EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -

Earlier this week, Motor Trend revealed its 2012 SUV of the Year, culminating 10 days of introductions for each of the contenders vying for this year’s honor.

The winning model was the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

Motor Trend believes the all-new Evoque is a radical departure from Land Rover’s more traditional offerings. Offered in both two- and four-door variants, editors contend the Evoque transcends conventional perceptions of a sport-utility vehicle — seamlessly combining sporty styling and agility with off-road prowess and utility.

Since 1999, the Motor Trend staff has selected and evaluated candidates for its SUV of the Year Award.

During an intense process, Motor Trend put 10 of the latest SUVs through its standard battery of testing, examining virtually every aspect of each vehicle. From determining off-road capability and ruggedness on a 3-mile course of highly challenging terrain, to evaluating real-world road manners on a 35-mile loop filled with twisting back roads, open highways and low speed in-town driving, Motor Trend’s editors insisted they “left no stone unturned.”

Each contender is individually evaluated against six criteria — advancement in design, engineering excellence, efficiency, safety, value and performance of intended function.

After a week of reviewing each of the vehicles, the Motor Trend staff found the Evoque best met these six criteria.  Editors shared analysis of the model’s performance in each part of the evaluation.

—Advancement in design: During testing, the publication noted the Evoque garnered more attention than any other sport-utility vehicle in the group.

From its striking athletic appearance, the result of the vehicle’s raked windshield, sloped roofline and 20-inch wheels, to the smartly laid out controls of its handsome interior cabin, the staff was enamored with the Evoque.

“We don’t envy any designer tasked with making an SUV sexy and sophisticated, but Land Rover has nailed it with the Evoque,” associate editor Scott Evans declared.

—Engineering excellence: When designing the Evoque, the publication said Land Rover managed to accomplish what was thought to be an impossible feat — creating a SUV with a low, sporty roofline without compromising interior space.

Motor Trend found that the interiors of both the two- and four-door variants were able to comfortably accommodate even the tallest passengers.

“Equally impressive were the Evoque’s driving dynamics,” editors shared. “Thanks to its available adaptive suspension, drivers can adjust settings to accommodate changes in driving styles, road surface and off-road terrain.”

—Efficiency: With an estimated EPA fuel economy rating of 19/25, the publication highlighted the Evoque stands as the most efficient Land Rover ever built.

Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 240 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, achieves the power of larger engines, but with greater fuel efficiency and 20 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions.

—Safety: The publication pointed out the Evoque comes equipped with an abundance of passive and active safety features.

Its advanced stability and traction control systems, adaptive headlights and available five-camera Surround View system can assist drivers in safely avoiding almost any danger on the road.

The Evoque’s high-strength and Boron steel frame, door impact beams and seven interior airbags can help ensure the safety of passengers in the event of a collision.

—Value: The Evoque’s sticker price comes in at $43,995, reflecting its positioning as a compact luxury SUV.

“Against its compact luxury SUV rivals, the Evoque’s styling, performance and plethora of standard features like all-wheel drive and navigation make it great value,” editors surmised.

—Performance of intended function: The Motor Trend staff agreed the Evoque best fulfills its intended role as a compact luxury sport/utility vehicle, offering a high level of comfort and style and in a remarkably capable package

While the Evoque caters mainly to its intended market of urban dwellers who aren’t necessarily concerned with the vehicle’s capabilities in the wilderness, Motor Trend determined the new Range Rover to perform admirably in a variety of on and off-road situations.

“The Evoque quickly emerged as the stand-out vehicle of this year’s field during our testing,” explained Angus MacKenzie, editor in chief of Motor Trend.

“Its performance against the award criteria was very strong,” MacKenzie continued. “With its dramatic styling, refined on-road manners, and impressive off-road ability, the Evoque sets the benchmark for the fast-growing compact luxury SUV class. Land Rover has a worldwide hit on its hands with the Range Rover Evoque.”

Sport-Utility of the Year is one of several honors Motor Trend gives automakers annually, including Best Driver’s Car, Car of the Year and Truck of the Year.