The SUV And Pickup Of The Year! The 2021 Mudfest Competition Picks The Best.

The average new vehicle goes for over $42,000 these days. To help you buy the best one for you, the Northwest Automotive Press Association holds Mudfest, perhaps the best SUV, crossover and pickup competition in the US at The Ridge Motorsports Park. This is the 26th time it's been held and there are 19 vehicles competing. Will Kia Telluride repeat it's win? How does Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco stack up against each other? It's all here, plus NWAPA members choose a Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year (and it's kind of a surprise this time).

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00:00 Introduction
1:45 Category Winners
2:45 How Mudfest Works
4:07 On Road Testing
8:32 Off Road Testing
13:45 Overall Winners
14:27 Summary
15:00 Epilogue
15:18 Fun Fact
15:43 Goodbye

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). But really, all you need to know is in the videos. Watch a few and you'll subscribe.

[drivingsports]

Great video Tom, sorry we couldn't make MudFest this year. Your video is just like being there... without choking on real dust.

[christopherprose]

If every truck, 4WD, AWD, SUV, CUV, Crossover, whatever was included in the competition, you all would have been there for weeks. It's mind-bogging how many of these cars are now available on the market. Lastly, KIA and Hyundai are the ones to watch!

[donteadoss]

Hyundai/Genesis cleaning up with the accolades - surprising but then not, love what they’re doing with their product lines including Kia. Looks like an enjoyable time; thanks for the great reviews as always! 🔥

[neeko.b]

Since you mentioned it, you're definitely succinct and I appreciate it. Videos always feel like a good length and as if you've covered everything without droning on.

[stevebokleman]

Well done review. The near top and top finishes for the Hyundai Tucson & Santa Cruz was nice to see. Hyundai has been making steady progress, including updates to address overheating with the DCT. As for the GV80 getting top spot, not really surprised as it quite a vehicle. :-)

[ericcutler]

That was an awesome video Tom! Thank you!

[jamesstuart]

This is really useful because my nearest Costco is in the middle of the woods

[ExploringElements]

So good to connect at the event. The video came out amazing. Top-notch work all around. Catch you at the next one. Cheers...

[Thoughmuchistaken]

Great breakdown and coverage of the event. Though I was just out planting trees so I feel bad for the firs or spruce that lined the off road section.

[rightlanehog]

The map on the Tacoma hood must be there for nostalgic purposes. A more up to date one would feature Tijuana or Guanajuoto.

[nattga]

Subarus: “dont mind us. Just happy to be here”

[pcfry]

Sitting in a Wagoneer at the All-Iowa Auto Show this past June broke my brain. Now that I know those exist, I have a new Aspirational Vehicle to shoot for (once they come out with the hybrid version).

[bikebudha]

Tom, normally your policy of 'short' 'succinct' videos is a blessing. But in this case, man I would love to see a long version. Where you give each car a 20-point breakdown. (The same 20 points for each vehicle. On-road handling, off-road handling, features, green lights, yellow lights, red lights, etc etc)...

[davidrobertnewman]

Nice job, as usual. Behind-the-scenes question: What do you do to keep all that dust and grit off your gear?

[wanttoplae]

Would be fun to attend this event, even as a ride along…..

[toddchisolm]

Given that Land Rover can't keep defenders in stock, I'm guessing they didn't have one to spare.

[jessesea]

Mud Fest is my favorite Video every year!

[rbarreca]

Thanks for another nice video. I sneezed while wearing a mask in a taxi & did not spread my germs around the gal's car. Masks are good for lots of things like cars.

[davidcahill]

Earlier this year I watched a wild boar hunt in Italy. On country tracks I wouldn't expect a mule to pass a 25 year old Mahindra passed like a pro. It's the driver that matters as much as the vehicle.

[marcob]

Two thoughts:
Jeep completely dropped the ball on the potential for the Wagoneer design
There’s nearly $30k in difference between the top two midsize entrants. That’s… not how brackets are supposed to work