LAND CRUISER @ MT SUOTY

Broadcasters have already informed the world that Motor Trend‘s sport-utility vehicle of the year is the Mazda CX-9. Most of this crossover/utility vehicle’s competitors were like-minded – relatively commodious but not so capable off-road. A vehicle needs to be new or significantly revised to gain entry into Motor Trend‘s SUOTY competition, so past greats like the Land Rover LR3 and Mercedes-Benz GL-class weren’t permitted.

Buick sent the Enclave, Hyundai’s Veracruz performed admirably, Jeep competed with both the Patriot and Liberty, while Land Rover’s LR2 was the only vehicle badged “luxury”, although many compete with luxury-like pricing. The Nissan Rogue, Saturn Vue, Subaru Tribeca, Toyota Highlander, and Toyota Land Cruiser rounded out the field.