The 2021 CarBuzz People’s Car Award will go to the car that offers the most value for its price. With nominees ranging across brands from Nissan and Kia to Mazda and Ford, CarBuzz is thrilled that the list of finalists includes a truck for the very first time.
People’s Car
In the search for the car that gives buyers the most bang for their buck, a sliding scale is implemented based on the average new vehicle transaction price. This year, the average price rose to over $45k due to the global chip shortages. Nominees for 2021 included:
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Hyundai Elantra
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Honda Civic
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Ford F-150
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Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ
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Nissan Rogue
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Volkswagen ID.4
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Ford Maverick
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Kia K5 GT
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Hyundai Santa Cruz
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Mazda CX-30
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Volkswagen Golf GTI
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Hyundai Kona N
Three finalists were chosen from this extensive list, with all base models starting at around $20k:
2022 Ford Maverick
For the first time since the launch of the CarBuzz Awards, there is a truck amongst the finalists. The Ford Maverick hybrid has a sub-$20k starting price. With excellent fuel economy figures of 42 mpg in the city, it’s affordable to run, too. The lineup also includes a four-cylinder gas model with 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque that allows for a 4,000-pound towing capacity.
The Maverick stands out for its slight size, usable interior, and comprehensive features list. Buyers can get a fully-loaded Maverick for under $45k – and, should the small truck take home the title, it will be the first truck and first Ford to win the award.
2022 Honda Civic
The 11th-generation Civic impressed the experts with clean styling, a vastly improved interior, and the brilliant drive and handling it is so well known for. The Sedan version has a starting price of $21,900 and the Honda Civic Hatchback is just $1,000 more.
The criteria for this category is value for money, and the Civic ticks this box with its premium cabin, spacious hatchback interior, and an available 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. With 180 hp to play with, the peppy motor makes this a pleasure to drive.
2021 Hyundai Elantra
Of the finalists, the Hyundai Elantra offers the most diverse range. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-pot with 147 hp and a sticker price under $20k, while the N Line version costs just over $24k and has 201 hp. If fuel efficiency is what you’re going for, there’s a hybrid model too with an MSRP of $23,550 and an EPA rating of 54 mpg combined.
Test drivers loved its assertive exterior looks, range of engine options, brilliant value for money, and long list of onboard technology.
Nominees are subject to test-drive requirements. Winners will be announced on November 30, 2021. Full article available here: https://carbuzz.com/features/2021-carbuzz-award-finalists-peoples-car.
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