Shelton, Washington. April 27, 2024 — After two days of on- and off-road testing, the automotive media professionals of the Northwest Automotive Press Association named the 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail as the Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year.
“The Lexus GX has traditionally been a remarkable off-road vehicle, and this new generation proved itself with not only luxury features but also capability. The competition was extremely tight and some of the votes were very close, but overall members of the Northwest Automotive Press Association chose the 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail as the 2024 Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year," NWAPA President Nik Miles said of the winning vehicle, which was also named Best Luxury SUV.
The competition, now in its 30th year, is better known as Mudfest. As in the past, 18 NWAPA members spent two days evaluating 20 crossovers, SUVs and pickups in four categories on specially prepared courses at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington. Testers included Pamplin Media Group Automotive Editor Jim Redden.
In keeping with the Mudfest tradition, the NWAPA members also chose the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4X4 as the Extreme Capability SUV of the Year.
“Jeep maintains its strong off-roading reputation. The brand consistently excels, easily handling the extreme course thanks to its durable design and robust tire package, especially in muddy conditions," Miles said of the Wrangler, which also won the Two-Row Family SUV category.
Evolving alongside industry trends, the 2024 field featured two all-electric and a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The all-electric 2024 Kia EV9 AWD won the three-row family SUV category.
“The Kia EV9 has garnered numerous awards for its blend of luxury, technology, and utility, enhanced by its low center of gravity due to the battery placement. Its environmental benefits further highlight its appeal as a top electric utility vehicle," Miles said.
In addition, NWAPA members chose the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness as the Best Value SUV or Truck.
NWAPA 2024 Mudfest categories and winners are:
Two-Row Family SUV: 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4X4Three-Row Family SUV: 2024 Kia EV9 AWDLuxury SUV: 2024 Lexus GX 550 OvertrailPickup Truck: 2024 Chevrolet Colorado 4WD ZR2 BisonBest Value SUV or Truck: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek WildernessBest Electrified SUV or Truck: 2024 Kia EV9 AWDBest Extreme Capability SUV: 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X 4X4Best Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year: 2024 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail
The first day of testing consisted of on-pavement courses designed to evaluate acceleration, braking, road manners, and handling. The second day was all about off-pavement performance, with challenges crafted to evaluate traction, clearance, articulation, and the latest in off-road technology.
Day one testing took place entirely on paved surfaces. The on-road testing courses included a straightaway for acceleration and braking, a slalom for handling, and a small track to quickly evaluate overall performance. On-road testing opportunities were also available on public streets to help evaluate road manners and better provide overall vehicle impressions in a real-world environment.
The primary off-road course included a gravel, muddy, watery track. It also featured a log bridge and a deeply rutted articulation course. All vehicles competed on the entire course.
A video of 2024 Mudfest by Tom Frisch can be found here .
About NWAPA
NWAPA ( nwapa.org ) is a professional organization of automotive journalists and media members from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Southwest Canada. Founded in 1991, NWAPA includes 45 voting members representing newspapers, magazines, radio stations, media groups, and the internet. Members of the organization have been testing SUVs and crossovers since the advent of the modern sport-utility vehicle in the mid-1990s. Non-voting NWAPA members include representatives from automotive manufacturers and related industry professionals.
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