Over the past 15 years, our passion for automobiles has taken us on incredible journeys to experience a wide array of cars, trucks and SUVs in various locations. However, there is one annual event that we eagerly look forward to every year: the Rocky Mountain Driving Experience in Denver. As proud members of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press, this ride-and-drive event brings together numerous manufacturers and media professionals, offering us a unique opportunity to indulge in the latest automotive offerings.

RMDE serves as an unforgettable occasion to reconnect with old friends, establish new connections within the industry,and engage with manufacturer representatives who attend the event, proudly showcasing their latest additions for the year.

Hosted in the picturesque setting of Colorado, this event owes its location to the presence of two fleets that provide the vehicles: DriveShop and Automotive Media Solutions. Every week, these fleets transport the cars all the way from Denver to our home state of Utah, rotating them among the six journalists stationed here. We feel privileged to have the opportunity to test drive vehicles provided by DriveShop and Automotive Media Solutions, showcasing their commitment to providing us with a diverse range of vehicles to experience and review.

RMDE not only allows us to explore and evaluate the latest automotive innovations but also provides a platform for networking and establishing connections within the industry. This year’s journey began in Golden, Colorado, where we embarked on a 170-mile course winding through the breathtaking Colorado Rockies, even navigating through Rocky Mountain National Park before reaching our final destination in Winter Park, Colorado.

Throughout the journey, we had the pleasure of experiencing a variety of remarkable vehicles. Our first drive of the day was in the all-new 2023 Mazda CX-50, a perfectly sized vehicle that combines Mazda’s luxury and refinement with an exhilarating drive, thanks to its 2.5-liter turbo engine.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

Next, we found ourselves behind the wheel of the impressive 2023 Land Rover 130 Defender First Edition, an ideal SUV for families, boasting spaciousness and off-road capabilities. Its striking interior, featuring an 11.4-inch touch screen navigation system, ensures no adventure is out of reach.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

Continuing our exploration of family-friendly SUVs, we switched to the new 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. With its three rows of seating and Summit trim equipped with advanced technology, the Grand Cherokee L offers an enhanced driving experience for families on the go.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

Breaking away from the SUV lineup, we got a taste of the 2023 GMC Sierra, an off-road-capable truck equipped with a powerful 6.2-liter V-8 engine. Perfect for family adventures that involve towing, this Sierra model impressed with its capabilities.

During lunch, hosted in the beautiful mountain setting of Lyons, Colorado, Honda and Acura introduced us to their new sedans: the 2023 Honda Accord and the 2023 Acura Integra Type S. Manufacturer representatives highlighted the exciting features and enhancements of these sedans, leaving us eager to take them for a spin.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

Following lunch, we embarked on an adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park, where we had the pleasure of driving the much-anticipated Type S. With its turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC engine, producing an impressive 320 horsepower, this sporty sedan delivered an exhilarating driving experience.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

As our Day 1 journey neared its end, we hopped into the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe, a reliable and technologically advanced SUV that consistently impresses with its features and safety offerings.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

The evening brought us a delightful dinner provided by Alfa Romeo, featuring their all-new Tonale, a plug-in hybrid model. With over 30 miles of electric driving range and the combination of a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine and a 90-kilowatt electric motor, the Tonale exuded power, delivering an exhilarating and eco-friendly driving experience.

The next day, our drive continued as we made our way back to Golden, Colorado. Our first vehicle of the day was the all-new Toyota Prius, which boasts a completely redesigned look and improved power. With its instrument panel now in front of the driver, the Prius has shed its traditional hybrid image, presenting itself as a stylish sedan.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

We also had the opportunity to experience the performance-driven Lexus IS 500, equipped with a powerful V-8 engine generating over 400 horsepower. This exhilarating sedan truly shined on the winding mountain roads.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

Lastly, we concluded our journey with the all-new Subaru Impreza RS, a vehicle that perfectly encapsulates Subaru’s technology and versatility. Its innovative touch screen center console and impressive range of technological features left a lasting impression.

Courtesy photo

Once again, RMDE provided us with the incredible opportunity to drive a diverse range of exceptional vehicles, rekindle old friendships and establish new connections within the automotive world. Stay tuned as we share our insights and reviews from this unforgettable Rocky Mountain Driving Experience.

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