Mercedes Lilienthal
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September 25, 2023
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Feature Stories
Each year, the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) hosts an on-track and off-road test-drive event called Mudfest. In its 28th year, this press-only gathering evaluates some of the latest and greatest all-wheel drives and 4x4s the market currently offers.
This year, 23 journalists, including myself, evaluated 22 crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks over a two-day period. From Mazdas and Mitsubishis to Fords and Toyotas, each model endured tarmac testing and mud mayhem. Each vehicle was vying for the overall Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year award, as well as seven sub-classification acknowledgments, which included a new “Best Value SUV or Pickup” category.
Journalists were given booklets containing in-depth vehicle information, pricing, and scoring worksheets that categorized each group: pickup trucks, two-row family SUVs, three-row family SUVs, and luxury SUVs. We scored each adventure rig based on a multitude of characteristics. The top finishers earned bragging rights and 2023 NWAPA Mudfest Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year awards.
“Outdoor activity vehicles balance work and play for people who live in the Pacific Northwest and take advantage of recreational opportunities. Competition for the 2023 award shows that the market is evolving as fast or faster than any other automotive segment, offering more choices than ever before,” said NWAPA President and Event Chair Nik Miles.
“The winning 2024 Subaru Crosstrek was not only the least expensive vehicle tested but had the highest EPA mileage ratings of any non-electrified vehicle.”
The pickup truck class had three entries: the 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, the 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz, and the 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R.
The popular two-row SUV segment included seven vehicles: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium, 2023 VW Tiguan 2.0T SEL R-Line, 2023 Mazda CX-50 Meridian Edition, 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige AWD, 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid AWD Sport Touring, 2023 Jeep Compass Trailhawk 4×4, and 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe 20th Anniversary Rubicon 4×4, a plug-in hybrid.
Stepping it up in size, the three-row family SUV category consisted of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro 4×4, 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek, 2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro, Hyundai Palisade XRT AWD, 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport AWD, and another plug-in hybrid, the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
Wrapping it up, the luxury SUVs showcased six different iterations: the 2023 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, 2023 Wagoneer Series II 4×4, 2023 BMW X7 M60i, 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport, Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec, and Mudfest’s first-ever fully electrified competitor, the Genesis Electrified GV70. Four traditional hybrids were also tested in other classes.
The Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington, has been the home of Mudfest for multiple years. The pavement-pounding part of the grounds feature a full-size racetrack (which we didn’t use), a smaller and exact replica of it for go-karting activities (or in our case, part of our on-road evaluations for at-speed driving), and a huge parking lot area where journalists subjected each vehicle to a variety of testing assessments. This included an acceleration test, a brake challenge, a slalom section, as well as sweeping curves to get a feel for responsiveness and overall body roll.
The off-tarmac track took drivers through gravel chicanes, mud-filled ruts, off-camber sections, a bridge made from logs, and an articulation area that showcased each vehicle’s suspension travel. Four-wheel-drive rigs, and AWDs brave enough to test their off-pavement prowess against the elements, challenged themselves with the optional and more extreme route. This included muddy inclines with deepening ruts, as well as a water crossing that included a rock-filled base.
Although the Pacific Northwest is known for its dreary skies and mist-laden moss, past Mudfest years have been fairly dry. This year, though, was a surprise soaker! It was a great way to truly bring the “mud” back to the Mudfest namesake.
“Once again, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon sits atop the awards podium with a few recognitions.”
The unexpected champ was the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Priced at just under $51,000, the plug-in hybrid surprised some journalists with its nimble and responsive handling, comfortable and nicely appointed interior, and capable demeanor. This three-row Mitsubishi Outlander lives large on the interior but doesn’t feel bulky when driving. It chomped up uneven ground with ease, kept its occupants secure no matter the terrain type, and was fun to pilot on the racetrack as well as in the mud. It’s a solid all-wheel-drive adventure machine.
“This year, 23 journalists, including myself, evaluated 22 crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks, over a wet two-day period.”
Not only did the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV take home the overall crown for the 2023 NW Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year—a prestigious award all vehicle manufacturers strive for—but it earned top honors as the Three-Row Family SUV, too.
“The victory might be a surprise for some, but not for those that tested the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid,” said Miles. “It is well-equipped, extremely capable, and is loaded with features not seen on other plug-in hybrids.”
Once again, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon namesake sits atop the awards podium with a few recognitions. This time it’s the 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe 20th Anniversary Rubicon with Two-Row Family SUV and Extreme Capability Vehicle awards.
Armed with 20th Anniversary details and upgrades, this plug-in hybrid features 375 horsepower, 470 lb.-ft. of torque, and three drive modes: hybrid, electric, and e-save. Whereas other Wrangler Rubicon models solely rely on internal combustion engines, the 4xe uses both ICE and electric motors, along with a large battery pack, to deliver instant torque for mud-filled fun and rock-crawling precision. MSRP, including destination, for our Mudfest tester: $81,150.
If you’re in the market for a full-electric all-wheel-drive luxury SUV that can scoot and keep you planted, yet successfully handle light-duty off-pavement terrain, then the 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 may be worth a serious look.
This first-ever EV was another unexpected hit at this year’s Mudfest. It stole the show with its forward-thinking technology, gorgeous body lines, and more. It earned the Luxury SUV and Electrified Utility Vehicle awards and was the runner-up to the overall trophy. The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 EV costs $74,350 (including destination charges).
For those that have an extra $111,935 in the bank, they can own the fun, fast, and loud 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor 4×4 SuperCrew pickup truck. Commanding an undeniable presence among the test fleet, the F-150 Raptor charged its way through the off-road course and begged for 20 more chances. The Raptor raced ahead throughout the competition and nabbed the 2023 Mudfest Pickup Truck award.
If we think of all-wheel-drive adventuring fun coupled with overall off-pavement capability, we associate Subaru as the outdoor enthusiast’s go-to vehicle of choice. Garnering Mudfest’s Best Value SUV or Pickup award, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium blew through the off-road course with confidence and even tackled the more extreme 4×4 course with successful results while most other AWDs stuck to the general track.
Arriving under $30,000, including destination and delivery, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium offers Subaru’s legendary symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology, robust Eyesight Driver Assist System, and X-Mode to help keep the vehicle stable when the road or trail beneath its occupants isn’t.
According to the NWAPA organization, the new Best Value SUV or Pickup category “balanced affordability with on- and off-road abilities for budget-minded buyers. The winning 2024 Subaru Crosstrek was not only the least expensive vehicle tested but had the highest EPA mileage ratings of any non-electrified vehicle.”
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