2022 Kia Forte Road Test and Review

 Even among economy cars, it’s easy to find style, panache, performance, and technology. Most small sedans are styled and engineered to come across as more than merely an affordable transportation appliance.

But maybe that’s exactly what you’d want from your compact car — something simple and inexpensive in a world where auto prices have soared. If so, it’s time to take a look at the 2022 Kia Forte. This sedan is relentlessly competent, especially after a series of upgrades this year. And it’s priced from just $19,090 despite a healthy collection of standard features. And if you’re willing to spend more, the Forte is a still-affordable path to high-end amenities like heated and ventilated front seats, a Harman Kardon stereo, GPS navigation, and a 201-horsepower turbo engine. If that sounds appealing, keep reading to learn more about this budget-friendly sedan.

Kia Forte road test car reviews

Bargain Pricing

It’s increasingly rare to find new cars for less than $20,000, but the 2022 Forte continues to stay below that limit. The base FE model costs $19,090 with a long list of convenience, infotainment, and safety features coming standard. We tested the next-up LXS, which costs just $500 more and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, upgraded interior materials, and a split-folding rear seat. When budget-friendly transportation is the top goal, the Forte LXS should be more than satisfactory.

But you can also enjoy plenty of upgrades while still sticking below some competitors’ base models. The next-up Forte GT-Line ($21,290) brings sport-themed styling changes (including LED lighting and 17-inch wheels) along with a bigger infotainment screen with built-in navigation, push-button starting, automatic climate control, blind-spot monitoring, upgraded partial-leatherette upholstery, and a six-speaker stereo instead of the standard four speakers. Optional equipment on the GT-Line includes full leatherette, heated and ventilated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, a wireless smartphone charger, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Even with all those features added, the Forte stays at $23,990. The top GT model adds the turbo engine and starts at $23,490.

Kia Forte road test car reviews

Updated Styling

The current-generation Forte debuted as a 2019 model. We found its design to be quietly classy, but nothing that would make people stare. And that hasn’t changed much in the 2022 update.

Kia says the new Forte features a “more expressive” front end to “accentuate a wider, stronger image.” The main difference is that the headlights are higher than before, a bit more rectangular, and connected to the grille. The Forte also now wears Kia’s redesigned logo, which drops the oval that had surrounded the “Kia” lettering. Its most distinctive angle remains the rear end, where a lightbar connects the high, slim taillamps, but the Forte’s most notable quality is its quiet simplicity. The smooth door panels are free of wild creases, and the car avoids looking angry. Kia did discontinue the luxury-themed EX model, meaning you need the sport-themed GT-Line to get higher-end amenities. It has red accents on the front bumper and grille, it leaves off the EX’s chrome around the windows, and it has sporty-looking 17-inch wheels. That’s about as close as the Forte comes to either sparking passion or risking offense. 

Kia Forte road test car reviews

Extra-Simple Interior

The Forte’s design simplicity extends to its interior. Round dashboard vents and a slim strip of false metal across the passenger side are the closest things to style. The rest is purely intelligent ergonomics.

Sitting up on the top of the symmetrical dashboard is the infotainment touchscreen, which measures 8 inches on the FE and LXS and — new this year — 10.25 inches on the GT-Line and GT. A volume knob sits on one side of the screen, a tuning knob on the other. Below it are the climate-control system’s equally simple knobs and buttons. The base infotainment system newly includes wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, letting you use your phone’s apps on the touchscreen without even needing to plug in your device. As on other Kia models, the bigger screen does require your phone to be plugged in. The Forte’s interior doesn’t have much flair or many posh surfaces, but it’s all nicely assembled, its upholstery is pleasant, and its moving parts operate smoothly. That’s more than we can say about some flashier-looking interiors. 

Kia Forte road test car reviews

Small But Roomy

The Forte is a small sedan, but it’s agreeably roomy. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the available 10-way power adjustments are generous. Adults can’t stretch out and relax in the rear seat like they could in the latest Honda Civic, but the Forte’s interior space otherwise compares well to other compact sedans.

There’s lots of room for your cargo, too. With a best-in-class 15.3 cubic feet of trunk space, the Forte will fit more of your stuff than some mid-size sedans. However, unlike some older Forte generations and some current competitors, you can’t get the Forte as a roomier five-door hatchback.

Kia Forte road test car reviews

Easy to Drive

There’s nothing to driving the Forte. Hop in and it’ll hum smoothly along. The ride is steady, the steering is natural, and the handling is responsive. The base model has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission. That’s nothing special for a compact sedan, and the engine starts to moan if you try to push it hard, but it’s not disastrously slow. Similarly, the base Forte shows its handling limits as you drive it harder, rather than urging on an enthusiastic driver.

