FJ Cruiser tops in ‘Mudfest
In the closest competition to date, the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) named the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV of the Year at the 13th annual Northwest Sport-Utility Vehicle of the Year competition.
Automotive journalists from throughout the Northwest tested 24 SUVs during a grueling two-day event in October. The journalists tested current model SUVs on-track and off-road at the Portland International Raceway. The venue allows the journalists an opportunity to rate the performance, handling and braking, as well as the on-road and off-road capabilities of each competing sport-ute. Additional real-world tests are performed over area roads and highways. Packaging, versatility and overall value are also evaluated in a comprehensive scoring procedure.
The results of the competition, affectionately known as “Mudfest,” were recently announced at a luncheon held in conjunction with the opening day of the Seattle International Auto Show.
The category winners included the redesigned Honda CR-V (Under $25,000), the all new FJ Cruiser ($25,000-$34,999), Volvo XC70 ($35,000-$45,000) and Volvo XC90 (over $45,000). For the second year in a row, the Nissan Xterra was named Best Value. The Land Rover LR3 received the Best Off-Road award.
Only sport-utes that are new this year or have undergone a significant redesign are invited to participate. The previous year winners are also asked back to defend their title. The entries included the Acura MDX and RDX, Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chrysler Aspen, GMC Yukon Denali, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Compass, Jeep Wrangler, Kia Sorento, Land Rover LR3, Land Rover Range Rover, Mazda CX-7, Mercedes ML CDI, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Xterra, Subaru Forrester, Suzuki XL-7, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC70 and XC90.
The Northwest Sport utility Vehicle of the Year Competition is sponsored by NWAPA, a professional trade organization of automotive journalists from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
Since the group founded the annual competition in 1994, it has become the largest and most widely recognized SUV event in the nation. Off-road testing includes hill-climbing and descent abilities, as well as ride comfort and low-range handling. On-pavement tests include a slalom, acceleration, and emergency-braking maneuvers.