Henry Payne picks the Detroit News Vehicle of the Year

Including $1,000 and $2,500 deposits, this RWD, 310-mile range Tesla Model 3 purchased by Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne cost $57,500. He'll get $7,500 of that back on his taxes through a federal tax credit for electric vehicles.

The Tesla Model 3 is almost entirely controlled via its 15-inch touchscreen — making it an iPhone on wheels with a unique automotive operating system.

Self-driving Auto Pilot comes as an option of the Tesla Model 3. Push the steering wheel button on the northwest corner of the display, it turns blue, and the car takes over.

Set a destination via the Tesal nav, and the Model 3 screen plots the range to any Tesla supercharger in the country.

Charging for the Tesla Model 3 can be set automatically. It can also be controlled remotely via a phone app.

The Tesla Model 3 is the hottest-selling sedan in the luxury market. Sales are projected to exceed 130,000 in 2018, nearly double those of its next closest competitor.

Without an engine in front, the electric Tesla Model 3 features a "frunk" for added storage.

First runner-up for The Detroit News Vehicle of the Year is the Corvette ZR1.

The wing's the thing. On Road Atlanta race track, the 755-horse Corvette ZR1 impresses with raw speed and nimble handling.

A ferocious monster on the outside, the Corvette ZR1 offers luxurious living on the inside with leather seats, Wi-Fi, smartphone connectivity and other swish amenities. It comes in red, too.

The optional high wing on the Corvette ZR1 helps produce nearly 1,000 pounds of downforce for better stick.

Second runner-up for The Detroit News Vehicle of the Year is the 2019 Ford Ranger. The Lariat SuperCab shown here comes with a 6-foot bed and a $37,305 price tag.

Adventurers wanted. The 2019 Ford Ranger boasts a best-in-class, 1,860-pound payload capacity.

The interior of the 2019 Ford Ranger is upgraded with the latest SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity. The interior is heavy with plastic, Ford says, for the customer who wants to get it dirty off-road.