Why the Ram 1500 TRX and Silverado ZR2 Aren't at Four Wheeler’s 2022 Pickup Truck of the Year

[Dragoon]

Testing begins for Four Wheeler's 2022 Pickup Truck and SUV of the Year where six of the latest SUVs and pickups duke it out for the SUV of the Year and Pickup Truck of the Year crowns. As you read the lists of competing trucks and SUVs below, we bet you've got some questions—where's the TRX? Why aren't you testing the Silverado ZR2? And why no 2022 Toyota 4Runner?

2022 SUV Of The Year Contestants​

• 2021 Ford Bronco
• 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe
• 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392
• 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland
• 2022 Jeep Wagoneer
• 2022 GMC Yukon AT4

2022 Pickup Truck Of The Year Contestants​

• 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor
• 2021 Ford F-150 Tremor
• 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor
• 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
• 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
• 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro 4X

Why The Ram 1500 TRX Was Not Tested​

It's simple—the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX won the 32nd annual Pickup Truck of the Year competition last year, where it competed against the GMC Canyon AT4, Jeep Gladiator Rubicon EcoDiesel, Jeep Gladiator Mojave, and the Nissan Titan Pro4X.

Wait, Why No Chevy Silverado ZR2?​

To qualify for Pickup Truck of the Year, the pickup truck must be all-new or substantially revised. The truck must have four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case (or equivalent) that produces low-range gearing. Trucks must also have a production run in the United States of at least 1,500 vehicles, and must be available in dealer lots by March, 2022. The 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 was not yet available at the time of the 2022 Pickup Truck of the Year test.

Where's The 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro?​

Although the 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro will be offered in Electric Lime (see that color on the Tacoma?), it was not deemed to be substantially revised and did not qualify.

Can Any Truck Or SUV Compete In SUVOTY Or PTOTY?​

Invitations are extended to all pickup trucks and SUVs satisfying the criteria for the respective tests. The decision to attend the competition is made by the manufacturer, and companies often decline the invitation.

How Do You Compare The Wagoneer To The Bronco?​

We don't. Each SUV and pickup truck is judged based on how we believe it performed in its respective vehicle class. The Bronco's performance is judged by how we believe a two-door, four-wheel drive SUV should perform on and off the road. The Wagoneer is evaluated based on how we expect an SUV of its size and capability to be built and to handle road and trail tasks. It's not a contest about which one can go farthest up that hill; rather, it's about how well the features of that SUV work together through a series of challenges.

Who Wins?​

Testing is carried out over a week and includes significant off-road driving on various types of terrain. Each pickup truck and SUV is subjected to acceleration and braking tests, each vehicle's suspension articulation is measured on a Ramp Travel Index (RTI) ramp, and performance both on and off-road is observed by a panel of qualified judges. At the end of it all, points are tallied and one pickup truck and one SUV take home the prize.

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