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2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport Review

by | May 10, 2023 | 0 comments

2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport Review

Honda answers the call to the wild with a sleeves-rolled-up 2023 Pilot TrailSport

The Honda Pilot TrailSport parked along a dirt road with a big California oak in the background

The exterior design of the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport is somewhat distinct from the rest of the Pilot line with a large upright grille, longer hood, flared fenders, a wider stance, and larger tires. (Photos by Honda or Mark Maynard)

Table of Contents

TrailSport Defining Features
2023 Honda Pilot Pricing
Safety Features
V-6 Powertrain and Fuel Economy
i-VTM4 All-Wheel Drive
Ride and Handling
Interior Function
Back Seats and Cargo
Observations and Considerations
Why Buy the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

There are places I remember where dirt roads eat cars alive, juddering them to junk along hardpack washboard, mudholes, and washouts. Tread lightly has new relevance to those new to these backcountry minefields.

Blame covid for shooing city folk to the hinterland to try homesteading or just to work from home on the range.

Manufacturers have answered that call to the wild with new adventure-type vehicles. Long the territory of Jeep and Subaru, just about all carmakers now have an upfitted SUV, pickup, or minivan — whether needed or not.

Honda has taken its place at this trailhead with its midsize 2023 Pilot TrailSport, a three-row, all-wheel-drive SUV. It is based on the completely redesigned fourth-generation Honda Pilot.

The Pilot TrailSport is ideal for those who live in or have property in rural areas with unpaved roads. Or the TrailSport buyer might just like its packaging and style treatments. It looks tough and feels solid — but owners aren’t likely to bash it down the Rubicon Trail.

The TrailSport’s panoramic moonroof.

The TrailSport’s panoramic moonroof. (Mark Maynard)

Honda TrailSport Defining Features

The three-row midsize SUV is essentially the family wagon or minivan. There are more than a dozen choices, including the Chevrolet Traverse, Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Ascent.

Most “off-road ready” SUVs are strictly light duty. They have all-wheel drive but not a dedicated four-wheel-drive system or decoupling suspensions for more extended wheel travel.

Honda’s TrailSport is also light duty but a brawny sleeves-rolled-up effort. TrailSport is a seven-seater (not eight) with second-row captain’s chairs. Its exterior design is somewhat distinct from the rest of the Pilot line, with a large upright grille, longer hood, flared fenders, a wider stance, and larger tires.

Among the TrailSport’s unique off-road details are:

  • Off-road tuned suspension;
  • 8.3 inches of ground clearance, an inch more than standard Pilot trims;
  • 18-inch all-terrain tires
  • 3 underbody steel skid plates;
  • Tow hitch and gloss black rack-ready roof rails;
  • Sand and trail modes specific to the i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system;
  • And a TrailCam.
A front TrailSport tire resting on a large rock

18-inch Continental TerrainContact all-terrain tires (265/60).

2023 Honda Pilot Pricing

The fourth-generation 2023 Honda Pilot is sold in six two- or all-wheel-drive trim levels: LX, Sport, EX-L, TrailSport, Touring, and Elite. Honda says the top-line Elite, new for 2023, is the most luxurious Pilot ever.

Pilot starting prices range from $37,295 for the two-wheel-drive LX to $43,295 for the mid-range EX-L 2WD (add $2,100 for AWD). The Elite starts at $53,375 with standard AWD. All 2023 MSRP pricing includes the $1,345 freight charge from Lincoln, Ala.

Today’s 2023 Pilot TrailSport starts at $49,695 and was $50,150, with one option for Diffused Sky Blue metallic paint, $455.

TrailSport standard equipment includes:

  • Heated steering wheel and heated front seats;
  • 7-inch digital instrument display;
  • 9-inch color touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility;
  • Navigation system with smartphone integration;
  • Qi-compatible wireless charging;
  • Multiview camera system:
  • All-season floor mats with the TrailSport logo;
  • Leatherette upholstery with orange stitching;
  • Panoramic sunroof.

A Pilot TrailSport Launch Package ($1,695) adds a hood decal, fender flares, side skirts, crossbars, cargo tray, and seatback protectors.

Check here for current pricing and offers.

Orange stitching on the leatherette seats.

TrailSport’s Interior design includes orange contrast stitching. (Mark Maynard)

Honda Pilot Safety Features

Despite its off-road direction, the TrailSport is fully decked with safety features and driver-assist technologies, known as the Honda Sensing suite.

Among the essentials are eight air bags, hill-descent control and hill-start assist, and four-wheel disc brakes large enough to stop a 5,000-pound trailer on a mountain descent — 13.8-inch ventilated front discs and 13-inch solid rear discs.

Level 2 driver-assist systems are among the most accurate for lane-centering. The collection of advanced technologies is trustworthy in the crush of commuting traffic while keeping both hands on the wheel. Cornering precision is the weak point of most systems, but in my experience, Honda’s calibrations kept the TrailSport from crossing the white line or Botts dots.

Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow works with Traffic Jam Assist. For use in heavy commuting traffic, TJA provides lane-keeping functions at speeds below approximately 45 mph to a standstill and back up to speed.

I have become a believer in Traffic Sign Recognition, which is almost a ticket-prevention device. System cameras “see” the signs and post the speed limit in the driver gauge array. Data rates apply, but it’s still cheaper than the cost of a speeding ticket.
The other elements in the Honda Sensing suite are in the specs chart below.

A view of the TrailCam showing the dirt road ahead

Keep an eye on trail conditions with the TrailCam. (Mark Maynard)

Honda Pilot V-6 Powertrain

There is just one desirable choice of engine and transmission for the Pilot and TrailSport.

Honda says the 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 is the most powerful Honda V-6 ever offered in the U.S. market. With direct and multistage injection, the engine produces 262 foot-pounds of torque at 5,000 rpm. The engine is built at Honda’s auto plant in Lincoln, Ala.

With cylinder management, the V-6 can run on three cylinders while coasting and in light power situations. Active grille shutters in the lower grille reduce aerodynamic drag — especially at cruising speeds — to the benefit of fuel economy

The engine connects with Pilot’s first 10-speed shift-by-wire automatic transmission. The version for TrailSport has drive modes of Normal, Econ, Sport, Snow, Tow, and Trail-Sand.

Shift points roll out smoothly, but Normal mode maximizes fuel economy and can be resistant to kick down for power. Sport mode gives a noticeable jump in acceleration response but holds lower gears a bit too long as if the driver is powering through a slalom course.

The Honda Pilot V6 with hood open

The 285-hp V-6 has an ultra-low CARB emissions rating of LEV3-SULEV30. (Mark Maynard)

TrailSport Fuel Economy

The Pilot TrailSport has fuel-economy ratings of 18 mpg city, 23 highway, and 20 mpg combined on the recommended 87 octane. I was able to click past the highway rating at 23.2 mpg in lengthy freeway driving. Around town, my average mileage ranged from 13 to 20 mpg. The 18.5-gallon tank could give up to 425 miles of range.

Fuel economy is adversely affected by the curb weight of 4,685 pounds, the heaviest in the Pilot line. The TrailSport’s tires and tall new grille might be mileage blockers, too. But after a week of driving, the remaining DTE — Distance to Empty — did not seem as bad as the official mileage numbers would imply. Could the grille shutters and variable cylinder management make such a mileage difference?

i-VTM4 All-Wheel Drive

Honda’s second-generation all-wheel-drive system was reinforced and has a 30 percent faster response. The revised AWD system benefits on-road traction but is especially capable in slick conditions and off-road.

The i-VTM4 system progressively distributes torque front to rear and between left and right rear wheels. Up to 70 percent of engine power can be sent to the rear axle, and 100 percent can be distributed to either rear wheel.

When cornering, i-VTM4 puts power to the outside rear wheel for more accurate turns with reduced understeer.

Trail and Sand Modes

TrailSport’s TrailMode seems to function as a low-range alternative to a traditional four-wheel-drive system. Along low-speed trails or traversing obstacles, TrailMode is effective when only two tires have traction, Honda says.

The TrailWatch camera system activates when Trail Mode is engaged. Four exterior cameras give a 360-degree view of the vehicle through the central display. A camera button on the end of the windshield wiper stalk changes camera views. There is also a front camera washer that works with the windshield washer switch on the wiper stalk.

The camera’s front view also can be used for parking views.

Sand Mode brings a quicker throttle response and allows more wheel slip to maintain momentum. Upshifts are delayed.

A front door panel showing the tiers of storage areas.

Levels of stash space, such as for gloves. (Mark Maynard)

TrailSport Ride and Handling

On dirt roads, the suspension is the great grader of washboard. Its suspension seemingly sweeps the dirt road to level the teeth-chattering vibration of washboard.

At highway speeds, I noticed some slight bobble in ride quality on irregular surfaces. After a few days of driving, however, it became a nonissue. The inch-taller ride height might cause that effect, or the 18-inch Continental TerrainContact all-terrain tires (265/60).

These tires have a tough-truck appearance along the sidewall, but the tread face has more of an all-season footprint than the deeper lugs of a true off-road tire. Tall sidewalls, however, allow good air-down grip and some protection for wheels from trail rash. The 18-inch wheels look rugged and have inset spokes to protect from trail damage.

When banging around off-road, the TrailSport underbelly has three steel skid plates to protect the oil pan, transmission, and gas tank. Honda says the skid plates can support the entire weight of the Pilot TrailSport crashing down on a rock. The plates are designed to minimize snagging of trail debris. And the front skid plate is vented to allow underbody airflow without debris intrusion.

The back seat as shown through open doors.

The max 40.8 inches of second-row legroom is roomy even with a tall driver ahead. (Mark Maynard)

On-Road Handling

Getting to the trail at high speed is controlled and predictable in the TrailSport. The steel-spring suspension helps the driver power through ribbon-candy S-turns — a bit above posted speeds — without drama.

The steering gives measured and controlled turn-in, despite its 6-foot height and 16.6-foot length.

Often, SUVs have an awkward balance that causes understeer (push at the front wheels), but there was no tire squeal in my testing or wacky rebound returning to center.

The TrailSport’s turning circle of 37.7 feet is a half-foot shorter than the Honda Accord Hybrid sedan, which is 16.3 feet long.

The front seat area of the TrailSport as seen through the open driver's door.

The TrailSport driver area has appealing design elements but nothing flashy.

Pilot’s Interior Function

Honda does its interiors with straightforward design and logical placement of controls, buttons, and switches. Therefore, the TrailSport cabin has appealing design elements but nothing flashy.

The instrument panel is a refreshing reprieve from wide digital screens with double-tap functions. Instead, Honda gives owners dials, knobs, and pushbuttons. Such ergonomic design helps keep eyes on the road.

The midsize cabin is wide and long enough that sightlines are open across the hood — essential when off-roading — and over the shoulder and out the tall rear glass.

Leatherette seat upholstery looks very leatherlike but might be more durable over time.

Honda’s front Body Stabilizing Seats are designed to support the entire body. A resin mat gives added support from the pelvis to the lumbar spine for a more stable and solid seating feel.

