Coming fresh off the line the 2020 Gladiator set all-time high ratings in performance and capability for the mid-size truck market that has never before been seen. At the annual Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) Mudfest competition Jeep put their new truck to the test lining up against top models from other companies only to come out on top being named “Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year” by the judges and automotive journalists of NWAPA.

NWAPA 2019 Mudfest

Over the course of two days, NWAPA Journalists took the competing vehicles out to extensively measure the on and off-road capabilities of each competing for the top spot across six different categories. During the on-road portion of the test, vehicles were tested on acceleration, panic-emergency braking, rear-view camera capabilities, handling around sharp corners, and much more. The next day each vehicle was pushed to its limits in the off-road course that was built specifically to simulate the harsh and rough terrain that many northwest drivers would often overcome on their off-road treks. This testing course also offered an optional section meant to test extremely capable vehicles in the most severe conditions that could prove difficult or potentially damaging to most vehicles. With both of these days pushing the cars to their track limits, additional courses were added in for specific categories such as evaluating the power and payload capabilities of Pickup Trucks.

“The 2019 NWAPA Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year competition featured the most diverse group of vehicles we’ve seen in its 25-year history,” says NWAPA President John Vincent of U.S. News & World Report.

“The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator earned its title of Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year with an exceptionally functional blend of SUV and pickup attributes that northwest consumers crave.”

Each of the vehicles fought fiercely during the competition, but the brand new 2020 Jeep Gladiator won in three separate categories taking first place in Pickup Trucks, Extreme Capability, and the . The 2020 Gladiator showcased off its great on-road control in conjunction with its incredible powertrain while boasting the legendary off-road capability that Jeep is known for. In the 25 years that NWAPA has put on this annual mudfest competition, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is the only vehicle to have finished on top in over two categories.

About the 2020 Jeep Gladiator

The all-new 2020 Gladiator takes a bold stance toting the classic Jeep cabin look while incorporating a truck bed and the immensely powerful engine that is vital for pickups to get the job done. Setting the stage in both interior and exterior design, the 2020 Gladiator builds off of the legacy established by previous Jeep trucks to establish itself in off-road capability as well. The pickup offers three different powertrain combinations and a solid number of trim levels integrating modern-day technology developing comfort and convenience as well as unparalleled performance. Our friends at said that the Gladiator Rubicon model in particular brings in a Rock-trac 4×4 system featuring a two-speed transfer case that pushes a 4:1 low-range gear ratio working in conjunction with its standard 33-inch Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain tires to get you where the job takes you.

More info about NWAPA

NWAPA () is a professional organization of automotive journalists and media members from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Southwest Canada. Founded in 1991, NWAPA includes 54 voting members representing more than 700 newspapers, magazines, radio stations, media groups, and the internet. Members of the organization have been testing SUVs and crossovers since the advent of the modern sport-utility vehicle in the mid-1990s. Non-voting NWAPA members include representatives from automotive manufacturers and related industry professionals.