Organized by the International Van of the Year (IVOTY), the International Pick-Up of the Year or IPUA is awarded every other year since 2009. It is bestowed to trucks with attributes such as functionality, efficiency, and performance.

As a multi-functional vehicle produced and sold globally, both the product and marketplace continue to evolve with new manufacturers entering and leaving, while the traditional brands remain to set the standard for others to follow and aim to surpass.

For the 2022 International Pick-Up of the Year, there are four finalists—three of which are from Asia and one from the United States, truly demonstrating the international aspect to the award.

The contenders for IPUA 2022 are:

• Isuzu D-Max
• Jeep Gladiator
• SsangYong Musso
• Toyota Hilux

Before electing the overall victor, the nominated trucks are assessed and analyzed by the expert panel from the IVOTY jury at a specially organized group test. 

On this occasion, this event was held in Croatia in early October, near Zadar. Over the two days, the pick-up, contesting the main prize were put through their paces on and off-road. They were joined by the new RAM 1500 TRX as a guest, along with the reigning champion, the current Ford Ranger.

Previous winners of the prestigious IPUA title included the Volkswagen Amarok and Ford Ranger (both twice), and the Nissan Navara.