Jeep's Wrangler Moab Edition Earns 4x4 of the Year Honors from Petersen's

HOT SPRINGS, ARK. (11/06/2012)(readMedia)-- Jeep has long hung its hat on the off-road capabilities of its vehicles, which may be why the SUV brand has now won the 4x4 of the Year award from Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine a record 13 times. The American automaker's latest victory comes for the 2013 Jeep Wrangler Moab Edition, which stood up to 1,000 miles of abuse at the hands of Petersen's editors.

For the 31st year of its 4x4 of the Year award, Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road pitted the Jeep Wrangler Moab Edition, Ram 1500 Outdoorsman Crew Cab 4x4 and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk against each other in a rigorous set of tests. To be eligible for the award, 2013-model-year vehicles needed to be all-new or substantially revised, as well as available before Jan. 15, 2013. They were also required to have a production run of at least 2,500 units and feature a two-speed transfer case.

"When it comes to getting off the beaten trail with complete confidence, Jeep has proven that it is the clear choice," said Tim Parker, dealer principal of Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, a Hot Springs, Arkansas Jeep dealer. "It has won the 4x4 of the Year award from Petersen's more than any other automaker, so it comes as no surprise that the Wrangler Moab Edition took top honors this year."

Petersen's editors ran their contenders through the off-road gamut, including sand, gravel, dirt, rocks and mud, but highway manners were also judged. The Wrangler Moab Edition earned high marks in each category after staff evaluated everything from its suspension and engine to style and creature comforts. In addition to the off-road capability that comes with every Wrangler, the Moab Edition benefits from rugged upgrades like enhanced rock rails, winch-ready steel bumpers and an available rear-locker.

Though models like the Moab Edition offer several unique features, the Jeep Wrangler is also highly customizable after purchase, which helped the vehicle win the Hottest 4x4 SUV award at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas last week. The announcement marks the third-consecutive year the Wrangler has earned the accolade, thanks to its extensive collection of aftermarket parts and accessories from Jeep's Mopar division and third-party providers.

SEMA exhibitors selected the Hottest 4x4 SUV award winner based on the vehicles they chose to display in their booths. Each booth at the annual show is counted as a vote, with the most prominent vehicles in each award category taking home a SEMA Award.

"Many Jeep drivers love to customize their vehicle, whether it is for greater off-road performance or a more aggressive style, and the Wrangler offers the widest range of options for buyers," added Parker. "For those that prefer their new toy assembled right out of the box though, models like the Moab Edition already include many of the most popular accessories without any extra effort required."

About Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram:

A winner of Chrysler's Five-Star Dealer and Environmental Leadership awards, Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has been serving Arkansas drivers for years with new and pre-owned car sales, service and parts at their Hot Springs auto dealership. Whether you're looking for a Ram 1500, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger or Jeep Wrangler, Tim Parker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram will find your ideal model with their unmatched customer-first approach. You can visit their showroom located at 4722 Central Ave. in Hot Springs, call them at 888-227-1487 or find them online at www.timparkerchrysler.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TimParkerAuto.