 2025. No vehicles driven at events or written as Quickies (unless they have been fully reviewed within the period stated above) are included in the Nominee List. 
• The Nominee List will not include former winners of the #VOTY – unless the vehicle has been significantly changed from the last award.
• The candidates on the Nominee List will go through an evaluation process based on the data from each review. Evaluations go through each review to glean metrics from exterior design, interior space, ergonomics and comfort, driveline and performance, driving dynamics, fuel economy, and pricing. Scores are tabulated from a 1-5 scale – 5 being best – and added up for a total score.
• Additional evaluations are added to the score, based on feedback through social media on each vehicle by the readers. The more feedback a vehicle gets, the better the score – also based on a 1-5 scale. No feedback essentially means that no score is given to the candidate.
• On November 2, 2025, the Nominee List will be announced. 
• At the same time, a Panel of independent media professionals, influencers, and readers/followers will convene to review the list. They will present their choices to V&R.
• The highest overall score becomes #VOTY2025.

One thing to note: You must be in the USA or Canada to participate in our Panel. If you wish to join us on the panel, contact us through the E-Mail Us link at the top right of this website (or dropdown menu on your mobile device).

Here is the timeline for #VOTY2025…

• November 2, 2025: The Nominee List is compiled and announced. The evaluation process concludes. The Panel convenes to review the Nominee List. 
• November 15, 2025: The latest when the Panel will submit their input from the Nominee List. All scores will be compiled. 
• November 16, 2025: #VOTY2025 will be announced on all of our social media channels and on V&R at 10:00 AM ET.

The award will be given out at an auto show (to be announced) in the First Quarter of 2026. Expect a lot of Facebook and Instagram traffic, along with posts on this site, promoting this year’s #VOTY. There is a hashtag to follow: #VOTY2025.

Photos by Victory & Reseda