Our sister title CAR Magazine has chosen its top SUVs and double cab bakkies for 2014. Here are the models that they think currently lead their segments, and that are the best buys for 2014.
Every year CAR Magazine selects its top 12 performers in the various vehicle segments. The winners have recently been announced, so let’s look at the SUVs and double cabs that scored top marks.
In the Light SUV/Crossover section, the Nissan Juke took the number one spot for the second year running. “The Nissan Juke is still the benchmark in terms of build quality and performance even if its oddball design and limited boot space isn’t to everyone’s taste,” the CAR team stated. Runners up in the segment were the Renault Duster because of its true off-road ability, and the Ford EcoSport with its compact, city-friendly design.
In the Compact SUV/Crossover segment, the Ford Kuga took top honours. “Few test vehicles impressed us as much as the Kuga… It looks decidedly modern, the cabin is large, well equipped and solidly built, the powertrains are strong and efficient, it rides with great maturity yet handles as well as you’d expect of a Ford, and the pricing is right,” read the CAR statement. The Honda CR-V missed out on the top spot because of its high sticker price, while the Audi A4 Allroad received an honourable mention, despite not really being a compact SUV.
In the large SUV/Crossover section the winner was the all-new Range Rover Sport. With excellent on-road performance, a surprising amount of off-road ability and luxury levels on par with its bigger sibling, the new Sport immediately impressed the CAR team. The other podium positions went to the Hyundai Santa Fe for its comfort, space, luxury and on-road manner, and the Porsche Cayenne for its unparalleled handling.
In the bakkie category, the somewhat predictable winner was the Ford Ranger. Since its launch a couple of years ago, the latest Ranger has been an immense success for Ford, and it walked away with top honours for its second year at the CAR Top 12. Runners up were the VW Amarok and the Toyota Hilux.