The Nissan GT-R and Dodge Ram 1500 have captured top honors from the International Car of the Year Awards.

The 13th annual awards, which are judged by a panel of 16 automotive journalists and presented by Road and Travel Magazine, aim to honor new model year vehicles that "reach beyond power and performance by tapping into lifestyle compatibility."

The Dodge Ram topped the Ford F-150 and Subaru Forester to win the truck segment, while the Nissan GT-R beat out the Dodge Challenger and Ford Flex to win the car portion of the competition.

Calling the GT-R one of the most anticipated sports cars ever, Road and Travel praised both the car's performance and its style.

"The GT-R's styling and functionality, as well as coming equipped with all the latest technologies make this superior speedster soar above its superstar status," the magazine said.

The Dodge Ram earned high marks for being not only being a family-friendly vehicle, but also being one that can be used for heavy-duty work.

"When parents play duel roles so does the family vehicle and the Ram is one truck that can drop the kids off at school then get to work, making it one of the most desirable pickups on the market," the magazine said.

The Honda Accord and Chrysler Town & Country took home top honors in the car and truck categories in 2008.

The magazine also honored Volkswagen Jetta TDI as the Earth, Wind & Power Car of the Year and the Ford Escape Hybrid as the EWP Truck of the Year during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this month. The awards honor the most environmentally-friendly car and truck of the year.