22 SUVs Battle It Out at Mudfest 2023! Value. Features. Capability.

Looking for the best SUV, crossover or pickup? Want capability and value? 22 vehicles fight for the title at Mudfest 2023, a two-day battle royale put on by the Northwest Automotive Press Association. There are categories for 2-row, 3-row, luxury, extreme capability, value, and for the first time, electrified. So we have you covered, from the $30,000 Subaru Crosstrek to the $452,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Tom Voelk travels to The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, WA to drive pickups and SUVs on pavement and off to determine the Northwest Outdoor Vehicle of the Year. And this time it’s a bit of an upset.
Special thanks to The Ridge Motorsports Park, Page One, Drive Shop, Alderbook Resort, and the members of the Northwest Automotive Press Association for their hard work in making Mudfest 2023 a huge success.
2023 SUV of the Year Award, Mudfest 2023, Mudfest Northwest Outdoor Vehicle of the Year, SUV of the year competition, Northwest automotive press association, NWAPA, Tom Voelk, Tom Volk, Tom Volk car reviews, best SUV, best pickup,
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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting).
00:00 What is Mudfest?
1:16 What’s New?
3:00 Don’t See The SUV You Like?
3:19 Day 1 On-Road Testing
4:44 Go Kart Course
6:00 Day 2 Off-Road Testing
6:55 Extreme Spur
8:40 Most Are Very Capable
9:20 Rolls Royce Cullinan
10:00 More Affordable Vehicles
12:24 Winners!
13:55 Summary
14:20 Epilogue and Thanks
15:07 Before I Go…

[@juelzm149]

Very impressed with all of these vehicles! Way to go Mitsubishi 🏆

[@Andomaca1]

the outlander is a fantastic car, we love ours!

[@torocars9227]

Been paying attention to PHEV Mitsubishi Outlander. This is why.

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

Great video! And good job Mitsubishi!

[@loriallen67]

I’ve seen several of these Mitsubishi around town. Truly a noticeable increased presence in the parking lot. As long as they are being charged, I’m glad for that. PHEV is better than straight ICE everyday (as long as they are actually charged). What is more interesting than the result was who was noticeably absent from the competition. Makes the conclusions less valuable. Still a well done video and thank you for your service! 😂

[@MechayaAlta]

Since most people live in more than a single person household, having one car that can do it all is probably not needed. We live in a 2 person household and share a 2022 Nissan Leaf as our local car and a 2023 Subaru Outback for our road trips. Instead of a hybrid car we have a hybrid fleet. Both cars together cost less than $70K msrp.

[@CRVgarage]

Wonderful. I'm thinking in the same lines. We have an Outback for road trips & Jetta for the city. Trying to find a cheap EV to replace the Jetta.

[@MechayaAlta]

@@CRVgarage how about a 2 year old lease return basic Nissan Leaf ?

[@rezakaaccount]

Don’t forget the insurance

[@JDelta87]

The Ridge is such a nice track in a relatively remote area of the state. Nice work on this years Mudfest, Tom.

[@denault3985]

Great event and photography. Btw, how do you keep the camera clean and mud free in this inclement weather?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I have a rain cover for it. A pain to operate the cam when it's on though. A good third was shot with my iPhone, that just requires a quick wipe of the lens with my t-shirt. Those are pretty water proof.

[@jamestg4]

I had previously had trouble getting past the Misubishis looks, I really don't like the front, still maybe I should keep an open mind

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Personally, I find some questionable design elements. The big badges on the side look like MMA belt buckles. I would immediately remove those and the badging in back.

[@3deftones]

Mitsubishi still holds the record for Most Dakar wins by a healthy margin.

[@jessesea77]

I look forward to this video every year!

[@evankatz2893]

Tom always a solid production by you, watch this every year and it’s loads of fun, the only other person I recognized was Alex by autos. Keep up the solid top notch videos as always. Evan L Katz, a viewer since day one.

[@macbrun7]

Always enjoy your Mudfest shows Tom! As well as your regular reviews. Thanks!

[@billwerick]

GV70 beats Outlander PHEV in the electrified category, but Outlander 1st, GV70 second overall. Different criteria? Different weights?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Nothing really different. The Mitsu's a lot more affordable for one. It's also more flexible when it comes to fueling so the PHEV system could have been appealing to the judges. The GV is fully electric so it makes sense to win in the electrified section.

[@Fierrosporcelular]

Amazing accomplishment for the ‘Bishi!

[@clubracer6]

The Santa Cruz is very tempting… I just can’t fall for that front end. Would love a Raptor R, but my 401k has taken a beating and probably is not going to improve anytime soon. Thanks for covering this Tom!

