Motor Trend named the 2015 Honda CR-V, available at Hendrick Honda Bradenton, the 2015 SUV of the Year. Winning this award means passing comprehensive tests of design and performance, and standing out among formidable competitors.

Every year, all-new or significantly revised SUVs compete for Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year award. The judging panel evaluates several criteria, including design advancement, engineering excellence, performance of intended function, fuel efficiency and carbon footprint, safety, and value. This year, each judge drove all thirty of the competitors, and finalists were tested under stringent circumstances to make sure that the experience of driving itself took priority in choosing the SUV of the Year.

The competition for Motor Trend’s 2015 SUV of the Year award is remarkable for covering a full spectrum of SUVs. The thirty competitors included such varied vehicles as the Ford Expedition, the Subaru Outback, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The 2015 Volvo XC60 looks stylish, but had many problems while being driven, including aggressive engine surging, unnatural steering, and an unpleasant ride. Despite luxury features and a diesel engine, judges found the 2015 BMW X5 too heavy to handle appropriately, yet too small to carry a family, with a third row that is essentially dead weight. The 2015 GMC Yukon ran into the same trouble of a third row with no leg room. Plus, the 5,426-pound Yukon performed feebly in speed trials.

The newly-redesigned 2015 Honda CR-V stood out from the pack, excelling at every step of the evaluation. The 2015 Honda CR-V has plenty of zip with a direct injection 2.4-liter engine and a continuously variable transmission, yielding an EPA-estimated 26/33 mpg*. An innovative chassis design provides light steering and sporty handling for a fun drive. The cargo space in a 2015 Honda CR-V can be doubled by the pull of two levers, and legroom for backseat occupants is ample. Plus its tire tread and All Wheel Drive capability handle graveled hills with aplomb. An improved engine compartment crash structure and the Honda Sense bundle of safety features protects the 2015 Honda CR-V from collisions. The Lane-Keeping Assist System, for example, gently straightens the vehicle out when it starts to veer. A 2015 Honda CR-V is a great deal, at five-year total operating costs $4,300 – $4,500 less than the class average, plus 13% less depreciation and 10% lower costs for maintenance, repair, and insurance compared to similarly-equipped SUVs.

The 2015 Honda CR-V is a total package and worthy recipient of Motor Trend’s 2015 SUV of the Year. Come to Hendrick Honda Bradenton in Bradenton, Florida, and test out the 2015 Honda CR-V for yourself.

*Based on EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.