by Matt Konkle
Quadratec Channel Editor
LAS VEGAS —The record spins round and round each year, but in reality, it always seems to land on exactly the same spot when the thing stops.
At least, it does when the Specialty Equipment Market Association award for best 4x4 / SUV is announced.
SEMA Monday night named the Jeep Wrangler ‘4x4 / SUV of the Year’ during an awards dinner the night before the event’s opening day. The award win was the tenth straight for Wrangler, and no other vehicle has won the award since its 2010 inception.
"Just as there are no limits when it comes to the capabilities of the Jeep Wrangler, the same could be said of the many options available to personalize the Jeep Wrangler," said Mark Bosanac, Head of Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. "We are proud and honored to win '4x4/SUV of the Year' award for 10 years in a row, which is a testament not only to the staying power of the Jeep Wrangler, but also to the passion and creativity of the aftermarket community, which continues to select the Jeep Wrangler as a perfect canvas for customization."
The award win highlights yet another reason why Wrangler remains one of FCA’s top selling vehicles in 2019, even as the brand has transitioned into a new model, as well as a diesel and EV powerplant.
Furthermore, it also calls out the Wrangler's appeal to those who love either taking the vehicle off-road, or using it as a daily driver.
"It's no surprise that SEMA Show exhibitors voted the Jeep Wrangler the 4x4/SUV of the Year," said Chris Kersting, SEMA President and CEO. "With so many options available, the Jeep continues to be a favorite for personalization. Its versatility is limitless, appealing to daily drivers as well as off-roaders."
FCA plans to announce the award win during its annual SEMA press conference Tuesday afternoon.
The SEMA Awards, launched in 2010, are the SEMA Show’s definitive OEM award, shining a light on the hottest vehicles that showcase and launch aftermarket parts.
The SEMA Show runs through Friday, Nov. 8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