If you’re interested in speed, the Forte is the cheapest new car with more than 200 horsepower. The GT’s 1.6-liter turbo makes 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, and it also has a stiffer suspension with higher handling limits. The standard transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, while a six-speed manual is also available. The Forte GT doesn’t have the poise or polish of a Honda Civic Si or Volkswagen Jetta GLI, but it’s significantly quicker than the mainstream-grade Civic or Jetta that you’d find south of $25,000. 

Kia Forte road test car reviews

Fuel-Sipping Engine

The Forte’s base engine delivers an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway, and 35 mpg combined on the FE trim level, while the LXS and GT-Line dip to 29 mpg, 39 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. That’s good but not incredible for a compact sedan. However, we did beat those ratings, seeing about 38 mpg in mixed driving and an exceptional 44 mpg in mostly highway conditions.

The turbo engine does pretty well, too, given its performance. With the automatic transmission, the EPA pegs it at 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined, though the manual drops to 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. We’ve comfortably beaten the EPA ratings in other Kia and Hyundai models that use this engine, including the Forte’s corporate cousin: the Hyundai Elantra. With the 1.6-liter turbo and six-speed manual, our Elantra averaged 36 mpg — well above the EPA estimates.

Kia Forte road test car reviews

Upgraded Safety Features

For 2022, Kia upgraded the Forte’s safety and driver-assistance features. Its standard automatic emergency braking system can now recognize pedestrians, and a new optional upgrade can brake to avoid cyclists as well. The blind-spot monitoring system (a $500 option on the LXS and standard on higher trim levels) now includes rear automatic braking. Kia also upgraded the lane-keeping steering assistance, and Fortes with the optional adaptive cruise control can also adjust their speeds automatically in response to changing speed limits and upcoming curves.

If a crash happens anyway, the Forte earned top scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration were less stellar: four out of five stars overall, including just three stars for front-passenger protection in a frontal impact. 

Kia Forte road test car reviews

Pricier Competitors

You can find small sedans with sportier handling than the Forte, notably the Honda Civic and Mazda3. You can find small sedans with flashier styling, such as the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Mazda3, and even the latest Toyota Corolla. And you can find small sedans with better gas mileage, especially if you opt for the gas-electric hybrid versions of the Elantra or Corolla.

But these competitors all cost more. And except for the Elantra, none of them matches the Forte’s warranty coverage: five years or 60,000 miles on most components, and 10 years or 100,000 miles on the engine and transmission. 

Kia Forte road test car reviews

Basic in a Good Way

The Forte looks like basic transportation, and it delivers exactly what it promises — in a good way.

For less than $20,000, you can buy a sedan with a roomy interior, smooth ride, economical engine, long warranty, and lots of safety features. Except for a couple of middling crash-test scores, the Forte is as competent as it is unexciting. What’s more, if you get excited about high-end features or a 201-horsepower engine on a low-end budget, the Forte delivers even more. If you’re looking for more pizzazz, a number of alternatives are available. But if you’re looking for a better bargain, that’s a tougher challenge. Especially after this year’s fresh upgrades, the 2022 Kia Forte is a solid economy car at an excellent price. 

Kia Forte road test car reviews

 

By Brady Holt

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Road Test and Review

 The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is the latest entry in Jeep’s move toward electrification. This is Jeep’s second plug-in hybrid following the Wrangler 4xe, which was introduced last year. There are an increasing number of choices when it comes to plug-in hybrids, but the 4xe lineup offers a unique combination. It has the efficiency of a hybrid with the capability of a Jeep.

The name 4xe, pronounced “four by e,” is a play on Jeep’s 4x4 capability. You can go off road and even ford water in the Grand Cherokee 4xe. It can take you anywhere you want to go, and it does that in style with a beautiful interior that seats five. There’s also 26 miles of electric range so you can avoid stops at the pump. Let’s take a closer look at the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe go see if it’s the right choice for you.

An Efficient Hybrid Powertrain

When it comes to electrification, plug-in hybrids sit in the middle ground between regular hybrids and fully electric vehicles. They strike a balance with the added efficiency of being able to plug-in and charge while still having a gas engine for those who aren’t quite ready to move to full electric. This gives them fantastic fuel efficiency ratings. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe gets an EPA-estimated 56 mpge with an all-electric range of up to 26 miles.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 400-volt battery pack. It delivers 375 total system horsepower with 470 lb-ft of torque and is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This is a responsive powertrain that easily gets this large SUV moving without sounding or feeling like it’s working too hard whether you’re cruising the highway or making your way up a steep off-road trail.

Charged Up and Ready to Go

While there’s still a gas engine with a tank you can fill up like normal, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe has a battery that you can plug-in and charge. This is a more affordable option than relying on gas, and it’s one that’s better for the environment since it reduces greenhouse gas emissions. You can charge up at either a Level 1 120-volt charger or a Level 2 240-volt charger.

