Watch how the editors of Motor Trend Magazine pick the 2007 Motor Trend Sport Utility of the Year......
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MotorTranscript
00:00 [Music]
00:12 The judging process for the Motor Trend Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year is spread over a two-week period.
00:18 First, the vehicles are delivered to the Motor Trend test facilities, where they undergo a series of rigorous performance evaluations.
00:26 Each contender undergoes a barrage of acceleration and braking tests, plus Slalom and Motor Trend's signature figure-eight test.
00:34 The following week, the Motor Trend editors take the contenders to EVOC, a private police facility used to train police officers in car and motorcycle control.
00:44 Here, each editor can push each vehicle to its limits on a road course and a wet skid pad.
00:50 The following EVOC, the Motor Trend editors take the contenders on a drive loop that features a variety of urban, freeway and twisty roads.
00:58 Every vehicle is driven by every editor over the same roads.
01:02 These real-world driving conditions give the editors a real insight into how the vehicles will perform in the hands of consumers.
01:10 [Music]
01:14 For 2007, 24 all-new or significantly revised sport utility vehicles made the cut for Motor Trend's Sport Utility of the Year judging.
01:24 They are Acura MDX, Acura RDX, Audi Q7, Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Suburban, Chevy Tahoe, Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Nitro, Ford Edge, Ford Expedition,
01:50 GMC Yukon Denali, Honda CRV, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Lincoln MKX, Lincoln Navigator, Mazda CX-7,
02:10 Mercedes-Benz GL, Mitsubishi Outlander, Suzuki XL7, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Toyota RAV4.
02:25 [Music]
02:34 Sport utility vehicles have evolved rapidly away from thinly disguised off-roaders to vehicles that combine SUV-like practicality, versatility and style
02:44 with almost car-like levels of performance, refinement and fuel efficiency.
02:49 These new crossover vehicles are now such a dominant part of the market that for the Motor Trend's Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year,
02:55 serious off-road ability is no longer a deciding factor in the judging process.
03:07 [BLANK_AUDIO]