21 Vehicle Head-to-Head Test: 2025 NW Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year Competition

After 2 days of testing, on-road and off, with 21 brand-new crossovers, SUVs, and trucks, the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) has crowned the 2025 NW Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year, as well as a number of category winners.

The annual event, known as Mudfest, now in its 31st year, offers journalists (NWAPA members) the opportunity for direct comparison evaluations of many of the latest and greatest off-road oriented SUVs and trucks on the market.

2025 Mudfest

Driving takes place on specially prepared courses at The Ridge Motorsports Park in Shelton, Wash.

Day one testing involves an on-pavement course designed to evaluate acceleration, handling, braking, and road dynamics. An autocross-like setup in the paddock of the racetrack, as well as the go-kart track, are used.

Day two is all about off-road performance. Each journalist drives each vehicle on a custom-designed course. Two-track grassy, muddy, and steep terrain starts off the evaluation course. The section highlights ground clearance before heading into some fast, loose gravel.

Then, some rough, hard dirt shows off suspension compliance before the vehicle is taken on a short prepared off-road terrain loop. The loop showcases suspension articulation and off-road tech.

I’ve been going to the event for many years now, and it’s always a great palate builder that I use throughout the year to influence my vehicle reviews. Spotting and feeling nuances between new vehicles can be challenging these days. But, driving so many vehicles back-to-back allows me to identify these differences with ease.

NWAPA mudfest is also an intimate networking event for automotive journalists and OEM PR representatives to get all-important facetime in our digital age.

2025 Mudfest Contenders

Twenty-one vehicles vied for the title of NW Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year at NWAPA Mudfest 2025. A mix of layouts and powertrains (ICE, hybrid, and BEV). The one constant was that they all had some sort of AWD/4WD system.

The 2015 contenders are:

Two-Row Family SUV Category

Three-Row Family SUV Category

Luxury SUV Category

Pickup Truck Category

2025 Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year

After 2 days of on-pavement and off-road experience in all 21 vehicles, NWAPA members crowned the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Crew Cab 4×4 as the 2025 Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year. Not only that, but the muscle truck also took home the Best Pickup Truck and Extreme Capability Vehicle category wins.

“It should come as no surprise that twin-turbocharged inline-six-cylinder power and the impressive off-road chops of the 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Crew Cab proved to be a winning formula. Ram has offered desirable packages in the past; the RHO continues that streak,” said Tom Voelk, NWAPA President. “The fact that the Ram 1500 RHO took three categories in the Mudfest contest speaks to how strongly NWAPA members feel about this machine.”

I’m a big fan of this big truck, as long as you live in an area where its massive width isn’t an issue. The power is just right — where the TRX had way more power than you could really use — and the suspension tuning is next level. Add in a high-tech, comfortable, and luxurious feeling interior, and you’ve got a winning combo.

NWAPA Mudfest Category Winners

Impressively, as it’s not worked out this way in the past, my voting aligned nearly perfectly with the organization’s. These are some very worthy winners, as they really did shine.

● Two-Row Family SUV: 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT

● Three-Row Family SUV: 2025 Jeep Wagoneer Series II Overland

● Luxury SUV: 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige

● Pickup Truck: 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Crew Cab 4×4

● Electrified Activity Vehicle: 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT

● Extreme Capability Vehicle: 2025 Ram 1500 RHO Crew Cab 4×4

● Best Value NW Outdoor Activity Vehicle: 2025 Subaru Forester Touring Hybrid

In the Electrified Activity Vehicle category, which includes battery-electrics, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids, the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT finished atop the podium. The Ioniq 5 XRT also took home the award for best Two-Row Family SUV.

It was my pick for most fun on-road vehicle by far, as it was quick and flickable, as the weight and power quickly overwhelmed the tires — four-wheel drifts for days! This was especially true with the traction control “off” and the Sport mode activated. In the gravel, it was a blast as well. The Hyundai did struggle with ground clearance in more technical terrain, as you’d expect.

The 2025 best Three-Row Family SUV winner is the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer Series II Overland. I recently drove this vehicle in Moab off-road, ahead of Easter Jeep Safari, and can attest to its comfort and capability. It’s just a great vehicle to put in some big miles on the road as well, while carrying a ton of gear, friends/family, and/or towing some big toys.

The newly refreshed 2026 Genesis GV70 3.5T Sport Prestige took the Luxury SUV trophy at Mudfest 2025. It’s one of the quickest vehicles tested here and offers truly exceptional handling. While not an off-road vehicle, it performed admirably in that foreign environment.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Touring Hybrid earned the Best Value NW Outdoor Activity Vehicle title. With a sticker price of $44,005, our test vehicle offers a lot of value for the money. While not quick, it has a ton of great features, is a very usable size, and has a very impressive AWD system and great ground clearance.

(All photos by Doug Berger, for NWAPA.)