Car, truck of the year finalists selected Fuel efficiency, electric cars rule

Fuel efficiency and new electric car technology helped several cars and trucks battle their way into the finalist ring for North American Car and Truck of the Year -- a highly anticipated award in the auto industry.

The finalists were announced Thursday at an event hosted by the Automotive Press Association. For Car of the Year: Chevrolet Volt, Hyundai Sonata and Nissan Leaf. For Truck of the Year: Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The North American Car and Truck of the Year awards are given by a jury of 49 veteran automotive journalists from Canada and the U.S. The winners will be announced on Jan. 10 at the Detroit auto show. Here is a closer look:

Chevrolet Volt: After nearly four years of anticipation, Chevrolet's extended-range electric car has arrived. It travels 25-50 miles on an electric charge before switching over to a gas generator. Price: $41,000 (before tax credits of up to $7,500). Mileage: EPA rated 35 miles per charge and then 37 m.p.g.

Hyundai Sonata: Introduced in February, the Sonata is hailed for its fuel efficiency and its affordability. Price: $19,915. Mileage: 22 m.p.g. city/ 35 m.p.g. highway for Sonata powered by a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder automatic. A hybrid version goes on sale in January and is expected to get 35 m.p.g. city/40 m.p.g. highway.

Nissan Leaf: The Leaf -- a battery-powered compact car that must be recharged after it travels 80 to 110 miles -- is part of Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn's vision to leap-frog rivals with zero-emission technology. Price: $32,780 (before tax credits of up to $7,500). Mileage: EPA rated 73 miles.

Dodge Durango: Built on a unibody platform rather than an SUV's traditional body-on-frame platform, the stout truck tows 6,200 pounds with a V6 engine and 7,200 pounds with a V8.

Price: $29,195. Mileage: 16 m.p.g. city/ 23 m.p.g. highway

Ford Explorer: Aimed at families who like weekend adventures, the redesigned Ford Explorer is more aerodynamic than the old SUV.

Price: $28,190. Mileage: 17 m.p.g. city/ 25 m.p.g. highway

Jeep Grand Cherokee: Critics praise the redesigned Jeep for its improved interior and off-road capability.

Price: $30,215. Mileage: 16 m.p.g. city/ 23 m.p.g. highway