There are also three 4xe E Select Modes that let you tailor how you use the battery. Hybrid mode optimizes the battery for a balance of fuel efficiency and performance. Electric mode uses only the battery until it’s at its minimum charge or until the driver needs enough torque to require the engine. The final mode is eSave, which uses only the engine so you can save the battery and use it at your discretion.

The Off-Road Capability of Jeep

There are legions of SUVs that you can choose, but not all of them can manage heading off-road. They may have all sorts of appearance enhancements that make them look off-road capable, but the most many can manage is an unpaved country road. The Grand Cherokee 4xe, however, is a Jeep, and that means you can do some serious off-road exploring.

It offers two four-wheel-drive systems, a rear electronic locking slip-differential, air suspension with electronic semi-active damping, sway bar disconnect, and up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance. You can even ford two feet of water. We took this SUV through water, across the dirt, and up huge rock inclines without issue. The Grand Cherokee is an efficient hybrid with loads of amenities that can take you as far away from civilization as you want to go.

A Quiet and Comfortable Ride

This is an SUV with off-road capability uncommon in the segment. We drove the Grand Cherokee 4xe on highways, twisting country roads, and through a challenging off-road course. No matter where we drove, it delivered a quiet and comfortable ride. There was a minimum of wind noise, even at highway speeds without intrusive road noise.

As capable as the Grand Cherokee 4xe is when it comes to off-roading, it still puts the spotlight on passenger comfort. Even over rougher road surfaces with pebbled pavement that was cracked and uneven, it remained well-mannered. While some off-road vehicles deliver harsh, unforgiving rides that are rough on passengers, that’s not the case here. Whether you’re taking a family road trip across miles of highway or adventuring on off-road trails, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe keeps everyone comfortable.

A Luxurious Interior

If you think an SUV rugged enough to climb over rocks and ford through water can’t deliver a premium interior, then the Grand Cherokee 4xe is here to prove you wrong. On top of it’s smooth on-road manners, it has a roomy and comfortable interior with quality materials and a striking design. There’s dual-zone automatic climate control up front, single-zone rear control, Capri leather seats, 8-way power driver and front passenger seats, and heated front and second rows standard.

Top trims pile on even more features with available quilted Palermo leather, ventilated first and second row seats, massaging front seats, real wood trims, and four-zone automatic climate control. It’s a premium experience no matter where you sit and no matter which trim you choose. It makes the Grand Cherokee 4xe a great choice for families with long road trips in their futures.

Room for Cargo and the Capability to Tow

An SUV needs to manage people and all their cargo. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe has plenty of room for all your stuff and a high tow rating for bringing along larger items. There’s 37.7 cubic feet for cargo behind the rear sets with 70.8 cubic feet behind the front seats. That not only let’s you take along the family’s luggage for a week away, but also makes it easy to carry home everything you need for a weekend project.

If you do need more space or if you have something that’s simply to large too fit inside the cargo area, then you can take advantage of the Grand Cherokee 4xe’s high tow rating. It can manage up to 6,000 pounds properly equipped. When it’s time to manage cargo, this SUV has the room and capability to get the job one.

Infotainment for Everyone

Standard infotainment includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM. There’s also a 9-speaker Alpine audio system, four USB ports, and a 10.25-inch front passenger touchscreen. This second screen lets passengers have their own access to select system features an even allows for watching streaming content. No worries about distracting the driver as the screen can’t be viewed from the driver’s seat.

There’s also an available rear-seat entertainment system to keep the kids busy. It features dual 10.2-inch touchscreens and is optional across the Grand Cherokee 4xe lineup rather than being limited to only the top trims. Audiophiles will appreciate the premium McIntosh sound system on the Overland and Summit trims. This 950-watt system includes 19 speakers with a 10-inch subwoofer and produces rich sound that easily fills the cabin of this large SUV.

Plenty of Standard and Available Safety Features

When it comes to safety, there is no shortage of standard and available features on the Grand Cherokee 4xe. The full lineup has blind spot monitoring, full-speed collision warning with active braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, rear parking sensors with stop, rear cross-path detection, and trailer sway control.

Options include drowsy driver detection, intersection collision assist, front and rear parking sensors with stop, a 360-degree camera, and traffic sign recognition. There’s also a night vision camera that activates at the touch of a button. This is useful not just when it’s dark to help spot animals on country roads, but even in poor weather conditions where those same animals can be tough to see.

Final Thoughts

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe adds a second electrified option to the Jeep lineup. It’s available in a range of well-equipped trims priced from $57,700 to $74,300, making it a premium offering. Although it is a more expensive option, you get something unique for that price.

