For those of you unaware of this competition, Mudfest is an annual competition organized by media professionals from the Northwest Automotive Press Association NWAPA who spend two days driving some of the best SUVs, compact crossovers, and trucks from all leading brands over custom tarmac and off-road courses to determine, which is the best outdoor vehicle you can buy. That’s right, some people have the best jobs on the planet.
This year’s competition had all the leading manufacturers sending their flagship SUVs to claim the coveted crown of the Outdoor Activity Vehicle Of The Year. Last year’s winner, the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe, was not present this year, instead, Jeep chose to send their Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe which shares the same hybrid powertrain. This year, in addition to the big prize, 22 cars participated to win in 6 sub-categories - Pickup Truck, Two-Row SUV, Three-Row SUV, Luxury, Value, Fully Electric (a first for Mudfest.)
The Muddiest Venue
This year’s event was held at the Ridge Motorsports Park near Shelton, Washington. The two-day event puts every car through on-road tracks to test performance, handling and braking on day one. There is a twisty go-kart track as well, which is especially helpful for the judges to determine the maneuverability of these large vehicles.
Since most SUVs spend the majority of their lives being driven on the pavement, it can be argued that the first day tests are a little more relevant than the second, but we love them just the same. The second day brings a custom-made off-road track that puts the cars through some traditional outdoorsy elements like slush, rocks and moderately deep water.
Along with the driving performance, all of these cars come with their own technologically advanced powertrains, suspension, tires, and cozy interiors. The judges carefully consider all of these different aspects before making their final decision.
Pickups & SUVs That Took Part In Mudfest 2023
Mudfest always features some of the best SUVs in the market, and this year was no exception. Some of the stand-outs at the event were the all new 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport, the rambunctious F-150 Raptor, the Mazda CX-50, and even a $452,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan. This year was also historic due to the fact that this, was the first time a pure EV SUV was a part of the line-up - the highly capable Genesis GV-70.
Not every SUV from every brand was able to make it to the competition, owing to not winning past events or the manufacturer declining to participate. Some notable absentees were the Rivian R1T, and the Chevrolet Colorado. Along with the cars, the manufactures also send their representative who were more than happy to help the journalists with the all the specs and features of their respective brands.
The Winners In Every Category
After careful consideration and a lot of driving across two days of rain soaked adverse conditions, the judges were able to vote and come to a decision about which of these diverse group of SUVs, Crossovers and Pick-Up Trucks is worth spending your best hard-earned money on.
Pickup Truck: Ford F-150 Raptor R
The Ford F-150 Raptor R was everyone’s favorite in this category, with last year’s winner the 2023 Santa Cruz coming in second.
Three-Row SUV: 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
A lot of eyebrows were raised when it came to this SUV from Mitsubishi, not everyone having confidence in this SUV’s abilities. However, it went on to win everyone over with its smooth power delivery, a very unique all-wheel drive setup, and tech laden, comfortable interiors. The 2023 Toyota Sequoia comes a close second here.
Electrified Utility Vehicle & Luxury SUV: 2023 Genesis GV70 Electrified
This was a surprise win in this category, as the competition included a Rolls-Royce, the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer Series II was the runner-up. The 2023 Genesis GV70 Electrified was the clear winner here, once again outshining the runner-up the Outlander PHEV.
Two-Row SUV & Extreme Capability Vehicle: 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe 20th Anniversary Edition
The Jeep Wrangler with the hybrid powertrain and outdoor pedigree takes the win in this category, with the 2023 Kia Sportage X-Pro Prestige as runner-up. As for extreme capability, this was hotly contested but ultimately the Jeep Rubicon won this category as well with the F-150 Raptor coming in second.
Best Value SUV / Pickup: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium
The extremely capable 2023 Subaru Crosstrek was the cheapest car at the event, coming in at around $30,000, costing $8000 lesser than the nearest competitor. The runner-up here was the Outlander PHEV.
Outdoor Activity Vehicle Of The Year Competition: 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Finally, the biggest prize of all was taken by the underdog yet again, impressing everyone with its performance and comfort, the Mitsubishi Outlander is the Mudfest Outdoor Activity Vehicle Of The Year 2023. These were the winners of another successful Mudfest organized by the good people of NWAPA, and now we wait and see what automakers bring to next year's event.