Magazine Names 'SUV of the Year' And 'Truck of the Year' for 2002

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TRUCKIN' magazine, the world's preeminent truck publication and second largest automotive newsstand magazine, recently named the Cadillac Escalade as the 2002 ``Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year'' and the GMC Sierra Denali pickup as its 2002 ``Truck of the Year.''

``This year's winners personify of all things good in the exciting world of SUVs and trucks,'' commented TRUCKIN' Magazine Editor Steve Warner. ``Each year, testing procedures get tougher and tougher and the level of competition is raised. Both of these vehicles stood out in a tough crowd of very competitive vehicles.''

The Sierra Denali from General Motors earned TRUCKIN' magazine's 2002 ``Truck of the Year'' distinction. The Sierra Denali is a repeat winner with last year's C-3 Sierra platform but qualified this year due to its new Quadrasteer system.

The GMC Sierra Denali's exceptional performance and handling due in large part to its Quadrasteer system and superior interior comforts significantly impacted this year's judging. ``We felt the GMC Sierra Denali best represented what the aftermarket parts industry has to offer in terms of the latest trend that favors lifting a truck's suspension rather than lowering it,'' said Warner. ``The Sierra Denali also incorporates numerous unique features, such as four-wheel steering which facilitates towing heavy loads, a powerful 6.0L V-8, and a top-notch interior which includes an aftermarket-oriented center console.''

The Sierra Denali beat out six vehicles including the 2002 Dodge Ram, Nissan Crew Cab Long Bed, Chevrolet Avalanche, Cadillac EXT, and Lincoln Blackwood. Coverage of the GMC Sierra Denali and complete ``Truck of the Year'' competition can be found in the February 2002 issue of TRUCKIN' now on newsstands.

As the 2002 ``Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year,'' the Cadillac Escalade offered outstanding performance, innovative interior comforts, and a reasonable value for its amenities. ``The Escalade incorporates numerous items whose influence stems directly from the aftermarket and would otherwise never be found on a stock production vehicle,'' commented Warner. ``Prime features such as a potent 6.0L, 345-horsepower V-8 and a unique interior distinguish the Cadillac Escalade in the marketplace.''

Other vehicles considered for ``SUV of the Year'' included the 2002 Ford Explorer, Isuzu Axiom, GMC Envoy, Jeep Liberty, Buick Rendezvous, and the supercharged Nissan Xterra. The ``Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year'' selection will be featured in the March 2002 issue of TRUCKIN'.

Testing for both ``Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year'' and ``Truck of the Year'' was conducted entirely by TRUCKIN' magazine staff members. The staff logged roughly 2,000 miles on each vehicle conducted over approximately one week of empirical and subjective testing. Testing criteria included fuel efficiency, standing quarter mile mph, 0-60-mph numbers, and 60-0-mph braking numbers.