The SUVs With the Best Gas Mileage You Can Buy in 2022

ford explorer Full OverviewTwo years into the pandemic, a fair number of people continue to take a break from their house/and immediate urban environs by heading outdoors and getting away from everything. For instance, Ford Explorer owners report a 56 percent increase in off-road use over the past three years, according to the company. Whether that's partially caused by lockdowns or changes in consumer tastes, the fact is more people are into off-road-oriented vehicles. That's why Ford launched the Timberline subbrand: It delivers slightly more capability off the pavement for those who want to hit the trails more often while looking a little more badass. The 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline is the first model to boast this package, and Ford has also announced an Expedition Timberline.The 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline also targets Subaru customers who are avid campers and hikers. Although the Timberline is equipped so as to sit a level above any standard Subaru, it would pair well with the Ascent Wilderness rumored to be coming later this year.How does the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline compare to its regular sibling? Are the upgrades worth the price? We headed from Los Angeles to the San Francisco Bay Area and back to find out.What's So Special?Beefier tires are the first thing you notice when walking toward the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline. The Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain rubber has an aggressive tread pattern, and it bumps the Explorer's look. The tires aren't as off-road capable as the Jeep Wrangler's, but they are sufficient to tackle a dirt trail or snowy path. Compared to the regular Explorer, these tires are a night and day difference and will help you get to your camping spot or cabin. Road noise is their biggest drawback, as it is significantly louder compared to the regular Explorer—to the point where it's a bit difficult to hear passengers sitting in the back. The tires wrap high-gloss black 18-inch wheels exclusive to the Timberline and which sport the Timberline logo.While Ford raised the suspension 0.55 inch, the Explorer Timberline gets a 0.8-inch lift overall thanks to the tires adding a quarter inch. That's not enough for the Timberline to look much different height-wise, but its approach and departure angles rise to 23.5 and 23.7 degrees, respectively, up from 21.0/22.3 for the next-best Platinum.Look closer at the grille, and you'll see a couple of LED lights nicely placed on top of it. When the sun goes down, these lights illuminate the trail like it's daytime.A unique grille, new front fascia with orange detailing and orange hooks, and more black plastic on the sides and rear make the Explorer Timberline easily identifiable. If that's not enough to tell people what you're driving, badges on the SUV's rear and sides proclaim it as a Timberline. Meanwhile, steel skidplates protect nearly every inch of the underbody.How Unique Is the Interior?Like the exterior, the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline's interior has cool details that are exclusive to the trim. The Deep Cypress Activex seats combine dark green leatherette with gray cloth, and they blend nicely and look the part. After two five-hour drives, the seats still felt supportive and pleasant, and friends traveling with us called them out as being notably comfortable. The green leatherette and orange contrast stitching expands to the door panels, and a gray-stone mesh apliqué ups the dashboard's look.Besides the seats and fancy trim, as well as rubber floormats and the Explorer Timberline logos on the front headrests, the interior is pretty much like any other Explorer's. The bad news is that the small 8.0-inch screen comes with the old SYNC 3 infotainment system, which lacks the new version's modern graphics and easy-to-use features. But wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.Our Timberline test model came equipped with second-row captain's chairs that allow easy access to the third row. Once you make it back there, legroom and headroom are pretty good, even for adults. The four rear seats fold flat, allowing you to place large items should you need the space for your camping gear.How's the Drive?All 2022 Ford Explorer Timberlines are powered by the Blue Oval's 2.3-liter EcoBoost l-4, delivering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a 10-speed auto sends the power to all four wheels. What's different from other Explorers, however, is the Torsen limited-slip differential, which can send torque to the wheel with the best traction depending on road conditions. The Terrain Management System features several driving modes, including Trail and Deep Snow/Sand to cruise better when navigating off the pavement.Ford fitted the 2022 Explorer Timberline with the same shocks as the Explorer Interceptor, the SUV you never want to see in your rearview mirror. The suspension means the Timberline rides stiffer on pavement; we felt almost every pothole and rut we encountered. The last regular Explorer we drove—a rear-wheel-drive XLT—felt bouncy and unsettled, which is quite different from how the Timberline rides. We didn't get a chance to drive the Timberline on a trail, but we expect the shocks will deliver a soft ride when hitting a dirt road, though we'll reserve final judgment for when we get to drive it off the concrete. The steering also feels different; it's numb and lacks a connection with the road, perhaps at least partially due to the beefier tires.The 2.3-liter EcoBoost is adequate for the Timberline in terms of power. During our testing, it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, a decent number given the tiny displacement and big