Jeep and Ram clean up at 22nd annual "Mudfest"

Jeep and Ram Truck brand vehicles dominated the 22nd annual “Mudfest” competition hosted by the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA), with each vehicle entered winning its respective category, and the Grand Cherokee winning an overall award all its own.

Good to know, because any vehicle that stands out the Pacific Northwest should be right at home in the Upper Midwest.

More than 25 NWAPA automotive journalists spent two days testing vehicles on paved and off-road routes. Journalists tested 28 vehicles from 21 manufacturers to select winners in six categories: Compact utility, family utility, premium compact utility, premium utility, pickups, and extreme capability vehicles.

NWAPA is a professional organization of automotive journalists and media members from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Founded in 1991, NWAPA includes 45 voting members representing more than 100 newspapers, magazines, radio stations, media groups, and the Internet. Non-voting members include representatives from automotive manufacturers and related industry professionals.

“For 2016 we made both our on- and off-road courses more challenging,” said Ryan Douthit, event chair and producer of Driving Sports TV. “The Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Ram Rebel impressed our members with their ability to not only traverse any obstacle, but to do so with a unique sense of style and comfort. That’s why our members not only picked these three as best in their classes, but also selected the Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary Edition as our Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year.”

Nik Miles, president of NWAPA, said, “Jeep and Ram build vehicles that know how to win, and the NWAPA members agree after testing them in the Pacific Northwest. The company has a strong reputation for capability and they proved it with winning titles at this year's Mudfest.” 

Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most awarded SUV ever, and the vehicle that has long defined what a premium SUV should be. The 2016 Grand Cherokee Summit models receive added features, as well as a Summit California Edition appearance package that further enhances Summit’s premium exterior aesthetics. 

Legendary Jeep capability comes courtesy of three available 4x4 systems, Jeep’s Quadra-Lift air suspension system, and class-leading Selec-Terrain traction management system. Grand Cherokee boasts best-in-class towing of 7,400 pounds and a crawl ratio of 44.1:1. 

The iconic Jeep Wrangler—the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world—takes on 2016 with features such as a standard 8-speaker audio system and an improved sound bar, and an optional Premium Alpine Audio Package that includes nine Alpine speakers, a subwoofer and a 552-watt amplifier. 

The 2016 Wrangler delivers unmatched off-road capability with legendary four-wheel drive and is produced with more than seven decades of 4x4 engineering experience. Wrangler continues to offer a body-on-frame design, front and rear 5-link suspension system, live axles, electronic lockers, and is one of the few mid-size SUVs offering a 6-speed manual transmission in addition to its 5-speed automatic transmission. 

The 2016 Ram Rebel brings one-of-a-kind off-road design to the full-size truck segment. The Rebel drops right into a core segment of the truck market with unique design cues and can-do attitude backed by Ram Truck engineering. Equipped with factory lift, 33-inch tires, standard air suspension, skid plates, tow hooks, and other off-road-ready features, the Ram 1500 Rebel appeals to the truck owner looking for a less beaten path. 

Right now at Barnett you’ll find new Jeeps starting from an incredible $13,990! Or, you can lease a LOADED 2016 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4x4 for ONLY $99 a month! Ask about other great deals like a LOADED Jeep Renegade Latitude for $199 a month, a Wrangler Unlimited at $299 a month, a Cherokee Latitude only $199 a month, or a Grand Cherokee Limited with towing package you can buy as low as $29,990. From the Dodge lineup, lease a new 2016 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Big Horn 4x4—with HEMI V8 engine—for ONLY $199 a month, or get up to $12,000 off MSRP when you buy! Also, Dodge Journey Crossroad or Town & Country Touring can be leased as low as $199 a month.

And don’t forget the exclusive FREE Million Mile Warranty that comes with every NEW vehicle purchased from Barnett! See your Barnett sales associate for details on all the offers, and on the Million Mile Warranty.