The driver seat has 10-way power adjustment, which includes seat-bottom tilt that is important for an ideal position. The front passenger seat is just four-way power, an unfortunate budget cut in a $50K vehicle. Front seat passengers should have height adjustment and lumbar, and the other eight power adjustments of the driver.

Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are part of the TrailSport package. But ventilated front seats would be welcome, too.

Pilot Touring and Elite trims have a removable center section of the 40/20/40 bench — the removed seat stores neatly in the space under the cargo floor. For TrailSport with second-row captain’s chairs, there is a flat base between the seats.

The TraillSport cargo space with third row folded

Almost 4 feet wide at the cargo-area opening. (Mark Maynard)

Abundant Storage Areas

Honda gave its new Pilot the storage capacity of its Odyssey minivan.

  • The front seat armrest console has a deep bin that can fit a full-size tablet;
  • Passenger-side instrument panel shelf, handy for sunglasses, earbuds, and small items;
  • Shift console e-bin, wide and deep enough to lay two smartphones side-by-side;
  • 14 cup holders, including eight that will fit 32-ounce bottles;
  • Door panels have tiers and slots, useful to stash gloves, maps, tire-pressure gauge.

Extensive Cabin Soundproofing

Honda went deep into soundproofing the new Pilot. The vehicle architecture is a study in body sealants, structural glue, and electronics to blunt the vibration and noise from wind, the engine, and the road. Among the noise abatement treatments are:

Sound insulation: Sound-deadening material is applied under the floors and hood, in the lower dashboard, over the center transmission-exhaust tunnel, in the ceiling and doors, inside the front and rear wheel wells, and in the doors. Elite models get additional sound-deadening material throughout the cabin.

Acoustic spray foam: Foam is piped into hollow windshield and roof pillars.

Melt sheet: High-density, sound-deadening “melt sheet” is applied to floor areas, including under all the seats and in the footwells of all three rows.

Thicker carpet: All Pilot models receive denser carpeting for additional sound deadening. And the Elite’s carpet is even denser.

Acoustic glass: TrailSport, EX-L, Touring, and Elite have acoustic laminate glass windshields. Touring and Elite also have acoustic front-side windows.

Active Noise Cancellation: Intrusive background noise is electronically reduced by cabin microphones through the audio system. Honda says it is especially useful when the V-6 engine runs in cylinder deactivation mode. The ANC system and a second layer of Active Sound Control use cabin speakers to enhance the vehicle’s engine, intake, and exhaust sounds. The audio system does not have to be on for noise cancellation.

Back seat temperature and fan controls in the TrailSport

Electronic temperature and fan controls in the second row. (Mark Maynard)

TrailSport Back Seats and Cargo

Second-row legroom is up by 2.4 inches, now at 40.8 inches, which is roomy even with a tall driver ahead. Headroom is also tall at 40.2 inches, and the second-row seats have up to 10 angles of recline (an additional 4 degrees of rearward recline compared to the outgoing Pilot).

A flat floor is helpful for foot space and storing gear crosswise.

Tip and slide seats give easy entry to the third row. Legroom is typically third-row tight but an inch longer than some other SUVs at 32.5 inches. More accessible LATCH anchors make installing front and rear-facing child seats easier. Additional forward tilt range improves entry and exit to the third row.

The base of the third row is raised by about 2 inches for a more natural seating position, Honda says. But it also is a key enhancement to improve views and to trim motion sensitivity for children traveling in the way back.

The third row is well stocked with large drink holders, air vents, and a USB charging port.

Third row seats large cup holders and a USB charge port

The third row is well stocked with large drink holders, air vents, and a USB charging port.

Cargo Space

There are a couple of capacity considerations with the seven-seat 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport. The cargo space has a tall floor with a lower entry height of 31 inches. With both back seats folded, there is 7 feet in length, which is good for packing gear. But because the 40/20/40 second row needs the center seat, there is a wide gap between the seatbacks, which means no sleeping in the cargo area. And campers do use the back end of their vehicles for shelter when needed.

There is a 110-volt power outlet in the second row, but off-roaders might also prefer a household plug in the cargo area. It would be a handy location to plug in an inflator for airing-up tires, inflating air mattresses, or for campsite tunes and lighting. However, serious off-roaders use a stronger AC compressor that connects to the vehicle’s cranking battery.

Fold both back seats for 7 feet in length. (Mark Maynard)

Fold both back seats for 7 feet in length. (Mark Maynard)

TrailSport Observations and Considerations

If you can’t sleep in the cargo area, there is a Honda tent accessory, $408. The 10-by-10-foot tent claims to sleep six and includes a rainfly (6-by-6 feet) that also serves as an entry canopy.

Four of six paint colors are a $455 upsell, including the Diffused Sky Blue Pearl on the tester. Diffused Sky Blue is bright and attractive (reminding me of Petty Blue), but it also is a metallic paint and almost too pretty to “pinstripe” with trail brush.

A roller cargo cover is not among the standard equipment, but a Function Package ($405) adds a cover, cargo net, and first-aid kit.

A Towing Package, necessary for the 5,000-pound towing capacity, includes the trailer hitch harness and hitch ball mount, $305.

A usable underfloor storage bine

Usable space under the cargo floor. On other trim levels, this is where the 2nd-row center seat can be stored. (Mark Maynard)

Why Buy the 2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport?

I liked the dust-devil durability of the Pilot TrailSport. The more I drove it, the more I liked solid it feels, how quietly it rolls, and how tight it can turn on a trail.

Whether the owner goes camping or not, the treatment is just as functional in town as on the trail. And it cleans up nicely when needed.

A bright blue TrailSport sideways in a dirt road with a mountain back drop amid blue skies

The TrailSport is not an aggressive off-roading vehicle, but it has credible driving characteristics.

2023 Honda Pilot TrailSport Specifications

Body style: midsize, 3-row, 7-seat SUV with AWD

Engine: 285-hp, direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 with variable cylinder management; 262 lb.-ft. torque at 5,000 rpm

Transmission: 10-speed shift-by-wire automatic transmission with Trail Torque Logic; Intelligent Variable Torque Management AWD System with drive modes of Normal, Econ, Sport, Snow, Tow, and Trail-Sand

Fuel economy: 18/23/20 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane fuel recommended

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons

Cargo space: 18.6 cubic feet behind 3rd row; 48.5 cu.ft. 2nd row folded;

Front head/leg room: 40.5/41 inches

2nd-row head/leg room: 40.2/40.8 inches

3rd-row head/leg room: 39.3/32.5inches

Length/wheelbase: 200.2/113.8 inches

Width/height: 78.5/72 inches

Track: 67.2/67.4 inches (slightly less than standard Pilot)

Approach-departure angles: 19.8/19 degrees front/rear

Front-rear overhangs: 40.1/46.3 front-rear (slightly longer rear overhang than standard Pilot)

Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds

Curb weight: 4,685 pounds

Turning circle: 37.7 feet

BRAKES, TIRES-WHEELS, STEERING, SUSPENSION

Suspension: Front MacPherson struts and multilink rear; front tubular stabilizer bar of 24.2 mm and rear solid 18 mm;

Steering: electric power assist; turning circle 37.7 feet;

Brakes: 13.8-inch ventilated front discs and 13-inch solid rear discs;

Wheels and tires: 18-inch Shark Gray fully painted alloy wheels with black lug nuts; rugged terrain tires 265/60, with a full-size spare

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: Smartkey locking and push-button ignition, smart entry with walk away auto-lock (all doors), electric parking brake, panoramic moonroof (tilt and slide), tri-zone climate system, 12-speaker Bose audio system with subwoofer, 5 2.5-Amp USB Type-A charging ports, 1 3.0 front Amp USB Type-A charging ports, CabinTalk in-car PA system, lockable glove box, 10-way power driver seat, 4-way power front passenger seat, flat-folding 2nd-row 40/20/40 seats, 60/40 flat-folding 3rd-row bench seat, 2nd-row door sunshades, LED map lights all rows, heavy-duty floor mats (all rows), LED exterior lighting, acoustic laminate windshield and front side glass, heated windshield, power liftgate with hands-free access, 3 underbody skid plates with front recovery point, trailer hitch receiver with rear recovery point;

Safety features include: 8 air bags, stability and traction controls, hill-descent control and hill-start assist, auto high-beam headlights, parking sensors (4 front and 4 rear);

Driver-assist technologies: Adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, Collision Mitigation Braking, Road Departure Mitigation, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Traffic Jam Assist, Low-Speed Braking Control, Blind Spot Information System, Cross Traffic Monitor, Driver Attention Monitor.

2023 HONDA PILOT TRAILSPORT PRICING

Base price: $49,695, including a $1,345 freight charge; price as tested $50,150

Options on test vehicle: Diffused Sky paint $455

Where assembled: Lincoln, Ala

Warranty: 3-years/36,000-miles with roadside assistance

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum Review

by | Apr 18, 2023 | 0 comments

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum Review

The fifth-generation 2023 Nissan Pathfinder feels built for the long haul. Nothing about it seemed budget constrained or cheap. Many of its design features are helping hands for parents.

A side view of a red Nissan Pathfinder

The fifth-generation Nissan Pathfinder follows in the tracks of the nameplate’s first U.S. hardbody model from 1986. (Photos courtesy of NissanUSA or as credited)

Table of Contents

Pathfinder Through the Years
7 Cool Features
Oddities and Observations
What’s New for 2023?
2023 Nissan Pathfinder Pricing
How Is It To Drive?
Brakes, Steering, Suspension
Back Seats and Cargo Space
Why Buy the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Nissan Pathfinder has traveled many paths since it debuted as a “hardbody” in 1986.

The first-generation Pathfinder was introduced for model year 1987 as a two-door body-on-frame SUV. Built on a ladder-type frame, Pathfinder shared styling and most components with the Nissan Hardbody pickup.

Pathfinder’s optional 4WD system was considered unique at the time because it could be engaged electronically — “shift on the fly” — while the vehicle was moving. All versions of Pathfinder were available in two-wheel drive or manually engaged 4WD configurations. Base models had modest power from a 106-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or an optional 143-hp 3.0-liter V-6.

Nissan’s new SUV was in response to the growing competition: Chevrolet Blazer, Ford Bronco II, Jeep Cherokee, and import SUVs such as the Toyota 4Runner, Honda Passport, and the 1989 to 2004 Isuzu MU.

Today, there are more three-row SUV competitors than ever. Among the choices for 2023 are the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Highlander, and VW Atlas.

The front seat area of the 2023 nissanp pathfinder

A roomy driver area with headroom of 41.1 inches with the panoramic moonroof.

Pathfinder Through the Years

Nissan tended dutifully over the years to keep Pathfinder current and competitive. It was ahead of its time for some features, but not all variants endured the tests of owners.

It was October 1989 when Nissan debuted the four-door Pathfinder. Then, in late 1995, the second-generation Pathfinder was introduced with revised styling. There was another mild redesign in 2002.

A completely redesigned, third-generation Pathfinder debuted in late 2004 for the 2005 model year.

