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Picking a vehicle for the year's biggest award is never easy. There's always a slew of all-new products to be evaluated and you have to remember that cars are getting better all the time. Although some of you will scoff and point to the reports of recalls, you have to remember that recalls does not equate to a bad vehicle.

In the very broad sport-utility vehicle category, there's a staggering amount of niches now. But, if anyone's going to do it to the best of the industry's ability, it will be one of the buff books. That's because these guys have a properly huge staff relative to the other guys.

Now. Let's get down to brass tacks. Motor Trend selected the Honda CR-V as the SUV of the Year.

A part of me feels like this is kind of lame, but when you scope out their rating criteria and the vehicles that were considered finalists, it's pretty hard to select any of the others — at least on paper.

The metrics for success are the following:

- Design advancement
- Engineering excellence
- Performance of intended function
- Efficiency
- Safety
- Value

Taking these factors into consideration, can YOU name THREE better vehicles that could have been named SUV of the Year?

Other contenders are listed below:

  • BMW X4
  • BMW X5
  • Cadillac Escalade
  • Chevrolet Suburban
  • Chevrolet Tahoe
  • Ford Expedition
  • GMC Yukon
  • GMC Yukon XL
  • Lincoln MKC
  • Nissan Rogue
  • Lexus NX
  • Mercedes-Benz GLA
  • Volvo XC60
  • Subaru Outback
  • Porsche Macan

Motor Trend's conclusion on the 2015 Honda CR-V:

...Some years, a vehicle wins our calipers almost unanimously. This year our jury entered the final discussion split almost down the middle. After two hours of contentious debate, the CR-V's stellar value, engineering, and safety features combined with the cheerful way it performs its intended functions earned Honda the win. Arguments such as these tipped the balance: "The CR-V shows you don't have to lose the fun factor when buying something economical," said Lago. "A careful rework of a best-seller, executed with typical Honda thoughtfulness," echoed MacKenzie. Score another win for redemption.


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Motor Trend Picks Its SUV Of The Year — Can YOU Pick THREE Better Options From Its OTHER Contenders?

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