Nov 1, 2007

Motor Trend Names 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year

In a crowded field of 11 contenders, the Mazda CX-9 was named Motor Trend magazine's 2008 Sport/Utility of the Year. The magazine noted the group of nominees comprised one of the highest quality fields it has seen since it started evaluating sport/utilities. A category once reserved for off-road-oriented vehicles, the sport/utility and crossover segments now offer vehicles nearly any driver could find appealing. The field included the much-touted Buick Enclave, which Motor Trend called, "the best Buick in decades; not just the best Buick SUV, but the best Buick, period," and the Hyundai Veracruz, a vehicle that the magazine said, "may have car buyers think twice about Lexus."

Motor Trend Editor-in-Chief Angus MacKenzie noted that this year's winner demonstrates the car-like refinement and handling that have become common in the sport/utility category. He said SUVs have evolved well beyond the mere off-roading capabilities they were originally intended for to the point where only four of this year's 11 vehicles come with "rock-crawling" transmissions. Today, quote the magazine, "functionality, versatility and a commanding view of the road suit are qualities that American customers demand from sport/utility vehicles."

"The Mazda CX-9 spins the traditional 'ute' in a new direction," said MacKenzie. "It's a sleek, elegant, sophisticated vehicle that is comfortable going to midtown, the market or the mountains."