21 SUVs and Pickups, 1 Grand Prize Winner. Welcome to NWAPA Mudfest 2025!
About this episode
Mudfest 2025 showcases the evolving landscape of SUVs and pickups, emphasizing practicality and versatility for everyday use rather than extreme off-roading. With 21 vehicles tested, including electrified models, the event highlights on-road performance and off-road capabilities. Notable competitors include the Ram 1500RHO, Toyota Tacoma Trail Hunter, and luxury options like the Genesis GV70. The winners are crowned across various categories, with the Ram 1500RHO taking the grand prize as Northwest Outdoor Vehicle of the Year. Insights from manufacturers and journalists add depth to the evaluations.
Every year, Northwest Automotive Press Association members get together to hold Mudfest, the NW Activity Vehicle of the Year competition. It's a real world look at the kinds of vehicles people are buying today, not just crawling over rocks and trees. 19 automotive Northwest Automotive Press Association writers assembled at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, WA for two days of on-pavement and off-road evaluation. Check out the category winners and see which machine takes home the grand prize of NW Activity Vehicle of the Year!
Also, you'll want to watch to the very end…
Special thanks to Aaron Hanson, Erin Kemp, the staff of DriveShop and Page One Automotive, Connie Peters, Kristen Brown, J.R. Chocco, John Vincent, Jim Redden, Bengt Halvorson, Nik Miles, The Ridge Motorsports Park and Alderbrook Resort for their part in making Mudfest 2025 a huge success.
SUV
"Sport utility vehicles and pickups are the dominant vehicle segments in the U.S. Practical and versatile, they can cover terrain that smart sedan owners would avoid."
An SUV is a type of car that is bigger than a regular car and can drive on rough roads. They usually have more space inside for passengers and cargo.
SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle, a versatile vehicle type designed for both on-road and off-road use. They typically offer higher ground clearance and a spacious interior compared to sedans.
electrification
"Now, some emphasize the Sport S side of the acronym, and there's electrification. Of the 21 vehicles tested, over a quarter of them have some sort of electric drive mode."
Electrification means using electricity to power cars instead of just gasoline. This can make cars cleaner and more efficient.
Electrification refers to the process of incorporating electric power into vehicles, which can include hybrid systems or fully electric drivetrains. This trend is growing in the automotive industry to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
all-wheel drive
"All-wheel drive is important, but the right tires for conditions are critical. During this two-day event, there's a lot to pay attention to."
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of a car get power from the engine at the same time. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather like rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, improving traction and stability in various driving conditions. It is particularly beneficial in adverse weather conditions, such as rain or snow.
off-road capability
"First and foremost, it's a jeep, so it's going to have great capability. Again, this contest is not only about off-road capability."
Off-road capability means how well a vehicle can drive on rough surfaces like dirt or rocks. Vehicles designed for off-roading have special features to help them handle these tough conditions.
Off-road capability refers to a vehicle's ability to perform well on unpaved surfaces, such as dirt, mud, rocks, and steep inclines. This includes features like ground clearance, suspension design, and drivetrain systems that enhance traction and stability.
on-road performance
"Day one is about evaluating on-road performance, arguably where these vehicles are used the most. Day two is about off-road prowess."
On-road performance is about how well a car drives on regular streets and highways. It looks at things like how fast it can go, how well it stops, and how comfortable it feels to drive.
On-road performance refers to how well a vehicle handles and performs during regular driving conditions on paved roads. This includes aspects like acceleration, braking, handling, and ride comfort.
off-road prowess
"Day two is about off-road prowess. With little rain in the past week, Mudfest is better described as Dustfest this year."
Off-road prowess is how good a vehicle is at driving on rough and bumpy surfaces. Vehicles with strong off-road skills can handle things like mud, rocks, and steep hills better than regular cars.
Off-road prowess refers to a vehicle's ability to navigate and perform well in challenging off-road conditions. This includes features like suspension travel, traction control, and tire design that enhance its capability on rough terrain.
zero to 60 runs
"As far as pavement testing goes, we do zero to 60 runs. Braking."
Zero to 60 runs are tests that show how fast a car can go from a stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a way to see how powerful and quick a car is.
Zero to 60 runs refer to measuring how quickly a vehicle can accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. This performance metric is commonly used to gauge a car's acceleration capabilities.
Ineos Grenadier
"This is the Ineos Grenadier, and it's not. Last year I drove this, and my impression was it's largely for off-road because on-road,"
The Ineos Grenadier is a tough SUV built for off-road driving. It's made to handle rough conditions rather than just being comfortable on regular roads.
The Ineos Grenadier is a rugged off-road vehicle designed for tough terrain and utility. It emphasizes functionality and durability over on-road performance, making it suitable for adventure and exploration.
Ram 1500
"the Ram 1500 RHO crew cab, or the new Nissan Armada Pro 4X, really does help NOAPA riders evaluate handling and cornering limits."
