Mudfest puts SUVs to a true Northwest test

Kids aren’t the only people who play in mud, but when adults do it their toys are way more expensive.

“Mudfest” is the name of the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s (NWAPA) annual Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year competition, in which automakers are invited to enter their newest SUVs to compete in a two-day event that tests the vehicles on a skidpad, on paved roads, and off-road. Participating NWAPA members do the driving and scoring, then turn in their individual ballots for tallying at the end of day two. A winner is selected in each of five different categories, and one vehicle is declared the overall winner.

To reflect consumer and industry trends away from true SUVs in favor of crossover vehicles, this year the competition’s explanatory title was changed to the Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year competition.

Mudfest 2013 took place April 17-18 at the 310-acre DirtFish Rally School site in Snoqualmie. This was the third consecutive year at DirtFish and the 19th year for Mudfest, which has been held at various locations in Washington and Oregon throughout its history.

Twenty-three vehicles were entered this year, and 31 NWAPA members participated. The five vehicle categories were Compact Class, Luxury Compact Class, Family Class, Luxury Class, and Off-road Class. Vehicles were evaluated for their on-road ride and handling, powertrain, braking, exterior design, interior comfort and function, application of technology, off-pavement handling and capability, fuel efficiency, and value.

A moderate off-road course with bumps, ruts, gravel and tight turns was created for vehicles in the first four categories. Vehicles entered in the Off-road Class competed on a much more difficult course designed specifically for evaluating axle articulation, approach angles, 4×4 technology, and general ability to soldier on regardless.

Both off-road courses also included lots of mud. I’ve participated in 17 Mudfests, and have loved them all. But too much rain, or no rain and therefore no mud, cuts into the fun. For Mudfest 2013, conditions were ideal: some rain before the event and some rain overnight during the event – ensuring plenty of mud – but mainly dry skies and even full sunshine while we drove and tested.

As it is every year, competition was fierce, with near ties in a couple of categories. But the scoring system prevents ties by having all drivers list their first, second and third choice in every category.

And now for a wince-worthy cliche: The envelope, please.

The category winners are:

  • Compact Class: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0T
  • Luxury Compact Class: 2013 Acura RDX AWD Tech
  • Family Class: 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium CVT
  • Luxury Class: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
  • Off-road Class: 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 10th Anniversary 4×4

And the overall winner, the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s 2013 Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year: the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland.

Talk to us

More in Herald Business Journal

Members of Gravitics' team and U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen stand in front of a mockup of a space module interior on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Gravitics' Marysville facility. Left to right: Mark Tiner, government affairs representative; Jiral Shah, business development; U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen; Mike DeRosa, marketing; Scott Macklin, lead engineer. (Gravitics.)
Marysville startup prepares for space — the financial frontier

Gravitics is building space station module prototypes to one day house space travelers and researchers.

Orca Mobility designer Mike Lowell, left, and CEO Bill Messing at their office on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023 in Granite Falls, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Could a Granite Falls startup’s three-wheeler revolutionize delivery?

Orca Mobility’s battery-powered, three-wheel truck is built on a motorcycle frame. Now, they aim to make it self-driving.

Catherine Robinweiler leads the class during a lab session at Edmonds College on April 29, 2021. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Grant aids apprenticeship program in Mukilteo and elsewhere

A $5.6 million U.S. Department of Labor grant will boost apprenticeships for special education teachers and nurses.

Peoples Bank is placing piggy banks with $30 around Washington starting Aug. 1.
(Peoples Bank)
Peoples Bank grant program seeks proposals from nonprofits

Peoples Bank offers up to $35,000 in Impact Grants aimed at helping communities. Applications due Sept. 15.

Workers build the first all-electric commuter plane, the Eviation Alice, at Eviation's plant on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021 in Arlington, Washington.  (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Arlington’s Eviation selects Seattle firm to configure production plane

TLG Aerospace chosen to configure Eviation Aircraft’s all-electric commuter plane for mass production.

Jim Simpson leans on Blue Ray III, one of his designs, in his shop on Friday, August 25, 2023, in Clinton, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Whidbey Island master mechanic building dream car from “Speed Racer”

Jim Simpson, 68, of Clinton, is using his knowledge of sports cars to assemble his own Mach Five.

Yansi De La Cruz molds a cheese mixture into bone shapes at Himalayan Dog Chew on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Give a dog a bone? How about a hard cheese chew from Arlington instead!

Launched from a kitchen table in 2003, Himalayan Pet Supply now employs 160 workers at its new Arlington factory.

Inside the new Boeing 737 simulator at Simulation Flight in Mukilteo, Washington on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
New Boeing 737 simulator takes ‘flight’ in Mukilteo

Pilots can test their flying skills or up their game at Simulation Flight in Mukilteo.

An Amazon worker transfers and organizes items at the new PAE2 Amazon Fulfillment Center on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, in Arlington, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Amazon cuts ribbon on colossal $355M fulfillment center in Arlington

At 2.8 million square feet, the facility is the largest of its kind in Washington. It can hold 40 million “units” of inventory.

A computer rendering of the North Creek Commerce Center industrial park in development at 18712 Bothell-Everett Highway. (Kidder Mathews)
Developer breaks ground on new Bothell industrial park

The North Creek Commerce Center on Bothell Everett Highway will provide warehouse and office space in three buildings.

Dan Bates / The Herald
Funko president, Brian Mariotti is excited about the growth that has led his company to need a 62,000 square foot facility in Lynnwood.
Photo Taken: 102312
Former Funko CEO resigns from the Everett company

Brian Mariotti resigned Sept. 1, six weeks after announcing he was taking a six-month sabbatical from the company.

Cash is used for a purchase at Molly Moon's Ice Cream in Edmonds, Washington on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Paper or plastic? Snohomish County may require businesses to take cash

County Council member Nate Nehring proposed an ordinance to ban cashless sales under $200. He hopes cities will follow suit.