Model year 2013 brought a critical shift for the fourth-generation Pathfinder. The body-on-frame, truck-based SUV was replaced with a unibody design and sleek new (aerodynamic) exterior styling. It used the same platform as the Infiniti QX60, Altima, Maxima, Murano, and Quest minivan.

Nissan launched a short-lived gasoline-electric hybrid Pathfinder in 2014. Its powertrain was a supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor paired with a compact lithium-ion battery. The hybrid model, however, was a one-year-only offering. Owners complained they could not get gas mileage close to the advertised 25 to 28 mpg.

The fifth-generation Pathfinder was unveiled in early February 2021 as a 2022 model, skipping the 2021 model year.

Nissan brought back more emphasis on the current Pathfinder as a family adventure vehicle. The more squared-off styling — and what might be the best-looking rear end of any new SUV — ever-so-slightly goes back to the roots of Pathfinder.

There is an active forum for Pathfinder owners at PathfinderTalk.com. Owners — some of whom are lifelong Nissan faithful — post their problems, remedies, and praise.

the view from the third row of the pathfinder panoramic moonroof

The panoramic moonroof is standard on the Platinum.

7 Features Owners Will Value

Nissan engineers and designers sweat the small details and provide many enhancements and innovations. Some of these emerge only after time on the road.

Auto on-off LED headlights linked to windshield wiper use. In California and other states, it is the law to use headlights with wipers in the rain. With Nissan’s auto function, drivers will know they are always compliant.

Capacitive touch lock-unlock rear side doors. Such a simple convenience, but many others save some budget and omit that access to the rear side doors. Walking up to the back doors with an armful of kid or groceries, the driver gains quick access with a touch of the door handle. Too often, back-door entry requires first touching a front-door handle.

“Bridge” storage. Nissan makes the most of the front center console with a deep bin and “bridge” under-storage space. The pass-through bridge is also convenient for the passenger. Most other shift consoles are solid, which wastes the extra storage potential.

The pathfinder's 'bridge' storage in the lower center console

‘Bridge’ storage below and above the shift console, with a phone-audio e-bin.

Storage shelf above the glove compartment. The slim shelf will fit any generation iPhone, Nissan says. It is also mostly out of sight and sunshine.

2nd-row pushbutton seat release. Loading kids into the third row is so simple any kid can do it. The pushbutton release at the door-side seat base of the captain’s chair boosts the chair up and forward for third-row access.

the second row captain's chairs

The Captain’s Chairs package with removable center console.

54.1-liter luggage box. The undercargo floor storage compartment (1.9 cubic feet) has a hinged lid and dividers to separate the good-sized compartments. It’s part of the Cargo package, $345, and worth it.

10-way power passenger seat for Pathfinder SL and Platinum. Some imports don’t even provide height adjustment for the passenger — and nobody likes being low in the front seat.

6,000-pound towing capacity. Base models can pull a trailer up to 3,500 pounds, but the Rock Creek and Platinum models are uprated to a 3-ton capacity.

the understorage of the pathfinder

The underfloor storage box is made more functional with the section dividers from the optional Cargo package. (Mark Maynard photo)

 Oddities and Observations

Transmission unexpectedly went into Park while sitting at a stoplight. I don’t believe I bumped the electronic shifter’s Park button atop the shifter grip, yet the Pathfinder transmission went into Park at a stoplight near my home. I didn’t discover the issue until the light turned green. The problem never occurred again in my test week.

Tilt-down mirror confused. When engaging reverse, the passenger side mirror is supposed to tilt down to show the curb and then go back into position when Drive or Park are engaged. The tilt-down can work on either left or right-side mirrors. The driver must select the left or right mirror control on the door panel. I tried both sides, and each time, the side mirror tilted up, not down.

Slow response to infotainment screen. Making a selection on the infotainment screen would take a second or two to activate. Of course, I’d tap the selection again, thinking I’d missed the icon. Nope, it’s just slow.

No wireless Android Auto. While Apple CarPlay has wireless connectivity, Android users must use the access cable.

ProPILOT Assist vagueness. This Level 2 driver-assist system was once at the vanguard of semi-autonomous driving. But the advanced technologies that go into Level 2 have been honed by others to be more accurate, especially in lane centering. In my experience, the system allowed the Pathfinder to drift wide in cornering, crossing the white lines, and then giving me an alert. It also seemed the Pathfinder was closer to the lane marking on the right than the left. Still, ProPILOT is welcome backup in heavy commuting, but  keep both hands on the wheel.

The pathfinder has an around view camera system

The Intelligent Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection.

What’s New for 2023 Pathfinder?

Nissan brought back the off-roading ready Pathfinder Rock Creek for 2023. Among its adventuring credentials are standard Intelligent 4WD, an off-road-tuned suspension, and a 5/8-inch suspension lift.

Using premium fuel gives the 3.5-liter V-6 engine a power boost of 11 horsepower and 11 foot pounds of torque. A Nissan spokesman explained that the bump in power for Pathfinder Rock Creek is by engine software programming to take advantage of the extra octane in premium fuel. “The engine computer senses the extra octane and adjusts accordingly. The other Pathfinder models don’t get this programming, so they won’t get a horsepower boost like the Rock Creek.”

I suggested that Nissan consider adding that engine-software programming as an option. How much would you pay for 11 more hp?

Other Rock Creek upgrades include:

  • 18-inch beadlock-style wheels with all-terrain tires;
  • Tubular roof rack with a 220-pound capacity;
  • Tow hitch receiver and harness with 6,000-pound maximum towing capability;
  • LED fog lights;
  • Intelligent Around View Monitor with Off-Road Mode. A front-view camera shows the terrain ahead, with a side view, all of which help driver’s place the tires where there is solid ground;
  • Orange interior stitching and second-row captain’s chairs.
  • Rock Creek pricing starts at $44,355.
The 12-inch digital 'dashboard' gauge array

The 12-inch digital dashboard.

Other 2023 Pathfinder Upgrades

  1. The upper-range SL trim levels now have a standard wireless phone charging pad;
  2. Pathfinder Platinum has a new captain’s chairs package, which adds a removable console between the second-row chairs. And it can be easily removed if needed for step-through access to the third row.
  3. 10-way power passenger seat for Pathfinder SL and Platinum. Hooray. Not all Japanese makes provide such adjustability for the front passenger.
The pathfinder third row

Third-row seating is kid class, but access is easy with pushbutton release of the second row.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Pricing

There are five trim levels for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder in front- or four-wheel drive. All trims have a 284-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Starting prices below include the $1,335 freight charge from Smyrna, Tenn.

Pathfinder S: $36,535 2WD, $38,435 4WD (add $1,900 for 4WD)

Key S trim features include:

  • Nissan Safety Shield 360, driver-assist system;
  • Tri-zone automatic temperature control;
  • Apple CarPlay connectivity;
  • EZ FLEX seating system featuring Latch And Glide and 3rd-row 60/40-split fold-flat reclining bench seat.

Pathfinder SV: $39,355 2WD, $41,255 4WD

Key SV features include:

  • Heated front seats;
  • ProPILOT driver-assist system;
  • Intelligent Lane Intervention;
  • Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention;
  • 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar;
  • Remote Engine Start System with Intelligent Climate Control.

Pathfinder SL: $44,855

Key SL features include:

  • Four-wheel drive;
  • Leather-trimmed seats in first and second rows;
  • NissanConnect 9-inch color infotainment touch-screen display;
  • Intelligent Around View Monitor;
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay integration;
  • Wireless charger;
  • ProPILOT Assist with Navi-link.

Pathfinder Platinum: $49,505 2WD, $51,405 4WD

Key Platinum features include:

  • 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels;
  • Heated and ventilated front seats;
  • Panoramic moonroof;
  • Head-up windshield display;
  • Bose premium audio system with 13 speakers, including dual woofers;
  • Tow-hitch receiver with 4-pin wiring harness.

Check here for current pricing and special offers.

The Pathfinder Platinum tester was $55,035 with seven options, including special paint for $790 and $550 for the Captain’s Chairs package, with the removable center console. But the most impressive (usable) option to me is the Cargo package, $345. Among its assets are heavy-duty rubber cargo floor and seatback protectors.

All of the tester’s options and pricing are in the specifications chart below.

Safety Features and Technologies

Every Pathfinder has the Nissan Safety Shield 360. This collection of technologies includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Rear Automatic Braking.

And all versions of Pathfinder have 10 air bags, but there is an added driver-seat front-center bag on the Platinum.

Other safety features are in the specs chart below.

Dial-up performance modes from Sand to Sport.

Dial-up performance modes from Sand to Sport.

How Is It To Drive?

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder feels big and wide, though it has about the same size footprint as its competition. Nissan gave Pathfinder all the power and suspension elements to be driver-engaging, but the result is more fundamental than fun-demental. Most users wouldn’t pile in the family and head out to tear up some back roads.

The turning circle with 20-inch tires is a manageable 38.7 feet, with driver assists from the around-view camera when parking.

The sole powertrain is a 284-hp, direct-injected 3.5-liter V-6 with a nine-speed automatic. Hallelujah, Nissan ditched the continuously variable automatic for this nine-speed, and few will be looking back. Shift points are well-timed but sluggish to downshift when going up hills. Overall acceleration, however, was quick enough that I didn’t feel the need to engage Sport mode. (However, I do use Sport when plugging along in the heavy commute. The quicker Sport kick is helpful to ward off those cretins who try to dive into the too-small space between you and the car ahead.)

With 259 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm, there is adequate force to handle the Pathfinder Platinum’s 4,625 pounds, not including occupants.

Fuel economy estimates of 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway might be hopeful; 87 octane is recommended for all models but Rock Creek. Around town in my week of driving, my average fuel economy hovered between 11 to 16 mpg. I worked up to 22 mpg on more extended highway driving, meeting the EPA estimate.

The pathfinder's v6 engine

The 284-hp 3.5-liter V-6 for all Pathfinder trim levels.

Braking, Steering, Suspension

Pathfinder’s foundation feels robust and substantial, essential for towing and adventuring off the highway. The ride quality is comfortable but gives an unexpected sport-tuned jolt over rough road. Inputs to steering and braking are refined and steady.

But there is noticeable ambient cabin noise at highway speeds, which I attributed to the prominent roof rail cross bars.

The 6,000-pound towing capacity for Platinum and Rock Creek requires the Class III receiver hitch, the seven-pin connector for trailer braking, and the factory-installed transmission oil cooler. The upgrade is part of the Premium Package on the SV and SL models. The SV Premium Package is $2,170, and the SL Premium Package is $2,990.

Braking: Four-wheel disc brakes have vented rotors front and rear with 13.8-inch rotors front and 13-inch rotors rear.

Steering: electric power assist with vehicle-speed assist,

Suspension: four-wheel independent with front struts and rear multi-link setup; solid stabilizer bar front, hollow rear. Twin tube, dual-flow path shock absorbers;

Tires-Wheels: 255/50 20-inch all-season tires on machined aluminum-alloy wheels with a dark metallic gray finish. A temporary spare stows underbody at the cargo area;

The Pathfinder Platinum is well dressed in 20-inch all-season tires on machined aluminum-alloy wheels with a dark metallic gray finish.

