New Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Wins Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road 2012 4x4 of the Year Competition +VIDEO

FYI: Jeep Buyers Guide

EL SEGUNDO, CA - October 28, 2011: Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine has named the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon the winner of its coveted 4x4 of the Year award. This is the 30th year of the enthusiast magazine's in-depth competition of new 4x4 vehicles, and the third time the Jeep Wrangler has taken home the award. In fact, Jeep products have won the award more than any other mark, a total of 12 times for different Jeep vehicles.

   • SEE MOSTLY: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Review by Marty Bernstein

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon was pitted against the worthy Ram Power Wagon, both solid-axle titans of the off-road world. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon ranked high in every category of this year's in-depth test. The grueling 1,000-mile trial evaluates each vehicle's suspension, engine, transmission, and transfer case along with the style and creature comforts the vehicle provides. Most importantly, the 4x4s are judged heavily on how well they perform off-road in dirt, mud, rocks, sand, and gravel, as well as on the highway.

"The 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is the most competent 4x4 ever produced," said Rick Péwé, editor-in-chief of Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. The Rubicon gives you complete confidence in its terrain tackling abilities. It allows you to take the trail less traveled without worrying about the journey. And it does so while leaving a smile on your face. This is one fun ride."

Watch TACH's Jeep Wrangler Rubicon promo video