The Ram 1500 RHO is a type of pickup truck that is designed to be tough and comfortable, making it great for both work and leisure.
The Ram 1500 RHO is a variant of the popular Ram 1500 pickup truck, known for its robust capabilities and comfort.
Nissan Armada
"the new Nissan Armada Pro 4X, really does help NOAPA riders evaluate handling and cornering limits."
The Nissan Armada Pro 4X is a special version of the Armada SUV that is built to handle off-road conditions better than the regular model.
The Nissan Armada Pro 4X is an off-road-oriented version of the Armada SUV, featuring enhancements for rugged terrain.
Toyota Tacoma
"Toyota's new overlanding-oriented Tacoma Trailhunter, and the Ineos Grenadier Trial Master pickup."
The Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter is a version of the Tacoma truck that is made for off-road adventures, making it great for exploring tough terrains.
The Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter is an off-road focused variant of the Tacoma pickup truck, designed for overlanding and rugged use.
Hyundai Tucson XRT
"two-row family vehicles like Hyundai Tucson XRT, Volkswagen's Tauas SE..."
The Hyundai Tucson XRT is a version of the Tucson SUV that is made to drive better on rough roads and trails.
The Hyundai Tucson XRT is an off-road variant of the Tucson SUV, designed for enhanced performance on rough terrain.
Volkswagen Taos SE
"Volkswagen's Tauas SE, and the new Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro."
The Volkswagen Taos SE is a specific version of the Taos SUV that comes with extra features for comfort and convenience.
The Volkswagen Taos SE is a trim level of the Taos compact SUV, offering a blend of features and comfort.
Toyota 4Runner
"the new Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro."
The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is a special version of the 4Runner SUV that is built for off-road driving, making it great for adventures.
The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is an off-road variant of the 4Runner SUV, equipped with features for rugged terrain and adventure.
Kia Sorento
"Three-row family vehicle competitors include Kia Sorento X Pro and Mitsubishi's Outlander Trail Edition..."
The Kia Sorento X Pro is a family-friendly SUV with three rows of seats, which means it can carry more passengers.
The Kia Sorento X Pro is a three-row SUV that offers a balance of space and capability, making it a popular choice for families.
Mitsubishi Outlander
"...titors include Kia Sorento X Pro and Mitsubishi's Outlander Trail Edition, but those third-rows are not as us..."
Jeep Wagoneer
"but those third-rows are not as usable as, say, the large Jeep Wagoneer Overland, which is supremely capable."
The Jeep Wagoneer Overland is a big SUV that can handle rough roads and has a lot of space for passengers and cargo.
The Jeep Wagoneer Overland is a large, luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and spacious interior, making it a strong competitor in the three-row segment.
Hurricane motor
"Hurricane motor, 420 horsepower, so plenty strong."
The Hurricane motor is a powerful engine that produces 420 horsepower, making vehicles with this engine very strong and capable.
The Hurricane motor is a new engine developed by Stellantis, offering high power output, specifically 420 horsepower, which enhances performance in vehicles like the Jeep Wagoneer.
V8
"it's stronger than the standard V8 that it replaced."
A V8 is a type of engine with eight cylinders that usually provides a lot of power, making cars faster and stronger.
A V8 engine is an eight-cylinder engine configuration known for delivering strong performance and power, often found in larger vehicles and trucks.
Hyundai Genesis
"There's the luxury segment. Genesis is definitely covering its bases. This is a GV80,..."
The Hyundai Genesis is a luxury car that is all about comfort and high-end features. It's part of a brand that wants to compete with other fancy car makers and offers a lot of value for its price.
The Hyundai Genesis, now known as the Genesis G80, is a luxury sedan that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology. It was one of the first models to establish the Genesis brand as a serious competitor in the luxury vehicle market.
Genesis GV80
"This is a GV80, one of two."
The Genesis GV80 is a luxury SUV that offers a comfortable ride and many high-end features.
The Genesis GV80 is a luxury SUV that combines performance, comfort, and advanced technology, making it a strong contender in the premium SUV market.
Mazda CX-50 Hybrid
"We also crown for best value, which could be something like the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, Acura ADX, or even a high-end competitor like the refreshed Genesis GV70."
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a smaller SUV that uses both gas and electricity to drive, which helps it save on fuel and be better for the environment.
The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is a compact SUV that combines traditional gasoline power with electric assistance, offering improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared to standard models.
Mazda Cx50
"This thing can move. We also crown for best value, which could be something like the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, Acura ADX, or even a high-end competitor like the refreshed Genesis GV70."
The Mazda CX-50 is a small SUV that is fun to drive and has a nice inside. It's a good choice for people who want a vehicle that feels sporty but also has enough space for everyday use.
The Mazda CX-50 is a compact crossover that emphasizes sporty handling and a premium interior, making it a strong contender in the crowded SUV market. It is designed for those who enjoy driving and want a vehicle that combines practicality with a fun driving experience.