The Pathfinder Platinum is well dressed in 20-inch all-season tires on aluminum-alloy wheels.

Back Seats and Cargo Space

Raised back seat height in the Pathfinder is very kid friendly for open views and helpful to ward off motion

electronic back seat ac and vent controls

Electronic climate controls for the second row.

queasiness. Also beneficial are ceiling vents just above each side window, with reading lights. There also is a lot of seatback recline, another parenting asset for sleeping youngsters.

A flat floor in the second and third rows is the great enabler for comfortable foot space, uncompromised by a transmission tunnel. Adult legroom in the second row is functional at 35.5 inches, which can be stretched a bit with a few inches of fore-aft slide.

And there is plenty of big-bottle space in the door panels.

a pair of chilld seats in the second row

Captain kids’ chairs.

Parents will appreciate the pushbutton spring release to slide forward the second-row seat for third-row access. And there’s a one-arm push to lock down the seat. As with most midsize, three-row SUVs, the way back is best for small children.

Cargo capacity ranges from grocery bag and gym bag space behind the third row (16.6 cubic feet) to family vacation capacity of 45 cu.ft. with the third row folded.

The liftgate opening is 49 inches wide, or 4 feet, 1 inch. With both rows folded, there is about 6 ½ feet in length for a wide bay of 80.5 cu.ft. Other cargo area features include two grocery bag hooks, four tie downs, lighting, and a 12-volt plug.

Cargo space behind the third row is 16.6 cubic feet

Check out the heavy-duty rubber cargo mat and seatback protector, both are part of the $345 Cargo package, and worth it. (Mark Maynard photos)

Both rows of seats are folded for big and open cargo space

Fold both back seats for 6 ½ feet-plus in length.

Why Buy the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder?

The fifth-generation Nissan Pathfinder feels built for the long haul. Nothing about it seemed budget constrained or cheap. Many of its design features were helping hands for parents, at least for those who resist the “M” word for minivan. And the details of Nissan’s design and engineering will bring years of “Gee, I like that little extra.”

Pathfinder’s next midcycle freshening is planned for 2025, so there are long legs for the current model. But shop wisely for the most value.

The Platinum model has an appreciable load of standard features. However, you can step down a grade to the Pathfinder SL and add options that mimic the Platinum for a sticker of $48,190. I prefer a monotone paint scheme, saving $790. And to save another $395, stay away from optional paint colors, such as Scarlet Ember Tintcoat (a gorgeous red) or Pearl White TriCoat, for $395 each. Then save another $390 if you won’t use the (wind-noise generating) roof rail cross bars.

Add it up, and the Pathfinder SL 4WD, with leather-trimmed upholstery, saves nearly $7,000 over the Platinum. And that savings will buy a lot of gas for a driving vacation.

The good look rear end of the new pathfinder

Starting prices for the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder range from $36,535 to $50,000.

2023 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum Specifications

Body style: large-midsize, 3-row, 7-seat SUV with 4WD

Engine: 284-hp, naturally aspirated and direct-injection 3.5-liter V-6; 259 lb.-ft. torque at 4,800 rpm

Transmission: 9-speed automatic with manual shift mode paddle shifters, and electronic shift-by-wire drive selector; Intelligent 4WD with 7-position Drive and Terrain Mode

Fuel economy: 20/25/22 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane

Tow capacity: up to 6,000 pounds; class III tow hitch with harness and 4-pin prewiring; trailer-sway control

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons

Cargo space: 16.6 cubic feet behind 3rd row; 45 cu.ft. 3rd row folded; 80.5 with both rows folded

Front head/leg room: 41.1*/44.3 inches *42.3 inches w/o moonroof

2nd-row head/leg room: 39.6/35.5 inches

3rd-row head/leg room: 37.8/28 inches

Length/wheelbase: 197.7/114.2 inches

Curb weight: 4,625 pounds

Turning circle: 38.7 feet

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button ignition, Intelligent cruise control, panoramic moonroof (with one-touch power tilt-sliding glass with shade), tri-zone climate control, wireless phone charging pad, 12.3-inch gauge display, head-up driver windshield display, 9-inch color navigation-infotainment touch display, 13-speaker Bose premium audio system with subwoofer, 10-way power adjusted front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, sun visors with extenders and vanity mirrors, heated 2nd-row window seats, quilted semi-aniline leather-trimmed upholstery in first and second rows, power tilt-telescopic steering column, two-driver memory presets, automatic LED headlights (high and low beams), LED running lights and fog lights, body-color power-folding and heated side mirrors with reverse tilt-down, privacy glass (rear-side windows and liftgate window), silver-finish roof rails, motion-activated power liftgate, 2 12-volt DC power outlets (1 front console, 1 in cargo area);

Safety features include: 11 air bags (including for Platinum, a driver seat-mounted front-center bag), dynamic traction control, hill-start assist with hill-hold control and hill-descent control, brake-force distribution, brake assist, 4-wheel ABS; LED side mirror-mounted turn signals;

Driver-assist technologies include: ProPILOT Assist semi-autonomous driver assist with Navi-link, blind-spot warning and blind-spot intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic rear braking, Intelligent forward-collision warning, Intelligent lane intervention.

PRICING

Base Platinum MSRP: $51,405, including $1,335 freight charge; price as tested $55,035

Options on test vehicle: Two-tone paint $790; captain chair’s package $550; roof-rail crossbars $390; LED fog lights $345; lighting package (without running boards $945; carpeted floor mats with captain’s chairs (4-piece set) $265; cargo package $345

Where assembled: Smyrna, Tenn.

Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper with 24/7 roadside assistance; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain

Kia Telluride: What’s New for 2023

by | Jan 5, 2023 | 0 comments

Kia Telluride: What’s New for 2023

A 1,000-mile round-trip road trip in a 2023 Kia Telluride in near-luxury and complete comfort

An exterior view of a 2023 Kia Telluride sport utility vehicle in wolf gray

The 2023 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line tester was $53,825 with options for Wolf Gray paint ($495) and carpeted floor mats ($210). Pricing includes the $1,335 freight charge from West Point, Ga. (Photos by Mark Maynard)

Table of Contents

Road-Trip Ready Telluride
2023 Telluride Pricing
Interior Function
Back Seats and Cargo Space
V-6 Performance
Ride and Handling
Safety Technologies
What’s New for 2023?
Why Buy the Kia Telluride?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

I had just unpacked from a 1,000-mile round-trip road trip in a 2023 Kia Telluride and wasn’t ready for the drive to end. It was a holiday getaway with the girlfriend-wife and her sister and brother-in-law to spend Christmas with the sisters’ brother and wife in Santa Cruz. It was the quintessential getaway of four retirement-age friends rolling along in near luxury and complete comfort.

With its 291-horsepower V-6, there was plenty of power for secure acceleration — with all of us, our gear, and the Telluride’s all-wheel-drive curb weight of 4,482 pounds. Hefting such poundage still returned a combined fuel economy of 21.2 mpg to a max of 25.6 — on the recommended 87 octane.

To call the Telluride an SUV is almost disrespectful. The clumsy term with negative impact has endured from the early truck-based “sport utility” vehicles. And most of these were seldom sporty or provided much utility.

A view through the windshield from the driver's seat on a rainy day.

Sightlines are unobstructed over the fenders and over the shoulder.

Road-Trip Ready Telluride

The test vehicle was an upper trim level Telluride SX-Prestige V-6 with all-wheel drive and the new-for-2023 X-Line treatment. The new X-Line and X-Pro trim levels have some off-roading traits. X-Line and X-Pro trims have a slightly raised ride height (about a third of an inch), 20-inch black wheels, a unique black grille, trailering tow mode, and upgraded traction control for better control on gravel and sand.

Somebody could forgive such a blunt front end for some interior wind noise, but the Telluride is better soundproofed than some luxury SUVs I’ve tested. Conversations do not wash out in a wall of white noise or road harshness, thank you very much in part to the Michelin tires.

With three rows, the Telluride has seats for seven with the second-row captains’ chairs or eight seats with a second-row bench. The three-position third row is kid class in legroom, but it folds flat into the floor, making it ideal for lots of luggage. We could stow all the suitcases, the cooler of homemade foods and goodies for holiday meals, and the presents. It all fit below the rear window line, but if cargo must be stacked to the headliner, the Telluride has a digital rearview camera that gives a wide-open rearward view. (It is a welcome feature when pulling a trailer.)

There is no need for running boards to climb aboard (even with the X-Line lift). And all four of us had captain’s chairs, heated and ventilated, with rear side sunshades. The front seats are power-adjustable, including lumbar, with seat-bottom thigh extension for the driver.

Dual pane sunroofs in the Telluride SX create a light and pleasurable space for passengers.

Dual pane sunroofs in the Telluride SX Prestige.

2023 Kia Telluride Pricing

Telluride is sold in 10 trim levels: LX, S, EX, EX-X-Line, SX, SX-X-Line, SX-X-Pro, SX Prestige, SX Prestige X-Line, SX Prestige X-Pro. Entry-level LX, S, EX trims are front-wheel drive; AWD is optional ($2,000) and includes Michelin tires. Trims of SX and above have standard, active on-demand AWD.

The powertrain for all trims is a 291-horsepower, Atkinson cycle 3.8-liter, direct-injected V-6, and eight-speed automatic transmission. The tow rating is 5,000 pounds or 5,500 for the SX X-Pro.

Starting prices range from $37,025 for the LX to $54,120 for the top-line SX Prestige X-Pro. Today’s SX-Prestige X-Line tester starts at $53,120, and with options for Wolf Gray paint ($495) and carpeted floor mats ($210), the sticker price was $53,825. All manufacturers’ retail pricing includes the $1,335 freight charge from West Point, Ga.

Kia’s new vehicle warranty coverage is 5 years or 60,000 miles bumper to bumper with roadside assistance. The powertrain has coverage of 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Find current pricing and incentives here.

Second row legroom in the Telluride is very long at 42.4 inches.

Second-row legroom is grand at 42.4 inches.

Telluride Interior Function

Because the cabin has door-to-door shoulder room of 61.6 inches, interior roominess is maximized.

The contemporary cabin design is open with contemporary with design elements of brushed metal trim and light gray wood in the tester. The plastics have an appealing texture, with attentive assembly to all panels. The headliner, roof pillars, and visors are wrapped in soft microsuede. Large sliding sun visors have large, covered mirrors.

There are 39.5 inches of front headroom and long legroom of 44.1 inches. Sightlines are open and further empowered by the around-view camera. (The Telluride is a big vehicle, but the camera system with an overhead side view is empowering when parking and backing out of the space.)

The shift console is efficiently designed with a large charging bin with a wireless pad, 12-volt plug and two USBs. The drive-mode controller (comfort, sport, smart, eco, etc.) takes up just a small square of space, with the nearby electric parking brake switch.

