For
years, ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine's top award has been for
best car of the year. But vehicle buyers have convinced manufacturers
-- and us -- that autos are only half of the picture. For
the first time in 2005, we are adding an entirely new award
category to reflect the continuing expansion of vehicle choices.
The truck we chose as best of the best had to excel in many
ways. It had to be solid and invincible, and capable of true
truck duty that meant sloughing down in the mud with the rest.
It had to be worthy as a car substitute, with a luxurious,
feature-laden interior one could enjoy while forgetting the
workhorse base of its home. And above all, it had to be just
plain fun, for no other reason than pure enjoyment and passion
is such a primary part of getting behind the wheel.
Our
first-ever truck winner, the Hummer H2 SUT (for Sport Utility
Truck) has loads of all those credentials. While it's not
quite as big as its H2 brother, it is loaded with fun surprises,
like the short but usable, lockable truck bed with retractable
midgate divider and overhanging spare tire in back. Inside
are flipdown rear seats and handsome leather trim, plus
high tech features including a touch screen nav system.
While it towers over the world, especially with roof rails
attached, getting inside is easy with bright metal running
boards. The looks of awe it gets from those nearby is virtually
priceless.
On
the road, it handles with surprising agility, its large
steering wheel easy to turn and maneuver, the monster Vortec
6.0 liter V-8 obeying so effortlessly, you could forget
you're driving a truck. But the 325 HP and 365 lb.ft. of
torque is there when you need it. Should you think such
a capable vehicle would be overly serious, just take a look
at its powerful face. The round headlamps and vertical bar
grille almost give the appearance of a self-satisfied grin.
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Land
Rover LR3
The
prowess of Land Rover's new LR3 promises to deliver
international fame as it functions in nearly impossible
situations around the world. In a redesign to replace
the Discovery, it hasn't lost its robust foundation,
just added the creature comforts and performance boost
to keep its capability tops in every way. As winner
of our most resourceful SUV, it brings a survivor's
tenacity to the spotlight in its place as a contender
for Truck of the Year.
Nissan
Pathfinder
There
are serious changes in the redesign of the Pathfinder.
While a longtime staple of Nissan's truck portfolio,
only now is it getting the necessary attention to
return it a prime spot in American driveways with
design cues and amenities from the larger, newer Armada.
Bigger and bolder, it has power to excel from Nissan's
top-line 4.0 liter, 270 horsepower, 291 lb.-ft of
torque V6. And its true truck foundation means there's
no need to expect restrictions on where it can travel.
We see lots of adventure ahead.
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