Genesis GV70
"... a high-end competitor like the refreshed Genesis GV70. It just depends on what kind of bang for the buc..."
The Genesis GV70 is a stylish and fancy SUV that offers a lot of nice features and a comfortable ride. It's part of a newer brand that wants to compete with more well-known luxury car makers.
The Genesis GV70 is a luxury compact SUV that combines elegant design with high-end technology and performance. As part of Genesis's growing lineup, it competes with established luxury brands, offering a unique value proposition with its upscale features and warranty.
Honda Passport
"The newest sport unit at Mudfest 2025 is the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport Elite. It's not just stickers and trim."
The Honda Passport TrailSport Elite is a new version of Honda's SUV that is built for adventure and off-road driving, while still being comfortable inside.
The Honda Passport TrailSport Elite is a rugged version of the Passport SUV, designed for off-road capability while maintaining comfort and luxury features.
horsepower
"...540 horsepower out of a three-liter twin-turbo inline six."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means the vehicle can go faster and perform better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power output of an engine. In this context, 540 horsepower means the engine can produce a significant amount of power, contributing to the vehicle's performance.
inline six
"...It's an inline six."
An inline six is a kind of engine with six cylinders lined up in a row. This setup helps the engine run smoothly and gives it good power.
An inline six is a type of engine configuration where six cylinders are arranged in a straight line. This design is known for its smooth operation and good power delivery, making it popular in many performance vehicles.
turbo whistle
"...you definitely get turbo whistle off of the snorkel. This is actually entered in a number of categories,..."
Turbo whistle is the noise you hear when a turbocharger is working hard to make the engine more powerful. It's a unique sound that many car enthusiasts enjoy.
Turbo whistle refers to the distinctive sound produced by a turbocharger when it is spooling up, which can often be heard during acceleration. This sound is a result of the turbocharger compressing air to increase engine power.
Hyundai Ioniq
"I'm pretty tough on these cameras. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT was the sports car yesterday. Off-road, a l..."
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a new electric car that looks really cool and has a lot of space inside. It's important because it shows how car companies are making more electric options for people who want to drive without using gas.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-electric compact crossover that stands out for its futuristic design and advanced technology features. It represents Hyundai's commitment to electric mobility and has garnered attention for its spacious interior and impressive range.
all-electric vehicle
"The only all-electric vehicle in the competition. So much fun."
An all-electric vehicle is a car that only uses electricity to run, so it doesn't need gas. This makes it better for the environment because it doesn't produce pollution from a tailpipe.
An all-electric vehicle is a car that runs entirely on electricity, using battery power instead of gasoline or diesel. This type of vehicle produces zero tailpipe emissions, making it environmentally friendly.
battery packs
"Battery packs low in the floor."
Battery packs are groups of batteries that store power for electric cars. They are usually placed low in the car to help it stay balanced while driving.
Battery packs are collections of batteries that store electrical energy for use in electric vehicles. They are typically located low in the vehicle to improve stability and handling.
drive modes
"It has unique and comprehensive drive modes that make a significant difference."
Drive modes are different settings in a car that change how it drives, making it better for things like off-road driving or smooth highway cruising.
Drive modes are settings in a vehicle that adjust its performance characteristics, such as throttle response, traction control, and suspension settings, to suit different driving conditions.
gravel mode
"I'm going to pop you up to gravel mode here."
Gravel mode is a setting in some cars that helps them drive better on loose surfaces like gravel roads, making it safer and easier to handle.
Gravel mode is a specific drive mode designed to optimize a vehicle's performance on loose surfaces like gravel, enhancing traction and stability.
stability control
"...you'll feel the stability control gravity immediately. No Tom."
Stability control helps keep your car steady and prevents it from sliding around, especially in slippery conditions.
Stability control is a safety feature in vehicles that helps prevent skidding and loss of control by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels when it detects a loss of traction.
skid plates
"And the skid plates are under the fuel tank and under the engine. And like I said, they're really heavy duty."
Skid plates are strong shields that protect the bottom of a car from getting damaged when driving over rocks or rough ground. They help keep important parts safe.
Skid plates are protective components installed on the underside of a vehicle to shield critical parts like the fuel tank and engine from damage when driving over rough terrain or obstacles. They are typically made from durable materials to withstand impacts.
Toyota Crown
"...he 2025 Jeep Wagoneer Series 2 Overland takes the crown, edging out the 2025 Nissan Armada Pro 4X. The lu..."
The Toyota Crown is a big, fancy car that Toyota has been making for a long time. It's known for being comfortable and having nice features, making it a good choice for people who want a luxury car.
The Toyota Crown is a full-size sedan that has been a staple in the Toyota lineup for decades, known for its luxury features and smooth ride. Recently reintroduced in North America, it aims to compete with other premium sedans by offering a blend of comfort, technology, and performance.
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