There’s all the capability of a Jeep with standard four-wheel drive and even a Trailhawk trim, which is a badge given to only the most off-road worthy vehicles in the Jeep lineup. There’s also a beautiful interior with attractive trims and luxury touches at the top of the range. And there’s that new plug-in hybrid powertrain that saves on fuel, reduces emissions, and allows for a uniquely silent off-road experience in electric mode. This is an upscale family SUV worth considering for off-road enthusiasts ready to make the move toward electrification.


 

By Nicole Wakelin

2022 Hyundai Venue Road Test and Review

 It wasn’t so long ago that an SUV would make no sense as a city car. Bulky and hard to maneuver, they were lousy choices for crowded conditions. These days, though, the thriving subcompact crossover class has a lot to offer city-dwellers — none more so than the 2022 Hyundai Venue.

As Europeans have appreciated for longer than Americans, the most space-efficient vehicle is tall but not very long. The Venue measures just 159.1 inches long, the least of any U.S.-market crossover and far less than any sedan. Yet it also has an unexpectedly roomy interior, fantastic gas mileage, and prices starting at just $19,000. Naturally, though, an extra-small, extra-affordable, extra-economical vehicle has some tradeoffs. Keep reading to learn more about the Venue’s pros and cons to see if this little crossover is the right fit for you.

Pint-Sized Box

The Hyundai Accent subcompact sedan, which shares its mechanical underpinnings with the Venue, measures 172.6 inches long — more than a foot longer than the Venue. That’s the effect of a trunk that sticks out behind the rear wheels, where the Venue is cut off. The Venue makes up for the lost space by measuring 61.6 inches tall, 4.5 inches more than the Accent.

Unlike some subcompact crossovers, the Venue is styled to emphasize its stubby, boxy shape. It has an upright front end, rectangular headlights and taillights, and a straight roof rather than one that slopes gradually down toward the rear of the car. Crisp lines keep things contemporary, and by providing alloy wheels as standard equipment (wee 15-inch wheels on the base SE model but a big 17 inches on other trim levels), the Venue looks dressy for an extra-affordable vehicle. Hyundai didn’t give the Venue a pseudo-tough SUV design or make it look hot-hatch sporty. It’s a functional little boxy that also has a bit of spunk to its personality. The only clear design miscue to us is a splash of color at the top of each fender, which look like scrapes. 

Contemporary Interior

The Venue has a modern-looking interior with a well-chosen color palette and an attractively shaped dashboard. It’s contemporary without being aggressively modern. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard equipment and works well, and it’s complemented by simple buttons and knobs for the audio and climate controls. The base SE and midlevel SEL trim levels support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while the top Limited requires you to plug in but has a more advanced system that includes GPS navigation.

While the Venue looks nice inside, Hyundai does build the interior from materials that typically reflect its low price. That means lots of hard, shiny plastics, even on the door armrest. But the overall ambiance is pleasant, with Hyundai smartly investing in a good-looking design even while saving money on the materials. It also provides the richer feel of a leather-wrapped steering wheel on all but the base SE.

Tons of Headroom

Hyundai didn’t skimp on the Venue’s seats. They’re well-shaped and supportive, and they’re upholstered in interestingly patterned fabric. You can even get heated seats on the top Limited model, though every Venue has manual seat adjustments with no option for power operation.

You sit up high in the Venue — not towering over other traffic like in a big traditional SUV, but with an upright seating position that stands in clear contrast with the lower-slung Hyundai Accent sedan. The high roof ensures plenty of headroom even above this high seat. The backseat isn’t generous, but it’s high enough off the floor to provide good leg support even if there isn’t extra knee clearance to stretch out.

Space for Your Stuff

Although the Venue is a tiny vehicle, it’s smartly shaped to provide space for your stuff. By the numbers, it has 18.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind its rear seat and 31.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

Those numbers aren’t great, even for a subcompact SUV. But that’s more space and flexibility than you’d get in a sedan. Hyundai also has some smart features to help you make the best use of the Venue’s cargo hold. An adjustable-height cargo floor drops down when you need the most possible space, or rises to create a flush surface with the folded seatbacks. And the cargo cover pivots snugly against the rear seatback, so you don’t have to remove and store it when you’re carrying something taller. For additional capacity, roof rails are standard on all but the base SE, but Hyundai doesn’t recommend using the little Venue to tow a trailer.

 

Low-Speed Moves

Driving the Venue was a pleasant surprise. Despite its tiny 1.6-liter engine — which makes a mere 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque, less than any other crossover — this little Hyundai feels agreeably smooth and peppy at low speeds. It also offers natural-feeling steering and eager handling, and its turning radius is an extra-tight 33.2 feet. This is a fun little car to drive around crowded streets.

