Michael Satterfield
TGR Staff – 01/01/2022
Each year we have the opportunity to drive the latest and greatest from manufacturers around the world and select which vehicles stood out as the best in their category. Our winners aren’t always the best on paper, the best value, or even the fastest in their class, but each one had that special something that would make you excited to get behind the wheel again. Sorry, no minivan catagory, because no one gets excited about minivans.
SPORTS CAR OF THE YEAR: SHELBY GT500
The most powerful Mustang to ever leave the Ford Factory the GT500 offers an incredible bang for the buck with a starting price of $72,900. Bumping up to the Track Pack option will take the price tag over six figures, but for that, you get a Mustang that can keep up with the Ferrari Portofino and Porsche 911 GT3. For 2022 Ford has also unveiled the Heritage Edition.
SEDAN OF THE YEAR: GENESIS G70
Genesis has been hitting it out of the park lately and the G70 is no exception, starting at few thousand less than the new Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series. It offers comparable horsepower, a refined interior, and great technology. The G70 also brought home the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and like its luxury rivals offers complimentary maintenance, valet service, and a 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty.
SUV OF THE YEAR: Land Rover Defender 90
The Defender 90 isn’t the most practical SUV, it isn’t the most powerful, and starting at $52,300 it is far from the most affordable. However, once you drive the Defender 90 it all makes sense, the undeniably cool utilitarian nature of it was what sold us. The Defender 90 is less about being a vehicle you need and more a lifestyle choice that is only enhanced by getting dirty.
TRUCK OF THE YEAR: NISSAN FRONTIER
Nissan’s first-ever North American only Frontier is the right size truck for most people, the crew-cab offers all the versatility, space, and towing capacity to do most jobs while still being easy to drive in the city. The Pro-4X trim level offers competent off-road capabilities, great technology, and rugged good looks all starting for under $38,000.
