The best 4x4/SUV of 2012 has to be an incredible all-rounder. Most modern SUVs are bought as safe and practical family transport and, as a result, refinement and ride comfort are more important than razor-sharp handling. Our winner needs to have a spacious and well designed interior that’s built from top-notch materials,too.

We are also looking for a car that’s efficient enough to disprove the notion that SUVs are all gas-guzzling monsters. This is far more important than off-road prowess which, although desirable, isn’t essential. In fact, our best 4x4/SUV of 2012 doesn’t even need to have four-wheel drive.

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