Your Building SAVVY publishers were among 57 journalistst members of the Texas Auto Writers Association assembled for the two-day-long evaluation of new trucks, SUVs and CUVs at the Knibbe Ranch in San Atonio this past weekend.
After test driving the trucks on and off the road, votes were cast to name the following winners ofr 2011 Texas Truck Rodeo:
Ford Wins: Truck Line of Texas, Truck of Texas for the 2012 Ford F-150, Outstanding Feature of Texas for its EcoBoost engine technology, and CUV of Texas for the 2012 Ford Edge
Since April, the revolutionary F-150 EcoBoost has accounted for more than 40 percent of all F-150 sales. The EcoBoost engine, which can tow an industry-leading 11,300 pounds, is a $750 upgrade over the 5.0-liter V8. With its new standard 36-gallon fuel tank, the powerful and fuel-efficient 2012 Ford F-150 EcoBoost® pickup can drive nearly the entire length of California – from Oregon to Mexico – on one tank of gas. Other new technologies and driveline upgrades on the award-winning F-150 line-up nclude the addition of Hill Start Assist, a new automatic 4×4 system for Lariat trim level and above, and greatly expanded availability of electronic locking rear axles on 3.5-liter and 5.0-liter engines. We practically had to elbow our way through the line-up to drive the 2012 F-150 Raptor–always a favorite on the Knibbe Ranch 4 wheel drive off road track! It demonstrates Ford’s focus on raising the bar for off-road capabilities in a production truck.
The EcoBoost engine may have also been the deciding factor putting the 2012 Ford Edge at the top of the very competitive Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) category.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Retains SUV of Texas Title
The 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland Summit edition is the most luxurious, distinctive and comprehensively equipped production Jeep vehicle ever, elevating Grand Cherokee to the peak of indulgence and refinement. Its stunning interior with unique Black Olive burl real wood trim and gorgeous saddle leather and equally impressive exterior with fully chromed grille and fog lamp bezels along with exclusive 20-inch bright/polished aluminum wheels make it a deserving winner for “Luxury SUV of Texas.” The Grand Cherokee line, a huge success for Jeep, retained its SUV of Texas title for the second year in a row.
Other category results:
Full-Sized Pickup Truck-First Place, 2012 Ford F-150; Second Place, 2012 Ram 1500; Third Place, Chevrolet 1500 & Toyota Tundra (tie)
Mid-Sized Pickup Truck-First Place, 2012 Nissan Frontier; Second Place, 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
Luxury Pickup Truck-First Place, 2012 Ford F-150 Platinum EcoBoost; Second Place, 2012 Ram 2500 Mega Cab Laramie Longhorn; Third Place, 2012 GMC Sierra Denali 2500 HD Crew Cab.
Heavy Duty Pickup Truck-First Place, 2012 Ford F-250 King Ranch; Second Place, 2012 Ram 2500 Power Wagon; Third Place, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD.
Full-Sized SUV-First Place, 2012 Dodge Durango; Second Place, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee; Third Place, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Full-Sized Luxury SUV-First Place, Jeep Grand Cherokee; Second Place, Range Rover Evoque; Third place, Mercedes Benz ML350
Mid-Sized SUV-First Place, 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited; Second Place, 2012 Toyota 4Runner; Third Place, 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Mid-Sized Luxury SUV – First Place, Toyota 4Runner
Compact SUV-First Place, 2012 Nissan Xterra Pro-4X; Second Place, 2012 Jeep Compass; Third Place, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Full-Sized CUV-First Place, 2012 Buick Enclave;
Mid-Sized CUV-First Place, 2012 Ford Edge Limited with EcoBoost engine; Second Place 2012 Dodge Journey; Third Place, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
Compact CUV-First Place, 2012 Toyota Rav4; Second Place, Kia Soul!
Full-Sized Luxury CUV-First Place, 2012 GMC Acadia Denali; Second Place, 2012 Mercedes-Benz R350 Blue TEC.
Mid-Sized Luxury CUV-2012 Cadillac SRX Premium.
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