FORD F-150 SVT RAPTOR PICKUP WINS PETERSEN'S 4-WHEEL & OFF-ROAD 2010 4X4 OF THE YEAR COMPETITION Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine has named the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup the winner of its coveted 4x4 of the Year award. This is the 28th year of the enthusiast magazine's in-depth competition of new 4x4 vehicles, and the second time a Ford product has taken home the award.
Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup topped the field of four competent competitors and ranked high in every category of this year's in-depth test. The grueling 1,000-mile trial evaluates each vehicle's suspension, engine, transmission, and transfer case along with the style and creature comforts they provide. Most importantly, the 4x4s are judged on how well they perform off-road. This year's competitors included the Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon, Hummer H3T Alpha, and Toyota 4Runner Trail.
"The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup handily won this year's test, despite being pitted against top-of-the-line competition,” said Rick Péwé, Editor-in-Chief of Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. “The pickup consistently placed well ahead of the competition in most areas, and great value and fun factors sent it over the top. Basic, solid construction gave us the confidence to take the truck wherever we wanted.” As one judge noted “It looks cool, drives fast, and seems to take whatever you throw at it”
According to Ford: "It is an honor to win this award as it represents another shining example of our truck leadership," said Derrick Kuzak, Group Vice President of Product Development. "The F-150 SVT Raptor really demonstrates just how stout and capable the F-150 platform can be, while also employing industry-leading technologies like Off-Road Mode and programmable Hill Descent. Plus, the Ford Raptor is the most engaging off-road driving experience on the market today and delivers great on-road drivability."
To be eligible to compete, a vehicle must be all-new or have improvements that make it perform significantly different from the previous model year. Vehicles must also be available for sale before January 15 of the model year, have a production run of at least 2,500 units, and have a two-speed transfer case. The complete test results and vehicle evaluations for the 2010 4x4 of the Year competition will appear in the February 2010 issue, available December 8, 2009.
Information on the test is also available here on the Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road website, www.4wheeloffroad.com.