It’s Friday, it’s been a slow news day — as evidenced by the dearth of posts today — and there’s just not much going on the rest of the afternoon. So instead of doing a post on some appearance package on a crossover that you don’t care about, I’m going to do that old blogger trick of throwing some red meat to you, the commenters, allowing you to fight it out. Just like lions on the savannah.
Consider this an afternoon version of QOTD (by the way, we know we haven’t done one in a while. Once the next news chief is installed, QOTD will almost certainly return.). Today’s fight is about Motor Trend’s announcement of the 2021 SUV of the Year finalists — did the venerable buff book get it right, in your (humble or not so humble) opinion?
Here’s your top six, in alphabetical order: Cadillac Escalade, Genesis GV80, Land Rover Defender, Kia Seltos, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota Venza. The rest are also listed at MT’s site.
I’d give you my take to get the ball rolling, but of those six, I’ve only driven the Seltos, which is a fine small crossover. Adam praised the Rogue recently, and I have a Defender scheduled soon. The Venza, ‘Sclade, and GV80 are high on my “to-drive” list, and I am sure I will see a Rogue grace my garage before too long.
Youse guys may have had chances to drive at least some of these vehicles by now, though. I could be wrong, but I think five of the six finalists have been on sale for a bit now, with only the Rogue launching in recent weeks. So, go ahead and argue it all out.
Others on the list — such as the Hyundai Venue, Toyota Highlander, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport have been reviewed on this very site. I also have driven the Chevrolet Trailblazer, with the review forthcoming.
See you Monday. ‘Till then, it’s Miller Time.
[Image: Cadillac]
That’s an odd grouping.
The Venza a SUV? I thought Toyota stopped making it.
Kia Seltos, never heard of it.
Genesis GV80?? I had to look that one up too. It’s a station wagon or to use Top Gear jargon, an Estate Wagon.
Land Rover Defender looks like an expensive Bronco.
The other way around. The Defender has been on sale internationally for almost a year, and all the skippies yearning for a Bronco won’t even see the first one till May next year, IF Ford manages to meet its latest production timeline. Good luck on getting one of those weirdly named models you’ve set your heart on for a good six months after that, so 2022. We’ll see how good the Bronco really is if it takes over the international safari trade, but I suspect they’ll mostly all be kitted out with light strips, giant wheels and circle the local Micky D’s and fast joint strip in a parade of macho, tackling high curbs with aplomb.
@conundrum – too funny and too true. I do like the idea of factory lift fitting 35’s and 37’s.
I’ve seen a few lifted 4×4’s lately with dubs — conestoga wheels with rubber band tires. Now, that makes a statement and the statement is WTF?
The Land Rover Defender is playing in a different space. It’s aim is to be the most technically advanced 4×4 in its class. Trouble is it’s in a class of one as no one else is fitting equipment like Sonar.
Which automaker has the deepest pockets and promises to mention MotorTrend in every ad for the next 6 months?
There’s your winner.
^^this. As far as car mags go, I’ve never cared for Motor Trend for this reason.
Their _____ Of The Year awards have always been about advertising.
Motor Trend blows.
I assume the Genesis will when because they gave Lieberman the best cheese platter.
I’m finding it hard to look at the Escalade and not see the face of a scowling fat man with glasses and a double chin.
We will see in the coming months as each of the brands buys advertising in the mag.
Whichever finalist is selected, the 2021 SUVOTY will never hold a candle to the 2020 SUVOTY.
Cadillac Escalade, Genesis GV80, Land Rover Defender, Kia Seltos, Nissan Rogue, Toyota Venza
Odd grouping, indeed.
You can’t even buy the GV80 yet, and the Seltos seems to suit a different buyer than the first three in this list.
History shows that MT COTY winners often turn out to be turds, so it’s an award I don’t wish on any mfr.
No new Mercedes-Benz GLS? I am offended.
Motor Trend is the equivalent of a Moodys or Fitch in 2008. It’s not worth the (virtual) paper it’s printed on.
No Kia Tellurade? I am deeply offended.
P.S. BTW why Niva and GAZ69 are left out of the list?
The Telluride won last year.
motortrend.com/news/kia-telluride-2020-suv-of-the-year/
Motor Trend only awards things that are brand new or heavily revised.
Still it is the best vehicle ever made. If you not consider Niva of course.
Try a Toyota 4Runner.
You can’t fix it with a screwdriver and a sledge hammer in the middle of a swamp, though.
There was a time not long ago when a piece like this would log 300 comments. I can recall several going over 600 years back for various reasons. Pity.
Follow the advising dollars and the winner will be revealed. This award has been a joke for years.
Ford Bronco is the winner. If not this year, then next.
There might be a follow up post but for those interested the Discovery won.