A heated steering wheel.

A heated steering wheel.

Sturdy grab rails flank each side of the console, and there is yet another USB in the dual-level armrest box.

There is no confusion when reaching for climate controls or to access the navigation system, radio or other media choices. But the navi system was a struggle to use, so we used the Waze smartphone app.

Telluride has almost as many USB ports as cup holders (12). There are up to six USB chargers, five of which are the more modern C-Type. But there is one “old-style” A-Type USB in the e-bin.

Back Seats and Cargo Space

The second-row captain’s chairs are road-trip ready. They recline and, in the SX, are heated and ventilated. Legroom is grand at 42.4 inches maximum. With no step rail, placing a child in a car seat is much easier.

The back side of the front armrest console has a pair of cup holders; down low is a 12-volt plug and a 115-volt, 150-watt household outlet. Plus, there is a charging USB notched into the front seatback sides, with a bag hook in each seatback.

An electronic AC controller in the headliner allows control of fan speed, vent flow, and temperature; the controller panel also packages a pair of large reading lights. The moonroof is a welcome skylight, but it would be nice to have a separate sunshade control switch, not just the main controller up front.

Entry to the third row is via a one-touch button to tilt and slide the captain’s seats, with a nearby grab handle for leverage. The three-seat bench, with legroom of 31.4 inches, is snug for adults but fun for youngsters. The seats recline, and the area is stocked with reading lights, cup or box holders, and two more charging USBs.

The cargo area is 4 feet wide and square with up to 7 feet in length with both rows folded, but the captain’s chairs prevent a contiguous floor, such as for sleeping. Behind the third row is 21 cubic feet of grocery capacity. And below the floor is some usable basement space, with storage for the roller shade.

The second-row seats tip and slide for third-row access.

The second-row seats tip and slide for third-row access.

Telluride’s V-6 Performance

I’ve long believed in electric and electrified vehicles, so a V-6 combustion engine might seem indulgent. But it is an asset for a vehicle of this size. The Telluride’s combustion V-6 uses the Atkinson cycle design for fuel efficiency. Together with auto stop-start at idle, the direct-injected engine can be considered a mild hybrid. With 262 foot-pounds of torque at 5,200 rpm, the power response is unhesitating in Sport mode and guarded in Eco mode.

In this round-trip road trip of almost 1,000 miles, my average fuel economy ranged from 21.2 mpg to a high of 25.6. The sweet spot for interstate cruising with cruise control was a consistent 22.8 mpg. With that mileage, the 18.8-gallon tank could provide a cruising range of around 425 miles.

I couldn’t complain about the fuel economy with a cabin of four adults, tooling along between 70 and 80 mph. The Telluride SX curb weight is 4,524 pounds, plus another 700 pounds or so with people and luggage.

I drove the entire trip in Eco mode, thinking that would stretch the mileage. But I also was surprised to find that Eco mode was capable of stiff acceleration when needed, but it wasn’t all that quick to respond to an urgent demand for get-going power.

The transmission also has modes for Smart, Sport, and Comfort. Each mode applies different calibrations for the engine, transmission, and steering effort.

When I’m creeping along in commuter traffic, I dial up Sport mode. There is enough added kick to guard my line against impatient drivers who have to try to cut in front.

The V-6 Telluride engine.

291 hp and thrifty fuel economy of 18 mpg city, 24 highway and 21 mpg combined.

Telluride AWD Ride and Handling

In Eco mode, the steering weight is comfortable and appreciated when hands are on the wheel for 8 hours. The wheel has an easy roll in tight parking situations but was never vague at speed. And the suspension and Michelin tires help the Telluride track steady at high speeds without wandering. Driving the Telluride SX X-Line — with self-leveling rear suspension — never felt heavy, nor was there body lean in cornering. For my passengers, there was no mention of queasiness — and that’s high praise for a road-trip vehicle or for parents with children prone to motion sickness.

Four-wheel disc brakes are reassuring with 13.4-inch vented rotors front and solid 12-inch rotors rear.

The wide navigation and camera screen in the dashboard

Dual 12.3-inch-wide display screens for driver info and navigation and camera system.

Telluride Safety Technologies

The multi-tasking shift console with e-bin and wireless charging pad.

The multi-tasking shift console with e-bin and charging pad.

Kia’s advanced driver assist systems contribute to a much more relaxed driving experience.

Highway Driving Assist 2 (standard on upper trim levels) is a semi-autonomous system that requires both hands on the wheel. But the vast network of safety technologies functions as an array of eyes to keep the Telluride on course. The system gives accurate lane centering, and not once did the Telluride drift wide in cornering or cross the highway lines or Botts dots.

Among the safety features are seven air bags, navigation-based smart cruise control, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. The list of driver-assist technologies is highlighted below in ADAS Technologies.

Active On-Demand AWD

Kia’s active on-demand all-wheel-drive system distributes torque between the front and rear wheels. Depending on road conditions and driver action, the system continually redistributes the amount of power transferred fore and aft.

In everyday driving, Eco and Comfort modes can direct 20 to 35 percent of the power to the rear wheels. Sport, Smart, and Snow modes can deliver up to 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels. AWD Lock”sends power evenly to all four wheels.

A gloss-black front wheel and Michelin tire on the Telluride with X-Line treatment

The Telluride X-Line gets 20-inch Michelin Primacy 245/50 tires and gloss-black wheels.

What’s New for 2023?

The Kia Telluride was a smash success when it debuted in the spring of 2019 as a 2020 model. It had the right look and the right stance — substantial and engaging. And 2023 brings a range of updates for Telluride.

The 2023 Kia Telluride has some freshened exterior styling, mainly for a more rugged yet refined look, Kia says. Among the tweaks are the following:

  • Revised vertical headlamp design with optional LED headlights and fog lights;
  • New front fascia and grille;
  • Revised taillights and new rear fascia and trim;
  • New wheel designs for every trim;
  • Three new exterior colors: Midnight Lake Blue, Dawning Red, Jungle Green;
  • X-Line trim replaces the former Telluride Nightfall Edition;
  • Downhill Brake Control, which helps keep a controlled descent on steep roads.
The Telluride X-Line has a unique, black grille treatment.

The Telluride X-Line has a unique grille treatment.

New 2023 Convenience Technologies

  • Standard upgraded 12.3-inch navigation screen (increased from 10.3 inches);
  • Optional full display mirror with HomeLink;
  • Optional Smart Power Liftgate with “Auto Close” function;
  • Kia Connect services for embedded connectivity:
  • Available Digital Key: Allows compatible iPhone, Apple Watch, and Samsung Galaxy smart devices to be used as a virtual vehicle key to lock, unlock and drive. Digital keys can be shared with friends and family over text messages on available devices;
  • In-vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot connects up to five devices to 4G LTE-based internet;
  • Automatic over-the-air updates for maps and infotainment;
  • Kia Access App for Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy smartwatch to access such features as remote climate control and door lock/unlock;
  • Stolen vehicle tracking and immobilization capability;
  • Connected Routing: The server-based system will calculate the optimal route using real-time and predicted traffic information. The cloud system uses past driving information to learn the driver’s preferred route;
  • Smart Speaker Integration: Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can remotely control some functions, such as remote start.
There is rewarding quality to the stitching and precise alignment of interior panes.

There is rewarding quality to the stitching and precise alignment of interior panes.

Expanded ADAS Technologies

The 2023 Advanced Driver Assist Systems add several new technologies:

Intelligent Speed Limit Assist — ISLA: Can detect a road’s maximum speed limit in some cases, provide alerts to the driver and even limit the speed of the car depending on the settings (standard);

Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control – Curve — NSCC-C: In certain circumstances, the smart cruise control can lower the vehicle’s speed proactively before upcoming curves in the road (available);

Highway Driving Assist 2 — HDA 2: A driving convenience system that helps to maintain a predetermined distance from the vehicle detected in front, keep the vehicle within detected lane markers on certain highways, and assist in lane changes under certain conditions (optional; HDA 1.5 is standard);

Forward Collision Avoidance – Junction Turning — FCA-JT: Detects oncoming vehicles while turning left at an intersection (junction). If the system detects that a collision might be likely, the system may apply the brakes to help slow or stop the car (standard);

Forward Collision Avoidance – Junction Crossing — FCA-JC: Is designed to detect crossing vehicles while passing through an intersection. If the system detects that a collision might be likely, the system may apply the brakes to help slow or stop the car (available);

Forward Collision Avoidance – Lane Change Oncoming — FCA-LO: Designed to give steering input to help prevent collisions if the system detects oncoming vehicles while passing other vehicles (available);

Forward Collision Avoidance – Lane Change Side — FCA-LS: Provides steering input to help prevent collisions if the system detects cycles or vehicles in front of the car while changing lanes (available);

Forward Collision Avoidance – Evasive Steering Assist — FCA-ESA: Gives steering input to help prevent collisions if the system detects obstacles, pedestrians, or vehicles in front of the car while driving straight (available).

Looking through the open driver-side door at the front seats.

Front headroom is tall at 39.5 inches, and the driver seat is 8-way power adjustable.

Why Buy the Kia Telluride?

The Telluride is big but efficient, even nimble for a vehicle that is 16.4 feet long. After 12 hours in the saddle, the seats began to feel like leather saddles. But only seat massagers would have prevented that. Still, I stepped out at fuel stops without stiffness or back pain. And I was always eager to climb aboard and continue the adventure.

After our trip, it was a sad wave goodbye to the Telluride. If it had fit easily in my garage, it would have been a keeper.

A rear three quarter view of the wolf gray Telluride with gloss black alloy wheels.

The Kia Telluride X-Line package adds such features as raised, bridge-type roof rails, body-color door handles, and exclusive 20-inch wheels.

2023 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line V6 AWD Specifications

Body style: large 7-seat, 5-door SUV

Engine: 291-hp, direct-injected 3.8-liter V-6; 262 lb.-ft. torque at 5,200 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic with active on-demand AWD

Fuel economy: 18/24/21 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane recommended

BY THE NUMBERS

Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds

Fuel tank: 18.8 gallons

Cargo space: 21 to 46 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 39.5/41.4 inches

2nd-row head/leg room: 38.8/42.4 inches

3rd-row head/leg room: 37.8/31.4 inches

Length/wheelbase: 196.9/114.2 inches

Width/height: 78.3/ 70.5 (with roof rails) inches

Curb weight: 4,524 pounds

Turning circle: 38.8 feet

FEATURES

Telluride SX-Prestige Standard equipment includes: smart key entry with push-button ignition and remote start, digital key (for smartphone app use), digital rearview mirror, Nappa-leather trimmed seat upholstery, 10-way power front seats with driver-seat memory, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, dual panoramic 12.3-inch panoramic displays with navigation, wireless phone charging pad, surround view monitor and blind-spot view monitor, head-up display, Kia Connect with free 1-year trial, Harman-Kardon audio system;

SX-Prestige exterior features include: 20-inch alloy wheel, dual sunroofs (2nd row fixed), LED headlights, smart power liftgate, power-folding side mirrors with turn signals, roof rails, and rear privacy glass.