It’s not as happy on the highway. The engine has to work harder, especially when you’re accelerating at a high speed. And the suspension, already firm in regular conditions, becomes unsettled on the interstate. Still, it could have been worse. Also, although every Venue comes only with front-wheel drive (unlike most crossovers, there’s no all-wheel-drive option), Hyundai does provide a selectable “snow mode” for wintry weather on all but the base SE. It adjusts the engine’s revs to balance forward momentum with avoiding wheelspin, and it directs torque to one front wheel or another based on slippage. Hyundai once offered a six-speed manual transmission on the Venue, but today you can only get a smooth-operating continuously variable automatic.

Incredible Fuel Economy

The Venue gets great gas mileage for a gas-only SUV. The EPA estimates it will achieve 29 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 31 mpg combined.

Admittedly, some larger crossovers do just as well, especially on the highway. But in our experience, the Venue does even better. Our latest test vehicle averaged an incredible 41 mpg in a mix of suburban traffic, rural back roads, and open highways. It’s not a one-off; we previously tested a Venue that averaged 37 mpg, still well above its EPA estimate. Some testers have gotten disappointing mileage at extra-high highway speeds, which wouldn’t surprise us. But the Venue is a fantastically economical way to drive anywhere but on a 75 mph road trip. 

Bargain Pricing

The Venue is packed with features even at its base price of $19,000. The base SE already includes alloy wheels, a fully featured infotainment system, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping steering assistance. That’s less money than many sedans and perfect if you’re interested in the lowest possible price, especially since we’re not talking about a miserably spartan vehicle.

To us, though, the SEL is the value sweet spot. For $20,750, it adds bigger wheels, selectable driving modes, a sunroof, automatic climate control, a six-speaker stereo instead of the SE’s four-speaker unit, a center console bin with an armrest, blind-spot monitoring, roof rails, and upgraded four-wheel disc brakes. We tested the Limited, $22,250, which adds push-button starting, heated front seats, a more sophisticated automatic emergency braking system that can detect bicyclists, LED headlights and taillights, and GPS navigation. All Venue trim levels share additional value perks that are brand-wide at Hyundai: three years or 36,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance and uncommonly long warranty coverage, reaching up to 10 years or 100,000 miles for the engine and transmission. 

Several Strong Competitors

The Venue faces several strong competitors in the subcompact crossover field. Specifically, it faces the Kia Soul and Nissan Kicks, which are similarly smaller, lighter-duty, and less expensive even than most fellow subcompacts.

Of the three, the Venue is the smallest. It has the least space for cargo and rear passengers. It also has less optional equipment — no leatherette upholstery, no power driver’s seat, and no adaptive cruise control, to name a few examples that you can find on those rivals. However, its tiniest size and tightest turning radius are appealing for tight spaces, and it also has the sportiest handling. What’s more, we got the best real-world gas mileage from the Venue, though the Kicks has better EPA estimates. Of the trio, the Soul is the least like a tiny car and is probably the best-rounded. And the Kicks is appealing for combining higher-end features, respectable interior materials, and stretch-out rear legroom with excellent gas mileage and low prices. But the Venue’s affordability, efficiency, and cheerful character make an appealing combination. 

City-Friendly Standout

If you like big cars, buying a Venue would probably feel like a sacrifice. It doesn’t have the relaxed ride, stretch-out interior space, or endless cargo capacity that characterize even some smallish crossovers. You might glower at its highway noise, downscale dashboard materials, and missing features.

But if you prefer small cars — or a limited budget gives you no say in the matter — the Venue has a lot going for it. Peppy, agile, and manueverable at lower speeds; packed with safety features; roomy for its size; smartly styled inside and out; simple and inexpensive to operate; and affordably priced, it’s a smart choice for the right buyer. 


 

By Brady Holt

2022 Nissan Murano Road Test and Review

 When the crossover suv class was in its infancy, the 2003 Nissan Murano was the automaker’s first entry. The mid-size Murano was notable for its powerful V6 engine, agile handling, and wild styling. Compared with chunky SUV-looking competitors, the Murano was a wild-looking sports car.

These days, the third-generation Murano is in its eighth year since a full redesign. It’s no longer a performance car, and it’s no longer a crossover pioneer, but it still avoids looking like an ordinary SUV. Currently priced from $33,210, it’s a five-seat model that’s posher and more powerful than the similarly roomy Nissan Rogue and more graceful-looking than the roomier, similarly priced three-row Nissan Pathfinder. Here’s how the 2022 Murano stacks up today against its wide variety of competitors.

Still Looks Unique

Few 2022-model vehicles look as similar to their 2003 counterparts as the Murano. Yet rather than looking out of date, the Murano continues to look different from most other crossovers.