[@theMLBfan]

What does your 401k have to do with your next car purchase? Are you retiring soon?

[@clubracer6]

@@theMLBfan Not with 5 kids! Now is the best time to preserve cash as investment opportunities will be on the rise over the next few years. I don’t think the growth rate of the funds available in my 401k plan will be what they had been. The next decade will be quite interesting to say the least.

[@tommihelich2613]

That was encouraging seeing a PHEV come in First.

[@gregkramer5588]

I think you love the mudfest :-) Thanks once again Tom!

[@dacna01]

Good Day, is there a video of just how the Outlander PHEV did?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Nope. But I plan on doing a full review in the coming weeks.

[@dacna01]

@@DrivenCarReviews Great. What about a compro with Grand Cherokee 4xe?

[@kentgabriel3572]

This looks like an absolute blast! The landscape is awesome too! I had a feeling that Outlander would win....its an often overlooked hidden gem.

[@yru435]

That contest answers the questions that only 5% of the SUV/pickup buying public actually need answered.

[@voterdown]

🖐🖐🔥. All the KZbin vehicle reviews interesting but keep in mind almost all reviewers ‘love’ the cars their testing, for all of one hour.

[@smithchuck]

Another fine video. I'm looking forward to your full review of the new Crosstrek (although I'm much more interested in one of the larger-engine models coming out later this summer).

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It won't happen until mid summer, the one in Mudfest went to Portland and won't be back for 6 weeks.

[@michaelgarvin8621]

Great review Tom 👍🙂

[@dogdoc1]

Could you post a numerical ranking of all the vehicles? That would be interesting to see.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I am only privy to winners and runner ups.

[@dogdoc1]

@@DrivenCarReviews Ok, thanks.

[@itsamilkshake]

That green genesis representative was endearing.

[@jordanissport]

I LOVE THE RIDGE! I do motorcycle track days there

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Nice track. Only driven it a couple times though.

[@76carmel]

Here’s to the plucky underdog…

[@georgeg.7124]

Enjoy these videos.

[@ericfhernandez]

I think they need to reach out to Rivian with an invite for 2024.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Who says we didn't for 2023?

[@EveryPriceGougingStealership]

We did, they didn't want to come. Or they chickened out. Its up to you how you want to spin the narrative. Nearly everyone gets an invite, for one reason or another, not everyone can bring a rep. If there isn't a vehicle here, its not because they didn't try to reach out to them. Its because they didn't want to, or couldn't show up.

[@DouginaBoxster]

"We like to show folks from around the country these conditions so fewer people move here." - LOL and Hallelujah...

[@DouginaBoxster]

Oh, and I would SOOOO LOVE to have that Genesis! Glad to see it do well.

[@Affalterbach1967]

Need a Porsche 911 Dakar Safari build in the mix.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Agreed

[@OldThomMerton]

Ohhhhh, MudFest!

[@PrincessTS01]

im really happy with my 2023 jeep compass latitude 2.0 turbo 8spd 4x4 in laser blue pearl

[@sapphirebluegabe]

Would love to see your take on the x7 m60!

[@ktpinnacle]

Was the Grand Cherokee 4xe in a past competition?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Yes, it won last year. Don't think Jeep could find one for the event.

[@drews.1316]

Wait you got merch?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

That hat? That's from 10 years ago. Tried to do merch, only sold about 30 pieces. Not worth the trouble.

[@TalismanPHX]

I'll take the Subie!

[@mauricetremblay1324]

Now I want to change my ice gv70 for an electric one.

[@CRVgarage]

My Jetta can do this course too.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Doubtful.

[@tommihelich2613]

Tom, how did the Rolls do?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Everyone loved it. I think it's the price that got in the way.

[@BlackJeepConvertible]

had a feeling mitsubishi's AWD and ground clearance would win

[@jenesuispasbavard]

I wonder how many of these 22 SUVs that are on the road will ever go offroad...

[@kingsleyadusei7606]

So proud of u mitsubishi..😊 but still needs more power.. I have the outlander 2023 sel red diamond, so I know what I mean..

[@Dan-il6pl]

Agree...I have a 22 sel sawc...in black diamond...great car love it but needs a bit more power...thinking of getting a phev for the extra hp

[@kingsleyadusei7606]

@Dan-il6pl sounds good.. im switching to the pathfinder platinum pretty soon.. either 2023 or 2024

[@bruintoo]

No Rivian R1S?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Here's why- 3:00

[@moose1442]

I wonder why Ford didn't have the Bronco or the Maverick (tremor) there. I would think they would have performed well.