Standard safety features and technologies include: 7 air bags, Forward Collision Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection, high beam assist, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot collision warning, driver attention warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, parking distance warning – reverse, lane following assist, safe exit assist;

Kia Drive Wise Driver-Assist Technologies: Forward collision avoidance (cyclist and junction turning), blind spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, safe exit assist, highway driving assist 2, parking distance warning forward and reverse, smart cruise control with stop-and-go, parking collision avoidance assist, reverse.

PRICING

Telluride SX-Prestige X-Line base price: $53,120, including $1,335 freight charge; price as tested $53,825

Options on test vehicle: Wolf Gray paint $495; carpeted floor mats $210

Where assembled: West Point, Ga.

Warranties: 5-years/60,000-miles bumper to bumper with roadside assistance; 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain

Volkswagen Atlas VR6 4Motion Review

by | Jul 29, 2022 | 0 comments

Volkswagen Atlas VR6 4Motion Review

 2022 Volkswagen Atlas is all about family function and interior space with voluminous cargo capacity

A front three quarter view of the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas in Aurora Red metallic paint

2022 Volkswagen Atlas starting prices range from $35,630 for the front-drive SE with 2.0-liter four-cylinder to $52,800 for the SEL Premium R-Line with 4Motion and 3.6-liter VR6. (Photos by Mark Maynard)

Table of Contents

What’s new for 2022
Pricing
Powertrains
Safety Features
Ride and Handling
Interior Function
What’s New for 2023
Why Buy the VW Atlas VR6?
2022 VW Atlas V6 Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Volkswagen Atlas SUV has a split personality and two body styles to express itself. The midsize Atlas is Volkswagen’s largest SUV. It debuted for U.S. sales in 2017, and VW has made evolutionary updates ever since. In 2020, VW unveiled the Atlas Cross Sport, a fastback version of the full-bodied Atlas. And last year, the Atlas was given a style freshening that added a new front end (based on the Atlas Cross Sport), redesigned wheels, new rear lights, and a new steering wheel.

Either body style has a choice of two powertrains: a 235-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a non-turbo 276-hp 3.6-liter VR6. All models are available with standard front-wheel drive or optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. Both engines transfer power via an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

The Volkswagen Atlas is among at least 11 competing SUVs with three rows and all-wheel drive: Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Telluride (and corporate partner Hyundai Palisade), Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Subaru Ascent, and Toyota Highlander.

The steering wheel of the Atlas

Standard SEL features include keyless entry and push-button ignition, leather-trimmed upholstery, wireless phone charger, overhead view camera, and Fender audio.

Two Bodies, Two Styles

The Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is affordable executive transport and a fastback style statement. The optional back seat captain’s chairs have limo-like comfort with long-reach legroom of 40.4 inches.

The full-body Atlas is all about family function and interior space with voluminous cargo capacity.

Looking into the driver's door of the Atlas

The driver seat has 10-way power adjustment.

What’s New About Atlas for 2022

The VW Atlas lineup was streamlined to six trims for the 2022 model year — SE, SE Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line, the new SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line.

The SE model now has an 8-inch Digital Cockpit gauge array. The SE with Technology models add USB-C ports for the third row and a standard trailer hitch for models equipped with the VR6 engine, and there is an option package for 20-inch black wheels.

4Motion is now standard on SEL models, as are machined 20-inch wheels. The R-Line Black package features black 20-inch wheels and black R-Line badging. R-Line is standard on the SEL Premium and adds 21-inch wheels.

The back up camera in the Atlas has guidance lines

A wide, viewable backup camera with guidance lines.

2022 VW Atlas Pricing

VW Atlas starting prices range from $35,630 for the front-drive SE with 2.0-liter four-cylinder to $52,800 for the SEL Premium R-Line with 4Motion and 3.6-liter VR6. Pricing includes the $1,295 freight charge from Chattanooga, Tenn.

Today’s tester is an SEL Premium R-Line 4Motion for $53,890. It had just two options of Aurora Red metallic paint ($395) and second-row captain’s chairs ($695).

Find current VW Atlas pricing here.

And check on available special offers here.

Looking into the front passenger door of the Atlas

The front passenger seat has eight-way power adjustment.

Atlas Powertrains

The Atlas VR6 is a balance of power and fuel-economy ratings. The direct-injected 3.6-liter has a peak 266 foot-pounds of torque at 3,600 rpm. The power picks up quickly from a start, and then the Tiptronic transmission upshifts quickly to get into fuel-saving gear ratios.

Sport mode sharpens acceleration and shift points, and I used it frequently. Tooling around in Sport mode didn’t seem to affect my average fuel economy all that much. And the force of power was worth sacrificing a few mpgs.

Fellow car critics say the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine will be adequate for most needs. But those who tow will want the V-6.

And there’s not much mileage incentive to go for the four.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter has fuel economy ratings of 21/25/23 mpg city/highway/combined, and the ratings are nearly the same with AWD at 20/24/22 mpg. (Mileage ratings are the same for the Atlas Cross Sport.)

The VR6 has EPA ratings of 18/24/20 mpg front-drive or 17/23/19 mpg AWD. The good news is that both engines use the recommended 87 octane fuel.

I worked up to an average of 17.2 mpg in highway driving, with liberal use of Sport mode.

The VW Atlas V6 engine

The 276-hp 3.6-liter VR6 can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

4Motion Active Control

In everyday driving, the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system uses an electronic clutch on the rear axle that lets the rear wheels rotate while the front wheels power the Atlas.

Even when not engaged, the 4Motion system measures the wheel speed multiple times a second, looking for signs of wheel slip. The software responds so quickly that AWD will engage before the front wheels lose traction. The system can direct up to 50 percent of the engine’s power to the rear axle. If an individual wheel begins to slip, electronic stability control can slow it down, sending more power to the wheel on the opposite side with traction.

The Active Control system (available with either engine) has four modes for different surfaces: Onroad for daily driving, Snow, Offroad, and Offroad Custom, which varies engine power, transmission shifts, and other parameters, VW says.

The Atlas steering wheel with digital gauge array

The Digital Cockpit Pro has driver-changeable screen displays.

Atlas Safety Features

Volkswagen loaded up the Atlas with standard safety features, not the least of which are six air bags and engine braking assist. EBA is a safeguard in the event of a hard downshift, which could cause a skid due to the reduced gear ratio and engine compression. Volkswagen’s system uses wheel-speed sensors to monitor the drive wheels for slippage and modulates engine-braking torque to prevent skidding.

Standard on SEL trims, the IQ.DRIVE system is the foundation for Travel Assist, semi-automated driving assistance. The system uses front and rear radar, a front camera, and ultrasound sensors to collect data from the surrounding area.

Semi-autonomous Travel Assist allows hands-on driving assistance from 0 to 95 mph. The system uses adaptive cruise control and lane assist to help to steer, center the vehicle within lane markings, accelerate and brake the vehicle in response to traffic. The steering wheel is embedded with touch-sensitive technology (capacitive) to supervise that the driver’s hands are on the wheel. If not, the system gives an alert and a warning message in the driver-info screen.

Travel Assist gives good lane centering on the interstate. And I appreciated that warnings were few and without a blaring alert. The semi-autonomous function is at its best in heavy commuting traffic, particularly along stretches of construction with narrow lanes. The all-seeing support is reassuring, but always keep both hands on the steering wheel.

Advanced technologies layered into IQ.DRIVE include:

Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring);

Active Side Assist (blind-spot monitor);

Rear Traffic Alert;

Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go;

Lane Assist (lane-keeping system);

Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency).

LED headlights of the Atlas

900-lumen LED headlights turn a few degrees with the steering wheel.

Atlas VR6 4Motion Ride and Handling

There is bullish durability in how solidly the Atlas V-6 feels on the road and yet how deftly it manages the tester’s hefty all-wheel-drive curb weight of 4,605 pounds.

I bonded with the lush rotation of the electric steering and how easily I trolled for mall parking. The official turning circle is 40.5 feet, but it seems much tighter as the big SUV curls easily into parking slots. The wide-screen camera with an overhead view is helpful when parking, but a front view would be beneficial, too.

The Atlas is not quick in its handling, but the steering and suspension allow the Atlas to power through highway exit loops with steady control. The ride quality is comfortable, for a German-engineered SUV, with some bounding over intersection transitions.

Pirelli Scorpion Zero all-season tires have a wide footprint (265/45) and roll quite smoothly. Braking is solid and without grab or nosedive from four-wheel discs; 13.2-inch vented rotors front and 12.2-inch solid rear rotors.

21 inches Pirelli Pirelli Scorpion Zero all-season tires

The test vehicle’s 21-inch Pirelli Scorpion Zero all-season tires.

Interior Function

As Volkswagen’s largest SUV, “large” seems to be a design theme for Atlas. Its cabin is a little wider than 5.1 feet, and in between is prime space for generous elbow room and ergonomic placement of controls and conveniences.

There are levels of storage areas, such as nooks, trays, multifunctioning door panels, and a large locking glovebox. An e-bin on the shift console has two charging USB ports and a wireless charging pad. The deep center armrest console hides another USB port.

The SEL Premium cabin is well soundproofed and well stocked with creature comforts and useful electronics. But plain-looking black plastic in lower areas of the cabin detracts from the presence of a $50,000 vehicle.

SEL models include a 10-way power driver seat with lumbar and an eight-way power front passenger seat. And both seats are heated and ventilated. After a couple of hours on the road, the seat bottoms might feel too firm for some.

Front headroom without the sunroof is 41.3 inches or still tall at 40.3 with the big sunroof.

Sightlines are somewhat complicated by large side mirrors and the broad base of the windshield pillars, which are good for roof-crush standards. But the mirrors can block views of vehicles and pedestrians when turning at intersections. Over-the-shoulder views are unimpeded.

An open view of the panoramic sunroof in the VW Atlas.

The standard panoramic moonroof provides a back seat cinematic experience.

Back Seats and Cargo

A view of the second row seats with both doors open

Second-row captain’s chairs are a worthwhile $695 upgrade. The third row can be accessed even with child seats in the second row.

Second-row captain’s chairs are a worthwhile $695 upgrade; few will miss that skinny center position on the standard bench. The captain’s chairs recline a few inches and have adjustable-height armrests, which fold when folding the seats. And the seats have an easy tip function for access to the third row.

Legroom in the second row is adult class at 37.6 inches. And there still is accommodating length when the front passenger seat is powered rearward.

  • The third row is a kid hangout but well-appointed to keep youngsters quiet and occupied. Legroom of 33.7 inches is an inch or two more than in the three-row competitors. Extras include:
  •  Overhead lights;
  • Cup-can-munchie holders;
  • A 12-volt plug;
  • Two C-type USBs ports with a phone nook (on the left side).

When not needed, the pair of seats fold flat for cargo capacity of 20.6 cubic feet, stacked to the headliner. Fold both rows of seats for a little more than 7 feet in length.

