About MotorTrend
MotorTrend, established in 1949 by Robert E. ‘Pete’ Petersen, has been a leading voice in automotive journalism for over 75 years. The publication has its roots in a passion for cars and a commitment to expertise. From its inception, MotorTrend has driven, tested, and reported on auto industry trends, maintaining a spirit of bringing readers closer to the cars of today and tomorrow.
Our History and Mission
Anchored by the MotorTrend magazine and its world-famous ‘Of The Year’ award programs, the brand informs, entertains, and empowers a wide range of readers, from casual car buyers to hardcore enthusiasts. MotorTrend evaluates the latest vehicles through rigorous testing, including road-trip range testing for electric vehicles and proprietary Ultimate Car Rankings.

The MotorTrend.com website features thousands of diverse stories and world-class photography, complemented by a vibrant social media presence, live events, and award-winning videos on their YouTube channel.
Editorial Integrity and Testing
MotorTrend’s editors evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually through extensive reviews and instrumented tests. The publication maintains editorial integrity by keeping a wall between its editorial content and advertisers, ensuring unbiased reviews. Their testing includes six key criteria: Value, Safety, Efficiency, Engineering, Design, and Performance of Intended Function.
Awards and Rankings
MotorTrend’s ‘Car of the Year’ award, first given in 1949, has grown into a family of prestigious automotive awards covering various categories. Other recognitions include the Person of the Year, Power List, and the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) Innovator Awards, which highlight industry leaders and innovators.
Buyer’s Guide and Ultimate Car Rankings
The MotorTrend Buyer’s Guide features the Ultimate Car Rankings, a sophisticated car-ratings system designed to help consumers find the best vehicle for their needs. This system evaluates vehicles across 50 segments and 300 vehicles, drawing on 75 years of testing experience.
Contacting MotorTrend
For editorial inquiries, readers can email [email protected] or write to MotorTrend at 2004 Park Pl, Unit-K, El Segundo, CA 90245.
By maintaining a strict privacy policy and committing to unbiased, factually accurate content, MotorTrend continues to be a trusted source in automotive journalism.