[@citibear57]

I'm shocked that a Rolls-Royce was entered in Mudfest, even if it was the tragically styled Cullinan model 🤮. I would hate to be the persons that needed to wash and detail these filthy vehicles after the competition. Sorry, but give me a good ol' asphalt road any day over this. I must admit though, it sure looked like fun. Just not my cup of tea. I am very happy for Mitsubishi. They lost their way in North America for few decades, but with the help of Nissan, I am hoping that they receive respect and acceptance once again. Great video, Tom 👍

[@grayman618]

With the exception of the deep water I'm pretty sure a front wheel drive car could get through all of this. Not really impressed by the course.

[@the_jarmel]

👏👏👏🙏🙏.... Have a beautiful Tuesday and week ahead everybody ✌️

[@wilfriedgronau5052]

if you buy a car based on these results good luck and good by

[@K03sport]

I applaud your 'sacrifice' Tom. Despite winning at this Mud Fest, I don't see many ppl in the PNW (and rest of the country) rushing to the Mitsu dealer to scoop up Outlander PHEVs. Too bad Mitsubishi gave up on (nice/bigger) cars in the US. I think they could really benefit from the return of the Gallant, but they'll need to elevate it w/VR-4 trim and position it as an upper-mid tier awd offering (no rental spec) and make it the grown up Evo sports sedan (and wagon) that Subaru and others have left behind/abandoned). Tom, w/all of the no-shows, this is only a partial story and leaves lots of holes, especially w/no Ram, Chevrolet, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche, Cadillac, Volvo and many more. I realize this is by invitation and those that do stack the deck as much as possible. What was the avg MSRP (excluding the Rolls)? I'm not quite ready for my $60k daily.....

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Pretty sure the Outlander is flying off the lots. Not easy to find. You have to remember that the vehicle has to be new for 2023 or significantly refreshed. And if it competed in a prior Mudfest, and didn't get an award, it is not allowed to return. So that takes care of a lot of the holes that you speak of

[@K03sport]

@@DrivenCarReviews thanks. so w/o a win, no Toyotas next yesr. curious where all of the Subaru wilderness were?

[@EngineerZX]

Nothing for BMW or RR or Lexus? that's disappointing ..... as well need to have the ford bronco and Landrover in this competition

[@order9066]

Crowns are not awarded to winners. A crown is gifted to royalty through succession or hereditary right.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Simply not true. The word crown has many uses. It can be coin. It can be the top area of a tree. Or a dental implant. I used it as a transitive verb, to recognize or award with a prize or title.

[@jtthebrick3]

I can't take any review seriously that crowns a Mitsubishi over a Telluride

[@DAVEMUGF]

No Land Rover ?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It chose not to attend.

[@DAVEMUGF]

@@DrivenCarReviews Thanks. Poor decision, their loss.

[@dawitmehari7865]

It's just your opinion. The video is short how gonna we decide it's fair review. Give us the full review even if it's over 1 hour

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It's not just my opinion. It's the aggregate opinion of 24 writers. I would say the hive mind generally came to the right conclusions all things considered.

[@dawitmehari7865]

@@DrivenCarReviews i get what your saying tho it would have been better if your videos included the details that got you and tour 24 writers to agree to your final conclusion so we know those reasons as well

[@recepyesil6440]

I know very little English, I'm wondering 1 who 2 who 3 who 4 who Thank you for your answers and thank you Google translate.

[@shipdog44]

I'm here from the future and the Toyota Landcruiser wins the 2024 Mudfest.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

It might not be launched to compete in MF. I guess that's an alternate timeline.

[@fixittony]

I have so many problems with this review video. First, there is no public details of mud fest on the northwest automotive press association website. The links are circular. No conflict of interest disclosures, rules, copy of the evaluation forms, voting records. Then, there is the video editing showing some vehicles driving into the ruts while some driving beside them (Cherokee). All video clips showing all vehicles effortlessly completing stages…no stuck vehicles, high-centered vehicles, etc…Did the manufacturers have a say in the course design? Why not have prior year winners compete again? Unchanged models are just as good! This implies the event is a social media influencer event to keep revenue coming in and support manufacturers marketing objectives of their new models. There weren’t sufficient details from this event to help a consumer make an informed decision….just sayin’

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Point by point- NWAPA is a volunteer group, we don’t have the staff to post that stuff. Hard to control where drivers are going to point the vehicle. There was no Cherokee. Course designed by NWAPA to simulate forest service roads. Vehicles with less capabilities are discouraged to attempt the more extreme section (intentionally damaging and high centering the vehicle is unwise). Previous winners are encouraged to compete again, it’s the manufacturer’s decision. And again, off road ability is only part of the competition. It’s about being well rounded.

