So the 4X4 Australia 4X4 Of The Year for 2019 has once again come and gone.

Last night, under the auspices of hundreds of motoring industry experts, journalists, industry insiders and other important people, and me – (no idea how I got a ticket) the 2019 4X4 of the year was crowned.

8 shortlisted vehicles (6 of which were utes), were driven over 1,000km over a week of intense testing to determine the winner. They were judged on the following:

• Value for money
• Breaking new ground
• Build quality
• Bushability (practicality offroad, and ease of modifying further)
• Doing the job it was designed for (whether a family wagon or a 4×4 ute)

The shortlisted vehicles included the SSangong Rexton, VW Amarok V6 Core, Ford Ranger XLT, Ford Everest, HSV Colorado Sportcat +, Mahindra Pik-up, Ford Ranger Raptor, and Mercedes Benz X250d.

The Winner

4X4 Australia crowned the Ford Ranger Raptor as their 4X4 of the year.

I have to say, I’m not really surprised. I conducted a very rudimentary review on the Raptor late last year and was particularly impressed with its features, poise and standard equipment. Whether it will become the chosen vehicle for 4×4 touring vehicle remains unknown, but it’s pioneering in its setup and as such I feel it is deserving of this recognition.

This is no mean feat for Ford’s Ranger Raptor, pipping such big name rivals such as the Volkswagen’s Amarok and best-selling sibling, Ranger XLT in the process.

For more information about the winning entry click here