The cargo opening is wide at 47 inches with an entry height of 33 1/2 inches. The area includes cargo-net hooks, four tie-downs, and side lights. Under the cargo floor is the big Fender speaker and a nifty slot to stow the optional roller cover ($189) when not needed.

The open cargo area with seats folded

Fold both rows of seats for more than 7 feet in cargo length.

What’s New for the 2023 VW Atlas

The 2023 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport will be in dealerships soon, with just a few changes from 2022. Both body styles will be available in five trims of SE, SE Technology, SEL, SEL R-Line Black, and SEL Premium R-Line. SE Technology models add the 10.25-inch fully configurable Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro.

Starting prices were raised modestly for both body styles. The 2023 Atlas SE 2.0-liter starts at $35,895 with front-wheel drive and $37,795 for the SE with 4Motion. The VR6 engine is available on the Atlas SE Technology and above, starting at $41,815 with front-drive and $43,715 with 4Motion AWD. MSRPs include the $1,295 freight charge.

2023 Atlas Cross Sport

Starting prices for the 2023 Atlas Cross Sport 2.0-liter will start at $35,205 for the SE with front-wheel drive and $37,105 for the SE 4Motion. The VR6 engine is available on the Atlas Cross Sport SE Technology models and above; pricing starts at $41,125 for front-drive models and $43,025 with 4Motion. Pricing includes the freight charge of $1,295.

Why Buy the Volkswagen Atlas VR6?

The VW Atlas is an M-word alternative. This durable SUV has almost all the family function of a minivan without the sliding doors, or raised eyebrows from friends.

Volkswagen is transitioning to electric powertrains, but it will take time before a mainstream SUV has the battery performance to haul a 5,000-pound trailer for a road trip.

For those challenged to find available vehicles on dealer lots, a quick check at VW.com showed plenty of Atlas SE models available, whether on the West or East Coast.

A typical disclaimer at nearly all carmaker consumer sites is an advisory such as this at VW.com:

“We’re sorry, availability of some equipment, options or features may be limited due to global supply issues affecting the auto industry. Please continue to build your vehicle and request a quote, but be sure to verify that the vehicle you purchase includes all expected features and equipment.”

A rear three quarter view of the Atlas at a San Diego boat launch

Exterior features of the SEL Premium include a hands-free easy-open liftgate with remote opening and closing, LED taillights, silver roof rails, and a trailer hitch.

2022 Volkswagen Atlas VR6 SEL Premium R-Line Specifications

Body style: midsize, 6- or 7-seat SUV with 4Motion AWD

Engine: 276-hp, DOHC, 24-valve and direct-injected 3.6-liter VR6 with idle stop-start; 266 lb.-ft. torque at 3,600 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic with Sport mode;

4Motion Fuel economy: 17/23/19 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane recommended

BY THE NUMBERS

Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds with braked trailer

Fuel tank: 18.6 gallons

Cargo space: 20.6 to 55.5 cubic feet behind 3rd and 2nd rows

Front head/leg room: 41.3/41.7 inches

2nd-row head/leg room: 40.4/37.6 inches

3rd-row head/leg room: 38.3/33.7 inches

Length/wheelbase: 200.7/117.3 inches

Curb weight: 4,605 pounds

Turning circle: 40.5 feet

FEATURES

Standard SEL Premium exterior equipment includes: all-weather lights with low-speed corner illumination, automatic headlights with arriving/leaving feature, hands-free easy open liftgate with remote opening and closing, heated windshield washer nozzles, 2 front USB-C data ports, 1 center USB-C charging port, 2 rear USB-C charging ports, LED performance headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED taillights, power tilt-slide panoramic sunroof, power heated and power-folding side mirrors with memory, rain-sensing windshield wipers, silver roof rails, trailer hitch with 5,000-pound towing capacity;

Standard SEL Premium interior equipment includes: Keyless entry and push-button ignition, digital cockpit pro (gauge display), wireless phone charger, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio streaming, adaptive cruise control, overhead view camera, Discover Media touch-screen navigation system with 8-inch color display (with radio and voice control and travel assist), Fender premium audio system, satellite radio with 3-month trial subscription, App-Connect with wireless capability, leather-trimmed upholstery for 1st and 2nd rows, heated front seats and 2nd-row window seats, ventilated front seats, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar and memory preset, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Climatronic 3-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting and LED interior lighting, a 115-volt power outlet, and remote start;

R-Line equipment includes: R-Line side skirts, front and rear bumper treatments with stylized air intakes at the front and a diffusor in glossy black paint at the rear, 21-inch two-tone matte dark-graphite alloy wheels with 265/45 all-season tires;

Safety features include: 6 air bags, dynamic road sign display, electronic brake force distribution, engine brake assist, adaptive front lighting system, blind-spot monitor, rear traffic alert, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking (front assist), park assist, park distance control with maneuver braking, pedestrian monitoring (included in front assist), lane assist, emergency assist, electronic stability control, anti-slip control, electronic differential lock;

PRICING

SEL Premium 4Motion base price: $52,800, including $1,295 freight charge; price as tested $53,890

Options on test vehicle: Aurora Red metallic paint $395 and second-row captain’s chairs $695

Where assembled: Chattanooga, Tenn.

Warranty: 4-years/50,000-miles bumper to bumper and powertrain; free scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 20,000 miles; 3-years/36,000-miles 24-hour roadside assistance

2022 Volvo XC60 B6 AWD R-Design Review

by | Dec 9, 2021 | 0 comments

2022 Volvo XC60 B6 AWD R-Design Review

The Volvo XC60 SUV has polite manners and efficient engine technology, but its purity of Volvoness separates this SUV from the competition

An exterior view of a white Volvo XC60 SUV crossover.

The Volvo XC60 SUV has had a few exterior updates for 2022 and some significant advanced technology additions, such as CleanZone air filtration. (Photos courtesy of Volvo unless otherwise credited.)

Table of Contents

Volvo XC60 Overview
New for 2022
2 New Engines
Pricing
Volvo Vehicle Warranty
Performance and Fuel Economy
Pilot Assist
Ride and Handling
Safety Features
CleanZone Air Filtration
Interior Function
Back Seats and Cargo
Why buy the Volvo XC60 B6?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Crystal White metallic paint of the 2022 Volvo XC60 tester is a popular conversation starter. The handsomely styled XC60 prompted comments of praise by several female passers-by as it sat parked in my driveway. It is an approachable and tastefully styled midsize SUV crossover.

Volvo says the XC60 was not designed to look down on others but to drive. In some ways, it is the missing link that merges a car with an SUV for uncompromising Scandinavian design. This five-seat SUV crossover has polite manners, efficient engine technology, and family function. But its allure is more than function and style; it is its purity of Volvoness that resonates.

The front seats of the XC60

The 10-way power seats are gently contoured and supportive for the long haul.

Volvo XC60 Overview

The first-generation XC60 for North America debuted in 2010, and it has continued as Volvo’s top-selling model — around the world. The second-gen debuted for 2018 and was made 1.8 inches longer and about the same width, but with a roofline that is 2.1 inches lower. In addition, the wheelbase lengthened by 3.6 inches, now at 112.8 inches.

The freshened 2022 model builds on that midsize footprint and adds a few significant updates. While the exterior changes for 2022 are subtle, Volvo’s attention to detail and some unique extras reinforce ownership.

The gas-engine XC60 models now have “mild hybrid” engines helping Volvo reach its goal of total electrification by 2030. By then, the company intends to sell only fully electric cars and phase out any vehicle in its global portfolio with an internal combustion engine, including hybrids.

And a unique addition is Volvo’s CleanZone air filtration system. The system can stop up to 95 percent of pollutants from entering the passenger compartment.

An overhead view from the multiview camera

The 360-degree surround view camera system includes overhead.

New for 2022

Highlights of the 2022 changes include:

  • Updated grille with updated and heated logo (for a clear Pilot Assist camera in all weather conditions);
  • Restyled front fascia with stronger horizontal lines in the lower fascia and a restyled rear fascia with hidden tailpipes;
  • New wheel designs and some new paint colors, including Silver Dawn Metallic;
  • Next-generation Android infotainment system integrated with Google. Included are Google Assistant with natural voice recognition, Google Maps with real-time traffic information, Google Play Store for media apps, and Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity.
  • Over-the-air software updates using the Volvo Cars app for such areas as propulsion systems, new features, bug fixes, and infotainment enhancements. In addition, Volvo says drivers of the pure electric XC40 Recharge should see an improved driving range. Its Range App will help maximize battery usage and give cold weather warnings for optimal battery performance.

Other XC60 infotainment features include 4G LTE connectivity with Wi-Fi hotspot, USB input, Google keyboard, and full Apple iPhone compatibility

The engine bay of the XC60

The 295-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder B6 engine is turbocharged and supercharged.

2 New Gas Engines

The Volvo XC60 is sold in gas-powered or gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid models.

Two new 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines debut mild hybrid electrification through a new 48-volt system. The system combines a 13-hp ISG or Integrated Starter Generator.

The ISG is notable for a couple of reasons. First, it provides a silent, fast and refined start/stop function, Volvo says. And it facilitates the engines’ idle stop-start operation and gives a torque boost at low speed.

What were engine designations of T5 and T6 are now B5 and B6. As before, the B5 engine is turbocharged, and the B6 is turbocharged and supercharged. The B5 has 247 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque from 1,800 to 4,800 rpm.

The 295-hp B6 engine gets a new electric supercharger, or e-Charger, which replaces a mechanical supercharger. The e-Charger is quieter and provides enhanced engine response, Volvo says.

In addition, the B5 and the B6 now have electronic shifting and braking “by wire.” The latter allows brake energy to be banked and used to boost overall efficiency and fuel economy.

Volvo’s thoughtful engineering includes one of the most orderly engine bays I’ve seen. The engine shows off with a large, black plastic shroud and the secondary hood release is easy to find. Dual struts easily raise the hood to a near-vertical position.

The midsize Volvo SUV's back seats.

Back seat space has adult-class legroom of 38 inches.

Volvo XC60 Pricing

The gas XC60 is sold three trim levels of Momentum, Inscription, and R-Design. All models have a choice of B5 or B6 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines and Volvo’s eight-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.

Front-wheel drive is the standard drive layout with the optional advanced AWD system. (The AWD system has “instant on,” with little chance for the wheels to begin slipping on startup.)

Starting MSRPs range from $43,745 to $51,245 to $49,895. Today’s tester is the XC60 B6 AWD R-Design that was $65,890. Pricing includes the $1,095 freight charge from Gothenburg, Sweden.

The price difference between the B5 engine and the B6 is about $6,500. AWD adds $2,300.

The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge is sold in three 400-horsepower trim levels with starting prices ranging from $55,345 for the Inscription to $61,495 for the R-Design and up to $70,595 for the 415 hp XC60 Polestar T8 eAWD. The hybrid system allows about 19 miles of electric driving before switching to the 2.0-liter gas engine.

Check here for current pricing and incentives.

