Jeep and Ram Dominate Annual NWAPA “Mudfest”
Jeep and Ram Truck brand vehicles won three of the six vehicle categories at the 24th annual “Mudfest” competition hosted by the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA). The all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler was voted the top honor of “Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year” by automotive journalist members of NWAPA.
"Jeep has taken the Wrangler to a new level, adding safety, technology and on-road refinement to its unparalleled off-road prowess. NWAPA members were impressed by the Wrangler’s performance both on and off the road," said John Vincent, President of NWAPA. "The 2019 Ram 1500 once again raises the bar for full-size pickup comfort and refinement. It features a cabin that rivals luxury cars, and capability to do any work that it is asked.”
In addition to taking overall top honors, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler was also named the winner of the Compact and Mid-size Utility class and the Extreme Capability class.
The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 Rebel won the Pickups category. Rebel topped a field that included entries from every pickup truck manufacturer in the U.S. market.
“The Jeep Wrangler and the Ram 1500 Rebel have well-earned reputations for capability,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep & Ram Brands. “Winning a head-to-head third-party off-road comparison test, such as Mudfest, is clearly yet another strong endorsement for the Jeep and Ram brands.”
Determining the Winners of NWAPA Mudfest
More than 25 NWAPA automotive journalists spent two days testing vehicles on paved and off-road routes. Testing took place at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Washington. Journalists tested 26 vehicles from 16 manufacturers to select winners in six categories: Subcompact Utility, Compact and Mid-size Utility, Family Utility, Premium Utility, Trucks and Extreme Capability. The overall winner, the all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler was selected from the category winners to be named the 2018 Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year.