Getting Behind the Wheels of 3 AWDs That Deliver New Technology to the SUV Segment

TEXT AND IMAGES BY MERCEDES LILIENTHAL

The Texas Motor Press Association held its first Texas Off-Road Invitational event at General Sam’s Offroad Park in Huntsville, Texas. Several auto manufacturers brought their newest allwheel- drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive vehicles for nearly three dozen automotive journalists to test off road in order to receive the newly coveted “Off-Road Truck of the Year” or “Off-Road SUV of the Year” awards, which are presented by the press association.

Numerous AWDs were featured. From five- to eight-passenger SUVs, entry- level run-abouts to extraordinary top-of-the-line luxury models, a plethora of adventuremobiles were driven. Three off-tarmac AWDs in particular caught our eye when testing capability, technology and off-pavement prowess.