In January 2011, the winners of the North American Car and Truck of the Year winners will be announced at the 2012 Detroit auto show. For trucks, the contenders are the BMW X3, Honda CR-V, and Range Rover Evoque. One might notice the three truck finalists have nothing in common with Uncle Jeb’s pickup, rather they are crossover vehicles and more car-like than truck-like. Thus, in essence, all six vehicles are cars.
The awards are focused on new vehicles or models that have been significantly redesigned. A group of 50 auto writers from the U.S. and Canada do the judging based on design, safety, fuel economy, performance, and other criteria. The 2012 winners will be announced on January 9, just before the opening of press days for the show.
BMW X3: The 2012 BMW X3, introduced in 2010, is now smoother riding and more refined. The interior of the “Sports Activity Vehicle” is roomy and its materials are on a par with its big brother, the X5. Two engine options are available: the 3.0-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC), 24-valve inline 6-cylinder engine, which puts out 240 HP or 300 HP engine if you opt for the turboed version, which puts out 300 HP. Either engine can be paired with the eight-speed automatic can be paired with Sport and Manual shift modes and Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC). In essence, the X3 is a sporty, somewhat bloated version of BMW’s 3-series. Base price is around $37,000.
Honda CR-V: Redesigned for 2012, the CR-V features updated styling, which is neither awe-inspiring or offensive—it is a solid, compact SUV; Honda is noted for its reliability, resale value, and clever packaging. Its interior is roomy and its fuel economy (23 city, 31 highway MPG) makes it a good contender in L.A. where fuel prices are well above the national average. Under the hood is a 2.4-liter, dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) i-VTEC® four-cylinder engine, which puts out 185 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The less-potent engine provides for the fuel economy; however, it can’t keep up with the BMW X3. It is a good choice for those that prefer fuel economy over performance. Base price is around $22,000.
Range Rover Evoque: The new scaled-down Range Rover is available in in three- and five-door configurations. It is powered by a Ford-sourced 240-hp, 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo four banger mated to a six-speed automatic. The vehicle is offered in contrasting roof colors, five wheel designs, a dozen interior colors, and a heap of luxury—and budget-busting—opt ons, including a heated windshield, a 17-speaker stereo, and a 360-degree camera system. The base price is around $45,000.
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