The Murano’s silhouette shows a series of gentle curves, with no trace of SUV boxiness. The bumper curves up and around into the front end and then the hood, arching over the front fender. The windowline tapers toward the rear of the vehicle, then jumps back down to meet the bottom of the rear windshield. The headlights and taillights both feature spears that jump upward. The Murano doesn’t look like a brand-new car, since the latest trends call for sharper creases than the gently curved Nissan. But it wasn’t a cookie-cutter design when the first generation appeared in 2003 or when the current iteration arrived in 2015, and it isn’t today. The only thing that looks much like a new Nissan Murano is an older Nissan Murano

User-Friendly Dash

The Murano’s exterior design may be distinctive and timeless, but the interior is plainer. Many materials are rich, particularly on our tested top-of-the-line Platinum test vehicle, which has diamond-patterned leather upholstery; wood trim on the dashboard, doors, and center console; and decorative metal inserts on the edges of the front seats. But the big, largely unadorned dashboard and its small 8-inch touchscreen lack design pizzazz.

The flip side is a user-friendly control layout. If competitors’ interiors seem too daunting, especially if you’re looking at luxury-brand SUVs, you’ll likely welcome the Murano’s traditional buttons and knobs. And while the infotainment screen is modestly sized for a modern $30,000-plus vehicle, and its bright-colored graphics look out of place, it works fine and supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. 

'Zero-Gravity Seats'

Nissan is proud of what it calls “Zero Gravity” seats, which means that the shape and padding were developed to provide maximum long-term support. In our experience, Nissan’s approach works. We might have picked some extra lateral support in the Murano, to hold occupants in place better as the car turns, but it’s a relaxing place to pass time on a long trip.

Unlike many mid-size crossovers, the Murano seats only five passengers with no option for a third-row seat. But adults can fit in both the front and rear seats, and the backseat is wide enough for three adults to sit side by side without too much squeezing. It’s also wide enough to fit three car seats. By not wedging in a third row, the Murano also maximizes second-row legroom, unlike some smaller three-row models. All Muranos but the base S model come with either leatherette or genuine leather upholstery. 

Useful Cargo Hold

The Murano doesn’t have as much cargo space as most mid-size crossovers. You get 32 cubic feet behind the rear seat, which you can fold down for a total of 67 cubic feet behind the front seats. Not only is that lower than you’d find in most mid-size crossovers, but even most compact crossovers (including the Nissan Rogue) have more room. The problem is a high cargo floor and low, sloping roof.

Still, this is a useful amount of space for many buyers, even if some competitors have more. It’s also more cargo room than you’ll find in many similarly style-focused luxury crossovers, such as the Lexus RX or Acura RDX. Towing capacity is definitely low for a six-cylinder mid-size crossover, though, at a mere 1,500 pounds. 

Economical V6

Although the first-generation Murano was designed for sporty performance, its successors focused on comfort and fuel economy. So although it comes standard with a powerful 260-horsepower V6 engine, the Murano isn’t going to set your pulse racing. The continuously variable automatic transmission sends the engine revving unexpectedly high under gentle acceleration, but it’s not going to win any races despite making extra noise. We prefer the new nine-speed automatic transmission in the Nissan Pathfinder. We prefer the Pathfinder’s steering; the Murano’s is heavy at low speeds but too light as you speed up. The ride is smooth and quiet, at least.

Despite the Murano’s age and its V6 engine, it’s economical for a mid-size SUV. The EPA estimates that it will return 20 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined whether you choose the standard front-wheel drive or the optional all-wheel drive. Some competitors do even better, but that’s more economical than a four-cylinder Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Our AWD Murano test vehicle edged out the EPA estimate to average 24 mpg in mixed driving. 

Top Safety Pick Plus

The Murano earned the highest possible designation of Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, reflecting perfect crash-test scores and collision-avoidance systems. Even its base model earns an elusive Good score for headlight illumination. It also received a top five-star score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, both for overall performance and in each of its three individual crash tests (one frontal and two side-impact evaluations).

You also get a generous collection of safety equipment, which is also included even on the base model. It includes front and rear automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping steering assistance, and blind-spot monitoring. Upper trim levels also get a surround-view parking camera, which provides a bird’s-eye view of the Murano and surrounding obstacles like curbs, cars, and parking lot stripes.

Choice of Four Trim Levels

The 2022 Nissan Murano comes in a choice of four trim levels. All come standard with the same V6 engine, and all let you upgrade to all-wheel drive for an extra $1,700.

