Volvo’s XC90 was named last year as NWAPA’s SUV of the Year. It’s a strong contender to repeat.

Mudfest, the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s (NWAPA) nationally recognized Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) competition, took place Oct. 9 and 10. In keeping with the event’s tradition, there was plenty of mud for 18 of the newest and best SUVs to conquer.

The event was held at Portland International Raceway, and consisted of track and agility testing, including a slalom course for handling and acceleration, and braking drills. There were also off-road drills on wooded trails and a on a soupy track set up specifically for the event. Heavy rains the day before and during the event added to the mud, giving the vehicles a chance to really show their stuff.

NWAPA stresses respect for the environment to participants and that off-roading isn’t about how fast you go in the mud. It conducts the event based on the Tread Lightly philosophy of off-roading.

For the past five years, the event has been in Washington, with the track-testing day taking place at Bremerton Raceway and the off-road testing at the Thurston County ORV Park west of Olympia. However, the venue was forced to move when Thurston County elected to close the ORV Park in a budget-cutting move earlier this year, and suitable off-road venue couldn’t be found nearby.

A total of 20 writers from all over the country participated, included well-known international rally and off road driver Sue Mead, known for her automotive pieces in Parade Magazine as well as many other nationally recognized publications. Other writers represented newspapers and publications from all over the country as well as those here in the Northwest.

“It was a great event,” said an obviously pleased NWAPA Vice President Bill McCallum, publisher of Auto New of the Northwest. McCallum, along with Bob Kehoe of Drive! Magazine and Bob Hill of the Oregonian, were the chief organizers of the event. “The conditions were optimal for what we need to find out about these vehicles. From all the feedback I’ve gotten from the manufacturers who attended and participated, they’re as pleased with the event, the course and the performance of their vehicles as we are. The results should be interesting.”

Among the vehicles participating were the defending, 2003 SUV of the Year titleholder, the Volvo XC90, as well as last year’s class winners, the Toyota 4Runner, Range Rover, and Kia Sorento. Totally new vehicles this year included the Porsche Cayenne, Buick Rainier, VW Touareg, Mitsubishi Endeavor, and Nissan Armada among others.

In keeping with tradition, the winners will be announced on Nov. 5 — the opening day of the Seattle Auto Show — at an NWAPA-hosted luncheon to be held at the Pyramid Ale House, across the street from the show.