Jeep Renegade rules Mudfest 2015

The Northwest Automotive Press Association did its dirty work again this year.

Twenty-three NWAPA members recently participated in Mudfest, the organization’s annual Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year competition. The event has been going on for 21 years, and I’ve been there for almost every one of them.

For two days in late April, NWAPA members evaluated 27 vehicles using a combination of paved and off-road tracks. Pavement testing took place on a decommissioned runway at Sanderson Field in Shelton, where a customized track was constructed to test each vehicle’s acceleration, slalom, panic braking and backup camera capabilities.

Other qualities taken into consideration for all vehicles included interior and exterior design, technology, comfort and function, fuel economy and value for dollar.

Off-road testing was done at the Tahuya State Forest Off-Road Vehicle Recreation Area near Shelton. Two off-road courses were used: a moderate course with dirt, mud, deep puddles and ruts; and an extreme course for high-capability vehicles, subjecting them to the more challenging conditions designed for leisure off-roading that benefits from locking differentials as well as superior axle articulation and approach angles.

For all off-road testing, drivers stayed on designated routes maintained specifically for off-road vehicles. You’ll see a lot of water in the photos that go with this story, but they’re mud puddles produced by rain. We didn’t drive through any streams or other environmentally sensitive areas.

Crossover and sport utility vehicles competed in six different categories: Compact, Premium Compact, Family, Premium Mid-size and Full-size, and Extreme Capability. In a first for Mudfest, a pickup category was included this year.

Attending NWAPA members select one winner from each category as well as an overall winner, which is awarded NWAPA’s Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year title. It’s a highly competitive event, with great vehicles entered in every category. Near ties are not uncommon.

This was a good year for the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles family (FCA), as you can see from the following list of winners at Mudfest 2015.

Compact: 2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 4×4

Premium Compact: 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE

Family: 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4×4

Premium Mid-size/Full-size: 2016 Acura MDX AWD

Extreme Capability: 2015 Ram 2500 Power Wagon Crew Cab 4×4

Pickup: 2015 Ram 1500 Outdoorsman Crew Cab 4×4 EcoDiesel

Overall: 2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk 4×4

Vehicles can be entered in only one category, but it should be noted that the two Jeeps and the Land Rover were also qualified for the Extreme Capability category.

The Northwest Automotive Press Association is a professional organization of automotive journalists and media members from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Founded in 1991, NWAPA includes 45 voting members representing more than 100 newspapers, magazines, radio stations, media groups and the Internet. Non-voting members include representatives from automotive manufacturers and related industry professionals.