Volvo New Vehicle Warranty

The Volvo warranty package is for four years or 50,000 miles with roadside assistance and free scheduled maintenance for 3-years/36,000-miles. Also unique is that Volvo pays for four years of Google Assistant and Google Maps with its ever-helpful road sign information.

A seats folded view of the cargo area

Cargo space is wide and square.

Underfloor storage of the cargo area.

The 48-volt lithium-ion battery is in the upper left corner below the cargo floor. (Mark Maynard photo)

XC60 B6 Performance and Fuel Economy

Dual “charging” of the B6 engine gets the most out of its 2.0-liter engine. But moving away from a stop can seem sluggish — the tester weighs 4,238 pounds — until the e-supercharger kicks in. Then, the turbocharger carries the power into the higher rpms.

Once moving, the acceleration is responsive at all speeds. The eight-speed automatic gives easy downshifts, though timed to maximize fuel economy.

Dial up Sport mode and the performance attitude sharpens, but it is not hell-bent. I used the Sport mode in traffic to keep the power on point and then dialed back to Comfort on the open road for more fuel economy.

Fuel economy estimates for the B6 AWD are 21 mpg city, 27 highway and 24 mpg combined, on the recommended premium. I was averaging 23.4 to 24 mpg. Front-drive models have mileage ratings of 23/30/26 mpg. And the 18.8-gallon tank gives a substantial cruising range.

The electric steering has smooth rotation with adequate road feedback. In addition, the level of steering-wheel resistance can be made lighter or heavier by accessing the drive mode categories through the touchscreen. The turning circle is tight at 37.4 feet — an engineering accomplishment with all-wheel drive, the long wheelbase and 21-inch Pirelli Scorpion tires (an R-Design upgrade).

XC60 Pilot Assist

The Pilot Assist (part of the $2,050 Advanced package) is a suite of driver-assist systems for hands-on-the-wheel semi-autonomous driving. The assist system works on highways and at speeds up to 80 mph, and does not require a car in front to follow. The system will steer, accelerate and brake as needed.

The guidance calibrations work well enough, but the vehicle still crossed over the white line a few times and then gave me loud tones as a warning (as if I did something wrong). That’s why the driver must always stay vigilant and keep hands on the steering wheel. Pilot Assist is best used on major highways in stop-and-go commuter traffic.

These systems can also be prone to shutoff in low-light or shadowy conditions (such as under a highway overpass) and low sunlight into the camera, such as sunset. I’ve also experienced assist cancellations when traveling alongside a white semi-trailer. And California’s light gray concrete can confuse when the white lines are faded or disrupted.

XC60 R-Design Ride and Handling

Among the significant options on the tester was the four-corner air suspension, a stand-alone extra at $1,800. Volvo’s active chassis maintains ride height automatically and adapts each shock absorber to current road and driving conditions.

The suspension gently yields when stepping over speed bumps or along sections of broken road. Power hard into a corner and the nose follows the trajectory with a flat attitude and no unwieldy suspension rebound. But under light load on lumpy or crumbling road surfaces, the air suspension gets busy trying to balance the heaves and unevenness.

At higher speeds, the air suspension lowers the vehicle automatically to reduce drag and enhance stability. In addition, an Off-Road mode increases ground clearance. And loading or unloading cargo or tailgating, the cargo height can be lowered by 3 inches by pushing a button inside the load area.

The cabin is well soundproofed and the big Pirellis are a delicious upgrade for quiet rolling and supple grip. Braking is absolute and without grab or dive from 12.7-inch front discs, 11.9-inch rear.

XC60 Safety Features

Volvo is a safety champion, but I’m still not a supporter of the iPadlike touchscreen. The vertical screen in the center of the instrument panel is used to access just about everything, although there is a knob for audio volume. But making adjustments to temperature, fan speed, or seat heaters is a two-touch process, which usually takes eyes from the road.

However, the XC60 has an arsenal of other safety features, including City Safety. The collision avoidance system recognizes pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals. It also adds lane-keep assist and oncoming lane mitigation, which will take over steering if needed to avoid a head-on or front-corner impact.

Other standard safety features include six air bags, blind-spot warning, and cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping steering assist, oncoming lane mitigation (with steering assist), and hill-descent control.

The 9-inch touchscreen in the Volvo instrument panel

Hey Google!

CleanZone Air Filtration

For people prone to breathing ailments, Volvo’s CleanZone air filtration system can mean the difference between going out and staying.

The advanced filter system (a world first, the company says) will trap airborne particles as small as 2.5 microns (PM 2.5). There are about 25,000 microns in an inch. The widths of the larger particles in the PM 2.5 size range would be about 30 times smaller than a human hair. The smaller particles are so small that several thousand could fit on the period at the end of this sentence.

The system’s multifilter also helps reduce dust, pollen, particles, and chemical odors.

The cabin can be pre-cleaned before entering the car using the Volvo Cars app. And on a warm day, the automatic CleanZone helps ventilate the passenger compartment when the vehicle is unlocked.

XC60 Interior Function

The interior design is artful but functional — mostly. The cabin is roomy with considerable headroom of 38 inches, even with the panoramic roof. Sightlines are unobstructed across the hood or over the shoulder. And the 360-degree surround-view camera system is a worthwhile addition to the Advanced package, $2,050, which includes Pilot Assist with adaptive cruise control.

The 10-way power seats, including seat-bottom tilt, are gently contoured and supportive for the long haul.

The switch controls for the front map lights and sunroof are touch-sensitive and require just a light touch to activate.

There is open access to the wireless charging pad on the shift console. Storage areas are somewhat limited, but there is a huge, nonlocking glove box and door panels with separate spaces for a large bottle and catchall space. The center armrest has a small storage box, which houses two USBs, including one C-type.

The 12.3-inch driver gauge array.

12.3-inch configurable driver gauge array.

Back Seat and Cargo Space

Back seat space has adult-class legroom of 38 inches, but with a slight butts-down, knees-up position with no seatback recline. There are numerous conveniences, including the coat hooks on the B-pillars. The broad, fold-down armrest is padded with pop-forward cup holders and covered but slim storage.

Back-seat B pillars have a vertical vent that provides airflow that is so helpful for passengers prone to motion discomfort. And there also is a pair of vents in the center floor console, along with fan and temperature controls, seat-heater switches, and a USB. Overhead grab handles include a hook for dry cleaning.

Cargo space is wide and square, with 17.1 cubic feet of space behind the second row or up to 29.4 cu.ft. with the back seat folded. The 60/40 split rear seat has release tabs in the cargo that drop easily. A handy hook and strap are provided to hold up the cargo floor when looking for the jack and flat-tire inflator. There also are dual side lights and a 12-volt plug. A side storage space has about a cubic foot of stash space, separated by a net.

Road Sign Information

How often do we drive and see no or very few speed-limit signs? Enter the eye-in-the-sky Road Sign Information. It might be one of those extras that the uninitiated might see as unnecessary. And Volvo pays for the subscription for the length of the warranty. The system alerts to speed limits, “no passing,” “do not enter,” and various types of supplementary signs.

The road sign is displayed on the speedometer or in the head-up display. It can also inform you about speed cameras. And if you drive in the wrong direction on a one-way street, you’ll be alerted with a no-entry sign icon.

Panoramic Moonroof

The dark-tinted laminated glass roof has a front section that opens or tilts and a power-operated fabric sunshade. When the vehicle is parked outside in hot weather, the sunshade closes automatically when the outside temperature reaches 77 degrees. And the roof can be closed from outside the vehicle with the remote key.

The panoramic roof in the XC60

The dark-tinted laminated glass roof has a front section that opens or tilts and a power-operated fabric sunshade.

What’s not to like?

  • For the as-tested price of nearly $67,000, savvy luxury-segment drivers might expect ventilated seats to go with the optional heated front seats.
  • A cargo area roller cover is a $295 option.
  • Modest fuel economy.
  • The sun visors are inadequate on driver’s left. The lower left edge is contoured to fit neatly into the headliner, which leaves a wide margin of the windshield where the sun invariably shines through.
  • Volvo’s distinctive head restraints, somewhat forward-leaning, can bother some taller occupants.

Why Buy the Volvo XC60 B6 R-Design?

A statement of style is important to this owner, and there is a genuine resonance to the gentleness of Volvo design and engineering.

While the Inscription trim level is luxurious, I prefer the sportier tone of the R-Design. I’d fret less about children scuffing the interior and I’d feel less guilt using it as a utility vehicle, as the Norse god Thor intended.

At nearly $67,000, the tester was fully priced, but it also has unique pleasures to relieve the price-point pain.

A rearview of the XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 has a restyled rear fascia with hidden tailpipes.

Volvo XC60 B6 AWD R-Design Specifications

Body style: midsize, 5-seat AWD

Engine: 295-hp, direct Injected and turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with idle stop-start; 310 lb.-ft. torque from 2,100-4,800 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed Geartronic

Fuel economy: 21/27/24 mpg city/hwy/combined; premium required

0-60 mph acceleration: 5.9 seconds

Coefficient of drag: 0.32

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 18.8 gallons

Cargo space: 17.1-29.4 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 38/41.5 in.

Rear head/leg room: 38*/38 in. *w/panoramic roof

Length/wheelbase: 185.4/112.8 inches

Curb weight: 4,238 lbs.

Turning circle: 37.4 ft.

Tow capacity: 3,500 lbs. braked trailer; 1,600 lbs. unbraked

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: keyless locking with push-button ignition, 12.3-inch configurable driver gauge array, surround-view camera with front parking assist, adaptive cruise control, wireless smartphone charging, heated steering wheel, illuminated door handles, laminated panoramic moonroof with power sunshade, heated grille emblem (to help optimize front camera visibility in all conditions), head-up display, headlight washers, front cornering fog lights, park assist (front, rear, and sides), spray-arm wipers

R-Design Features: Front park assist, power-folding rear head restraints, HomeLink garage door transmitter, tailored dashboard, high-level interior illumination, 4-zone climate control with CleanZone, charcoal headliner, 10-way power (heated) front seats with lumbar and memory presets, 19-inch R-Design wheels, Nappa leather front sport seats, and leatherette rear seats, leather gear shift grip and metal-trimmed pedals, sport tailored steering wheel, high gloss black window trim, and mirror caps, high gloss black grille

Safety features include: 6 air bags, blind-spot warning and cross-traffic alert, Pilot assist (to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane and at a set speed), lane-keeping steering assist, oncoming lane mitigation (with steering assist), hill-descent control

PRICING

B6 AWD R-Design base price: $57,290, including $1,095 freight charge; price as tested $65,890

Options on test vehicle: Climate package, $750, includes headlight washers, heated rear seats and heated steering wheel; Advanced package, $2,050, includes head-up display, Pilot Assist driver-assistance system with adaptive cruise control, 360-degree surround-view camera, a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area, air quality with advanced air cleaner; metallic Crystal White paint $695; 4-corner air suspension $1,800; power tailgate $200; 21-inch double-spoke black diamond-cut alloy wheels $1,000; 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio $3,200

Where assembled: Gothenburg, Sweden