So far this year we've been presented with plenty of accolades for this year's best. BUT, one of them has been unchecked. That would be the best truck or sport-utility vehicle.
In this case, I know that the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class snapped up an award from Motor Trend but, for us, we're thinking of something a bit more off-road capable. That meant waiting for a more niche-focused publication to get around to its announcement.
Finally, Four Wheeler magazine got to the punch with its winner, the 2014 Range Rover Sport. To me, this comes as a bit of a surprise given that it's the performance-oriented Range Rover but it meets the mag's requirements of having a transfer case with a dedicated low-range gear.
That said, can YOU think of any other MORE deserving four wheelers or is the Range the BEST pick?
Land Rover's press release follows:
(MAHWAH, N.J.) – December 5, 2013 – The 2014 Range Rover Sport has been crowned the '2014 Four Wheeler of the Year' by Four Wheeler magazine, marking the third time a Land Rover vehicle has won this top honor.
Now in its 41st year, this annual competition, positions the newest 4x4 SUVs against one another in a variety of tests conducted by the Four Wheeler editorial staff, awarding points for performance capability and build. To qualify for the award, the vehicle must be a new model or have significant improvements from the previous model year. The contestant must also be equipped with a transfer case with a dedicated low-range gear, have a minimum production run of 1500 units and be on sale before February 15, 2014. The complete test results and vehicle evaluations for the 2014 'Four Wheeler of the Year' competition will appear in the February 2014 issue, available on stands December 17, 2013, and online now at www.fourwheeler.com.
"It is a great achievement for the very luxurious and performance oriented Range Rover Sport to be named 'Four Wheeler of the Year,' by the country's oldest four-wheel drive enthusiast publication," said Kim McCullough, Brand Vice President, Land Rover North America. "To win this extreme off-road competition with the all-new Range Rover Sport highlights the work our engineers and designers have done to enhance our already-leading breadth of capability."
"Our testers appreciated the 510hp, nearly 12 inches of ground clearance, 10-11 inches of wheeltravel at each corner, and a 0-60 time of 5 seconds flat. Add a traction control system that allows the driver to make use of these impressive specifications on- and off-road, along with a plush interior with all the amenities and you have our 2014 Four Wheeler of the Year, the Range Rover Sport," said John Capa, Editor-in-Chief of Four Wheeler.
The all-new 2014 Range Rover Sport is Land Rover's fastest, most responsive and agile car to ever hit the market. Its capabilities for on and off-road terrain are unlike any other car of its kind, and provides drivers with the ideal balance of sport and luxury. Based on the new Range Rover, the 2014 Range Rover Sport uses all-new aluminum unibody architecture to achieve a weight savings of approximately 800lbs and features breakthrough suspension design and innovative dynamic chassis technologies. The all-new 2014 Range Rover Sport is available in three models: SE, HSE and Supercharged and starts at $63,495*.
*Price shown is MSRP. Includes $895 destination and delivery. Excludes, tax, title, license, retailer fees and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for details.