A total of 54 of the possible 57 member journalists from the United States and Canada have chosen the "Short List" of finalists for the 2016 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year awards. Each juror voted for as many as 15 cars in each of the two categories. The NACTOY awards, as they are called, are now in their 23rd year.

WATCH: Cramming A $4.5MM Lamborghini Veneno Into A Transport Truck: Video

To be eligible, a vehicle must be new or substantially changed. The vehicles must also be popular sellers, which means many niche products like those from the exotic brands are ruled out. Last year’s winners were the Volkswagen Golf and Ford F-150.

Many of the member journalists will assemble at the Hell Creek Ranch, in Hell, Michigan, from October 13 to 15 to drive most or all of the finalists. A finalist list of three contenders in each category will be determined in December, a final vote will take place, and the winners will be announced at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 12th.

CHECK OUT: 2016 World Car Of The Year Nominees Announced

The winners will come from the following lists.

2016 North American Car of the Year Short List

BMW 7-Series
Cadillac CT6
Chevrolet Camaro
Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Volt
Honda Civic
Kia Optima
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Nissan Maxima
Toyota Prius

North American Truck/Utility of the Year Short List

Ford Edge
Honda HR-V
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Tucson
Jeep Renegade
Kia Sorento
Lexus RX
Mazda CX-3
Nissan Titan XD
Tesla Model X
Toyota Tacoma
Volvo XC90

_______________________________________

Follow Motor Authority on Facebook and Twitter.