[@fixittony]

Thank you for taking the time to write a response. Much appreciated. Sorry it was the Compass Trail Hawk.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@@fixittony I can honestly say this is a very good test for these vehicles. Not meant to break them, but to see how they will do in conditions that few people owners actually push them into. The NWAPA folks (me included a little) work very hard to make sure it goes smoothly, with as many vehicles as we can get. And I'll be doing stand alone videos on Compass, GV70 and Outlander in the coming weeks.

[@BlackJeepConvertible]

Best convertible: Jeep Wrangler

[@acchaladka]

I think you're aware that your true fans hate SUVs....we're just watching this because it's you Tom. (Too bad there's not enough cargo space in the GV70 for a dog and camping equip and kids). Also because there is no wagon version of this competition. 😢

[@TJDST4]

I'm a true fan, and I don't hate SUVs.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

You think? Most of my top performing videos are SUVs.

[@acchaladka]

@@DrivenCarReviews I accept this fact, and also decry all these people who do not loathe SUVs. Boooo. 😂

[@tommihelich2613]

What is your age? My wife just mentioned today (again!) that her days of owning a sedan are over. SUV’s, Crossovers, Pickups are sooo much easier getting in and out of when you’re old. And we can see so much better as we’re creeping down the road.

[@acchaladka]

@@tommihelich2613 I'm 51, and a heart patient...I recommend to do more squats and planks and gentle yoga if you like it. Sedentary life can kill ya.

[@SaraK_69]

Lololol

[@eyalschnider]

mitsubishi?very strange...

[@rapide12345]

How is it strange? If a car is good then it's good, the brand doesn't matter.

[@williamdrijver4141]

Horrible spec on that Cullinan, would look 100 x times better in a discrete color with the black pack.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

To you maybe...

[@butterfingerali]

No Rivian? No competition

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Maybe tell Rivian to bring a truck next year.

[@butterfingerali]

@RivianOfficial challenge accepted?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

@@butterfingerali I'm happy to direct them to the NWAPA staff. I'd love to see Rivian in the competition.

[@paulm6481]

Useless marketing review. If you don’t have all the relevant entries, it is no contest. Fluff piece.

[@robertpettigrew3862]

Yep..nope

[@katmanjenks1961]

I agree!

[@toronado455]

Outlander? Gimme a break.

[@rapide12345]

Why? Have you driven the new Outlander PHEV?

[@TinLeadHammer]

This was extemely boring, I had to skip through. Two puddles and a short incline - is this MUD fest? You don't need an SUV for these roads, much less a Wrangler. Once again it has been proven that Americans do not need these sort of vehicles unlike people, say, in Siberia, Africa or parts of South America.

[@tommihelich2613]

You obviously haven’t been in some of our National Forests

[@TinLeadHammer]

@@tommihelich2613 Do millions of Americans drive through forests every day? Conversely, you don't know on what sorts of roads people drive elsewhere using cheap small cars.

[@tommihelich2613]

@@TinLeadHammer some Americans need these sort of vehicles. Some Americans just enjoy having these type of vehicles to tow their “Side by Sides” to the National Forest.

[@RoguePlanetStudio]

While your Mitsubishi in Genesis are on the side of the road I'll be in my Toyota 4runner. Not hate, just facts.

[@CRVgarage]

I'll follow you in my Outback.

[@life-pm5xl]

​@@CRVgarage I'll follow you guys by walking. I'm sure I'll go pass you guys in any terrain.

[@jeffmorse645]

Well, he did say one of the criteria was being well rounded. Putting it all together I think the Mitsu is a pretty well deserved win.

[@davidyang577]

But your fact has no prove. And your fact only comes with an older tech, 5 year warranty and not a phev. The outlander PHEV on the other hand has back it up since 2013. The new Gen comes with a 10 year warranty, it's the latest generation of its segment, and the stock is actually available.

[@bradleyscarreviews]

The Genesis is a reliable brand, what are you on?

[@toronado455]

This is a joke. Nobody would choose the Outlander.

[@tommihelich2613]

I’d consider it if I didn’t already have a RAV4 Prime and a twenty year old Outback.

[@davidyang577]

The new gen Outlander phev has been top selling since 2022. number 1 mid-size suv in all place that have got them. Mitsi can't make them fast enough because they are selling so well.

[@3deftones]

Mitsubishi still holds the record for Most Dakar wins by a healthy margin.

[@rapide12345]

I would, and many people did like what they say H@T3RS GONNA H@T3.