The base S model costs $33,210, and in addition to the safety equipment we mentioned on the previous page, it includes niceties like automatic climate control, push-button starting, and alloy wheels. Still, the SV ($36,750) is the introduction to the Murano’s more premium features: leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and adaptive cruise control. The SL ($40,710) brings genuine leather, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, GPS navigation, an 11-speaker Bose stereo, a hands-free power liftgate, and the surround-view camera. The Platinum like our test vehicle has upgraded interior trim along with ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, and a panoramic moonroof; it costs $44,760. You’ll find cheaper mid-size SUVs than the Murano, but depending on what features you’re interested in, the SV and SL can make a particularly tempting alternative to a luxury-branded model. 

Varied Competitors

There are a lot of possible alternatives to the Murano. Its most direct competitors are fellow five-seat mainstream-brand crossovers, mainly the Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Edge, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. These models offer sportier handling than the Murano (while preserving comfortable rides), and most also have more interior room.

The Murano is arguably the most elegant of the bunch, though, which also makes it an alternative to luxury-branded SUVs like the Lexus RX, Acura RDX, and the Infiniti QX50 from Nissan’s premium division. These crossovers have more available features than the Murano, along with more modern interiors and generally better driving manners. But for thousands of dollars less than those models, the Murano has appealing value if you’re looking for style, safety, and comfort without demanding the highest tier of luxury. On the flip side, if you’re interested in a mid-size crossover for its utility, the Murano comes up short. If practicality is important and you’re not attached to sleek styling, the roomier, sharper-driving, better-finished Nissan Pathfinder makes entirely more sense. And the compact Nissan Rogue and its similarly sized competitors have comfortable seating for four adults (though not really five) and more cargo room than the Murano. 

Affordable Luxury

Objectively, the Nissan Murano doesn’t make a lot of sense. You can get roomier, more economical, better-driving crossovers with bigger infotainment screens for less money. But then again, luxury doesn’t have to make sense on paper. And viewed as a luxury suv, the Murano can be fairly sensible.

As long as you’re willing to forgo a high-end badge, the Murano provides distinctively elegant styling, a smooth and quiet ride, plenty of power, and a roomy enough interior for five passengers and some cargo. It has a perfect safety record and decent gas mileage, and it’s priced thousands of dollars less than a Lexus or Acura — to say nothing of a BMW or Mercedes-Benz. If that sounds like a promising fit, try out the Murano to see if it’s the right affordable luxury SUV for you. 


 

By Brady Holt

2022 Rivian R1T Road Test and Review

 The 2022 Rivian R1T is an all-new electric vehicle and the first vehicle from all-electric automaker Rivian. This pickup truck is smaller than a full-size pickup but still larger than a mid-size, which puts it in an interesting middle space between the two. This makes it well-suited for those who drive in more urban environments where streets are narrow and parking spaces are a challenge to find.

While the number of electric vehicles continues to grow, the options when it comes to trucks is limited. There are several full-size models, but if you want something smaller, there aren’t currently other options. The good news is, the Rivian R1T has a long range, good capability, and excellent driving manners along with unique options for stowing cargo. Let’s take a closer look at the 2022 Rivian R1T to see if it’s the right truck for you.

Two Trims Available

Although a Launch Edition was available, that has long since sold out. Currently, you can order one of two trims, or “packages,” with varying availability. That could mean waiting until as late as 2024 to get your hands on this truck depending on the configuration. The base Explore trim is priced at $67,500 with dual-motor all-wheel drive, standard battery, heated seats and steering wheel, vegan leather seating surfaces, air compressor, textile headliner, and panoramic glass roof.

The Adventure is priced from $73,000 and adds dual front bumper tow hooks, a premium Rivian Elevation audio system by Meridian, natural-grain ash wood interior trims, ventilated seats, Compass Yellow interior accents, and a recycled microfiber headliner. Options for both trims include two long-range batteries and quad-motor all-wheel drive. This isn’t an inexpensive option, but it’s well-equipped even in its base trim, which makes it a more premium truck.

Three Battery Options

There are three batteries starting with the Standard. It has a range of 260 miles and is included in the base price for both trims. The Large battery takes range to an EPA-estimated 314 miles for $6,000 while the Max battery increases range to 400 miles for $16,000. Even the Standard battery provides more than enough range for a typical day, but those focused on long-distance driving may find the longer-range options worth the price.

The Rivian R1T accepts Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging. At a Level 2 charger, it gains roughly 25 miles of range every hour. At a DC fast charger, you can be on your way more quickly with the Rivian R1T gaining up to 140 miles of charge in as quick as 20 minutes. Its relatively fast charging combined with long-range battery options make this a strong choice if range is a concern.

A Responsive Ride

The R1T is offered with standard all-wheel drive and a choice of dual motors or quad motors. Dual-motor variants have an estimated 0-60 time of 4 seconds with 600 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. Quad-motor versions of the R1T take that 0-60 time down to 3 seconds with 800 horsepower and 900 lb-ft of torque.

