Winding Road magazine’s Best Car of the Year awards have been announced and Jaguar Land Rover North America has taken two awards. The 2012 Jaguar XJ took home the “Best Luxury Sedan” award and the “Best Big Utility” nod went to the 2012 Land Rover LR4. The “Best Utility” award went to the LR4′s competitor, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. The digital magazine’s annual awards are divided into 12 total categories that are judged by the editors of Winding Road. Categories are geared toward “driver’s cars” and include segments such as “Best Under $20,000″ and “Best Everyman Sedan.” This is the first win for Land Rover and the second for the Jaguar XJ.

All Winding Road Award Winners

• Best Coupe: MINI Cooper S
• Best Super Coupe: Lotus Evora S
• Best Under $20,000: Hyundai Veloster
• Best Utility: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
• Best Minivan: Mazda MAZDA5
• Best Big Utility: Land Rover LR4
• Best Convertible: Mazda MX-5
• Best Everyman Sedan: Dodge Charger
• Best Three-Door/Five-Door: Audi A7
• Best Over 35 MPG: Ford Focus
• Best Luxury Sedan: Jaguar XJ
• Best Sports Sedan: Audi S4

About the 2012 LR4

The LR4 has received several interior technology updates for the 2012 model year. The hard disc navigation system has received improvements to its informational screen and graphics. The navigation system is also capable of receiving Traffic Message Channel data and carries over the ability to display the status of the LR4′s 4×4 system and GPS-based off-road navigation. The audio system has been upgraded to 380-watts and 11 speakers from 240-watts and nine speakers. The rear seat entertainment system now offers a larger screen in addition to WhiteFire wireless headphones. As a much-needed improvement, the voice control system has been upgraded with “Say What You See” technology for ease of use. Prices are up slightly over the 2011 model year, with the LR4 V8 (Base) starting at $49,750.00.  

Winding Road had this to say about the LR4:

 “When you think of off-roading in style, the Land Rover LR4 immediately comes to mind. It’s incredibly capable, allowing one to drive places that you’d think a vehicle shouldn’t go,” said Winding Road’s editors. 

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