2007 4x4 Vehicle of the Year - New Trucks & SUVs Review

4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine has named the 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon the winner of its coveted 4x4 of the Year award. This is the 25th year of the enthusiast magazine's in-depth competition of new vehicles, and the eleventh time that a Jeep product has taken home the award.

"This award is the ultimate pinnacle." said Mike Donoughe, Vice President, Body-on-frame Product Team, Chrysler Group. " We are honored that 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine selected the ultimate off-road icon, our all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, as 4x4 of the Year. No other vehicle in the world can conquer obstacles, trails and events like Jeep Wrangler. No other vehicle offers the open-air fun, freedom and adventure like a Jeep Wrangler. No other vehicle in the world comes close."

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon topped the field of eight competent competitors and ranked highest in nearly every category of this year's in-depth test. The grueling 1,000-mile test evaluates each vehicle's suspension, engine, transmission, and transfer case along with the style and creature comforts they provide. Most importantly, though, the 4x4s are judged on how well they perform off-road. This year's competitors included the Chevrolet Avalanche, Kia Sorento, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extra Cab, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Chevrolet Tahoe LT, Toyota FJ Cruiser, GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab SLT, and Hummer H3.

"The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon clearly won this year's test, despite being pitted against formidable challengers. The fine mechanical attributes and classic styling and new found comfort lifted the Jeep well above the competition, and the incredibly capable off-road ability helped propel it into the winners circle," said Rick Pw, editor of 4-Wheel & Off-Road.

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 2007 4x4 of the Year competition will be in the February 2007 issue, available December 12, 2006.

Meet The Competitors