Those are impressive numbers in either configuration, and they make this a downright aggressive pickup truck. It accelerates up to highway speeds without the least bit of hesitation and has more than enough power leftover for passing slower vehicles. While you might not think of a truck as being a performance vehicle, the Rivian R1T will change your mind. Its overabundance of power makes it an engaging drive experience that won’t have you missing the days of beefy V8 engines under the hood.

Surprisingly Agile Handling

That performance combines with good handling to make the R1T fun to drive whether you’re taking it on a highway cruise or along winding back roads. It’s composed and controlled with a suspension system that makes short work of road imperfections. There’s also a choice of eight drive modes to tailor handling to current conditions. All Purpose is for everyday driving while Sport tightens up handling for more spirited excursions. Conserve switches to front-wheel drive for extended highway cruises while Tow maximizes torque for heavy loads.

The R1T is also a capable off-road truck with four off-road modes from which to choose. Off-Road Auto is for modest dirt driving while Off-Road Rally is for high-speed adventures. Off-Road Drift reduces traction control for drifting while Off-Road Rock Crawl manages rugged terrain and steep grades. No matter where you plan to drive, the Rivian R1T is up to the challenge.

A Luxurious Interior

The interior of the R1T is a luxury experience no matter the trim you choose. It is not, however, flashy and over the top in its luxury. Instead, trims are modest and attractive to create a subdued and welcoming space for passengers. Vegan leather seating surfaces, a panoramic glass roof, and a heated steering wheel and seats are standard. Move up to the Adventure trim and there’s a premium Meridian audio system, natural-grain ash wood interior trims, and ventilated seats.

In addition to an attractive and comfortable interior with plenty of room for passengers, the R1T delivers a quiet and composed ride that’s ideal for longer trips. Road noise and wind noise are well-muted, and when combined with the silence of an electric vehicle, this creates a relaxing experience for driver and passengers alike.

Missing Smartphone Connectivity

Infotainment in the Rivian R1T includes a standard 15.6-inch touchscreen, which we love. It controls not just the usual infotainment functions, but also houses many other vehicle functions including climate control and the hood release. It’s an intuitive system with logically organized menus that make it quick to learn. The Adventure trim adds a premium Meridian sound system to the mix that delivers fantastic audio quality. It’s specially designed for the R1T with speakers placed to provide ideal audio no matter where you sit.

Wi-Fi connectivity is also included, but there is one major downside. That’s smartphone connectivity. There’s neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto, not even as an option. And there’s not currently a plan to add this functionality later. While not necessarily a dealbreaker, it’s a puzzling decision on behalf of Rivian and one that will frustrate those who are already accustomed to this connectivity.

Extensive Standard Safety

There’s a wide range of standard safety features in the Rivian R1T, so there’s no need to purchase an options package. These include automatic emergency braking, dynamic brake support, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic warning, trailer assist, park assist, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind-spot warning, adaptive cruise control, and highway assist.

In addition, there’s Driver+. This is a driver assistance system that can both steer and adjust your speed for handsfree driving. It’s an easy system to use with steering inputs that closely match what a driver naturally does so it’s not a disconcerting experience to let the car take control. It’s ideal for long road trips, but even on shorter highway drives, it’s a great feature. Although this is a handsfree system, it’s important to note that the driver still needs to pay attention in case they need to take control.

Cargo Capability

Although smaller than full-size trucks, the Rivian R1T still has the capability to manage cargo. There’s a maximum payload rating of 1,760 pounds with a maximum tow rating of 11,000 pounds. Those numbers are easily high enough to manage what most people need to tow or carry in the bed. But this an electric vehicle, so it has a few storage tricks you won’t find in the average pickup truck.

Since there’s no engine under the hood, Rivian uses the empty space for cargo. The frunk (front trunk) offers an additional 11.1 cubic feet of storage. This is an ideal spot for securing smaller items that might roll around unchecked in the bed. Additionally, there’s a gear tunnel that runs the width of the truck behind the cab. This adds another 11.7 feet of cargo storage and serves as a handy step to reach items secured to the roof.

Final Thoughts

The Rivian R1T is a strong first offering that occupies a unique space in the electric-vehicle marketplace. While there are full-size electric trucks, this is a more compact vehicle that’s better for urban areas. That smaller size doesn’t diminish capability. The R1T can tow and manage a payload with ease, and it has unique storage options with its frunk and gear tunnel. It also has a solid driving range on its standard battery with two long-range options for those who frequently go on longer trips. It’s also ready to go off-road.

The interior is beautiful with attractive trims, comfortable seating, and plenty of room to spread out. Infotainment is good, though lacking smartphone connectivity, and there’s a wide range of standard safety features. Its biggest downside is its limited availability. Rivian is taking orders but be prepared to wait until as far out as 2024 for it to arrive.


 

By Nicole Wakelin