body. We noted a strange noise coming from the back of the vehicle when accelerating at wide-open throttle, but things were mostly silent on the road—except for the tire noise coming into the cabin. On our figure-eight course, the numb steering revealed itself as arguably the worst thing about this SUV, but we were pleasantly surprised by the actual handling, which was relatively impressive.What's the Deal?For $47,705 as tested, the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline looks good and adds potentially useful equipment for people who intend to head into nature. It's not cheap, but you get enough for your money to make it an attractive choice. Compared to the regular Explorer, the Timberline looks better and rides better. And not insignificantly, it keeps its price shy of $50,000, so even those who aren't avid outdoor enthusiasts might find the Timberline attractive.2022 Ford Explorer Timberline Pros and ConsProsGreat looksUseful off-road equipmentSpacious interiorConsLooks good! More details?Tire noiseStiff rideNumb steering 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline Specifications BASE PRICE $47,540 PRICE AS TESTED $47,705 VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD, 6-pass, 4-door SUV ENGINE 2.3L turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 POWER (SAE NET) 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm TORQUE (SAE NET) 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm TRANSMISSION 10-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 4,608 lb (51/49%) WHEELBASE 119.1 in LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT 198.8 x 78.9 x 70.7 in 0-60 MPH 6.8 sec QUARTER MILE 15.3 sec @ 89.0 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 127 ft LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.82 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 27.2 sec @ 0.64 g (avg) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 19/22/21 mpg EPA RANGE, COMB 376 miles ON SALE Now Show All

ProsSix-speed manual is pure joyLight, tactile handlingIncredible value proposition ConsBrakes need more staying powerHigh and vague clutch engagement pointRevs can hangFor the as-tested price of the Lamborghini Huracán STO, you could buy 15-and-a-half Si-badged Honda Civics, the lowest-priced, least powerful, and third-lightest contender vying for our PVOTY calipers. Did a humble, sub-$30K, front-wheel-drive economy sedan making only 200 horsepower have a chance against all the Black Series/Wings, M's, V's, GTs and GT3s?Abso-friggin-lutely. In fact, many of the supposed shortcomings of the 2022 Honda Civic Si made it stand out in our field of monstrously powered beasts. Subtracting brute force and head-snapping thrust—and much of the associated sound and fury—sharpened our judges' perception of other attributes. "There's something really tactile and raw about the Civic Si that gets me going," director of editorial operations Mike Floyd said. "Its four-cylinder at full chat just sounds so lean and mean."The Civic Si makes a strong value and fuel economy statement, and the Si's mini-Accord styling adds maturity missing from the previous-generation Civic. Engineering excellence is everywhere you look and touch; every judge called out the light, communicative steering and the "delightful" feel and "super-precise" throws of the Si's six-speed manual transmission, as they extracted all 192 lb-ft from the 1.5-liter turbo inline-four."More low-end torque and a longer horsepower peak are exactly what this engine needed," features editor Scott Evans said. "The torque makes it nicer to drive at every speed, and the power no longer falls off at the top end."To be clear, at nearly 15 pounds per horsepower (more than double the load of some other competitors), the Si is slow, but "Who cares?" was the prevailing sentiment. "It's just so stable and confident in a corner," Evans said. "You just want to drive it faster and faster because it's so rewarding. It's still a momentum car, and that's great because it really makes you work on your driving to get the most out of it."Amid the pages of notes on all our competitors, the adjectives "authentic," "approachable," and "attainable" were reserved for the Si. It was the performance vehicle everyone could quietly appreciate. "There is something appealing about seeing myself in an Si that makes me like it even more in this competition, which is loaded with vehicles I could never hope to actually own in my lifetime," deputy editor Alex Stoklosa said.So why wasn't it even a finalist? For one thing, the only other front-driver in the mix, the Hyundai Veloster N, delivered an even more intriguing and irresistible combination of turbo-boosted fun. And there were some blemishes on the Civic Si's otherwise smooth 'n' sporty driving experience. Squishy at first dab, the Si's brakes faded for some judges by the end of the handling course. Although that's a non-factor on the street, it did not bode well for the at-the-limit track sessions the finalists would encounter. Judges also called out the clutch's light pedal and its high and vague engagement point. The engine's tendency to hang onto revs also drew criticism.For some, the Si just wasn't a big enough step up from the already sublime 11th-generation Civic. Other judges were tantalized but left thirsty for the sharper edge and much-needed power boost promised by the coming Civic Type R. So we shall wait for next year. 2022 Honda Civic Si Specifications Base Price/As tested $28,315/$28,515 Power (SAE net) 200 hp @ 6,000 rpm Torque (SAE net) 192 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm Accel, 0-60 mph 7.1 sec Quarter-mile 15.3 sec @ 92.8 mph Braking, 60-0 mph 110 ft Lateral Acceleration 0.93 g (avg) MT Figure Eight 26.3 sec @ 0.67 g (avg) EPA City/Hwy/Comb 27/37/31 mpg Vehicle Layout Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan Engine, Transmission 1.5L Turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4, 6-speed manual Curb Weight (F/R DIST) 2,981 lb (59/41%) Wheelbase 107.7 in Length x Width x Height 184.0 x 70.9 x 55.7 in On Sale Now Show All

Measured against a Scat Pack, Hellcat, or Demon muscle car, the 2023 Dodge Hornet's 265 horsepower won't register as anything to get excited about. But compare this new compact crossover with its exceedingly sedate competition, and it's clear that Dodge is doing things differently as it launches a long-overdue entry in the most popular segment in the U.S.The class favorites—the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue—all subscribe to a common formula: standard front-wheel-drive and just enough power to keep from getting run over while merging onto a freeway. When it goes on sale in December 2022, Dodge's base model, the Hornet GT, will buck convention with standard all-wheel-drive and enough grunt for a claimed 6.5-second 0-60 time. For speed junkies, there's also a catalog of performance parts that won't void the warranty and a quicker plug-in-hybrid model.A Base Model That's Hardly BasicWe should note that Dodge is saying the Hornet GT's Hurricane4 turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 which pairs with a nine-speed automatic, will make 295 lb-ft of torque and at least 265 horsepower. Don't be surprised if a few more horses show up for production. That level of performance and all-wheel-drive traction won't come free, though. While the RAV4 and CR-V start around $28,000, the cheapest Hornet will cost around $31,500. Dodge justifies that number by also loading its offering with premium standard equipment, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, rear parking sensors, and dual-zone climate control.We'll have to drive a Hornet GT before declaring it a value compared to similarly powerful competitors, but the base price comes in about $4,000 below that of the smaller, racier Hyundai Kona N and more than $8,000 under the price of the Mazda CX-50 with the optional 256-hp turbo engine.Plug In to Power UpFor an extra $10,000, Hornet buyers can step up to the R/T model with a plug-in hybrid powertrain promising at least 285 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The R/T, which goes on sale in the spring of 2023, drives its front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission using a turbocharged 1.3-liter I-4 with a 44-horsepower starter/generator. A 121-horsepower electric motor turns the rear wheels. The 15.5-kilowatt-hour battery pack allows for more than 30 miles of pure electric driving, while Dodge's PowerShot feature attempts to lure gearheads with gas in their veins into opening their minds to electrification.With the tap of a steering-wheel paddle, PowerShot unleashes an additional 25 horsepower for 15 seconds at a time, trimming the R/T's 0-60 time by a full second, down to a claimed 5.1-second sprint. Dodge is also crowing that the R/T is capable of 0.90 g of lateral grip and is driving home the plug-in's performance positioning with 18-inch wheels, Brembo four-piston front brake calipers, and dual exhaust. A Track Pack, available on both the GT and the R/T, adds 20-inch wheels, two-mode electronically adjustable dampers, and Alcantara seats.The Compact Crossover That Goes Like HellWhile a Hellcat V-8 isn't in the cards, Dodge's fascination with the underworld lives on in the Dodge Hornet GT GLH concept. Those three additional letters stand for "Goes Like Hell" and invoke the 1980s Dodge Omni GLH—a hot hatch modified by none other than Carroll Shelby himself for Dodge. The modern incarnation of the GLH sports a lowering kit that drops the Hornet one inch, an unspecified power increase, a sport dual exhaust, 20-inch wheels, a unique rear valence, and GLH graphics.These parts will be offered as Direct Connection aftermarket parts, and—when installed by an authorized dealer—won't void the car's warranty. It also seems likely that Dodge will eventually offer a similar package direct from the factory.The Italian JobIf photos of this new small SUV trigger déjà vu or the specs sound familiar, that's because the Hornet is a 2023 Alfa Romeo Tonale wearing a Dodge mask. These compact crossovers offer the same powertrains, use the same bodies, and come out of the same Italian factory. More of this badge engineering seems inevitable if Stellantis is going to keep Dodge, Alfa, and the dozen other automotive brands under its care well fed with new products.At the price point and performance being advertised, it looks like Dodge is on the winning side of this particular parts-sharing arrangement, but we're left wondering: Is the Hornet a discount luxury crossover, or is the Alfa Romeo Tonale a Dodge in a tailored suit? We'll need more time with both vehicles to answer that.If there's one thing to kvetch about, it's that the blunt front-end styling of the Charger and Durango look out of place transplanted on the softer lines of the Hornet compact crossover. Oh, and we feel cheated that this new SUV looks nothing like the excellent 2006 Dodge Hornet concept.Can the Hornet Make Compact Crossovers Cool?Compact crossovers aren't wildly popular because they elevate your street cred. These small utility vehicles end up in millions of American garages every year because they're relatively affordable, efficient, and readily swallow a couple of car seats and a stroller. For Dodge, that reality is both an opportunity and an obstacle. There are relatively few options for buyers who need an affordable, practical vehicle and want something that's fun to drive. Maybe there's a reason that's the case. Is there a market for a more expensive, less efficient utility vehicle that's designed around performance and aimed at the masses? Only time will tell.