2022 Ford Expedition & 2023 Acura Integra

Hi, I'm John Davis and this is MotorWeek !

We'll trek up to a new SUV summit in the Ford Expedition... Then, roll down to the "Your Drive" garage for often, overlooked car care... Stephanie Hart cruises to an East Coast MINI takeover... And then, we'll all rejoice in the revival of the Acura Integra!

So come drive with us, next!

Closed Captioning provided by Maryland Public Television.

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JOHN: The Ford Expedition arrived in the late 1990s, a time when carmakers seemingly couldn't build SUVs fast enough or big enough to satisfy people's desire for big off-roaders.

Well, through four generations, it has matured into a fully modern utility, checking off all of the boxes of today's buyer's must-have list.

So, where do we go from there?

♪ ♪ While, always a big vehicle, when the 4th generation Ford Expedition arrived for 2018, it was even bigger and more capable than ever; done likely as an attempt to satisfy Excursion owners who no longer have a Super Duty based rig to meet their big hauling needs.

This 2022 Expedition Max is the stretched wheelbase Suburban fighter.

It showcases updates that have been made to all Expeditions to keep it competitive in what is once again, a growing 3-row truck-based utility segment, seeing that Jeep entered the fight recently with their Wagoneer and Wagoneer L. Starting inside, where changes are most easily noticed, with a new dash design that allows for a much bigger infotainment setup.

A 12 inch touchscreen is now standard, with a 15.5 inch vertical tablet similar to the Mustang Mach-E's available, as is a fully digital gauge display.

Our moderately outfitted XLT stuck with the standard gauge package with traditional analog dials bookending an info-packed 8.0 inch productivity screen.

Some materials have been upgraded, and there's a revised control layout below the touchscreen, as well as on the center console.

Even as one of the lesser trim grades, XLT comes with the trailer tow package, Ford Co-Pilot 360, and seating for eight with 3-row climate control and power-folding 3rd row.

Heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, and power liftgate can be added cost effectively with optional XLT Equipment Group packages.

Until you've been inside this gen Expedition, it's hard to convey just how spacious it is.

There's so much room to spread out in all three rows of seating, and an immense amount of cargo space too... ...36 cubic-feet behind the 3rd row, 79.6 behind the 2nd, and a max of 121.5 cubic-feet.

Our XLT tester sports the carryover 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 which gains 5-ponies; now outputting 380-horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

But, more significantly, there are now two higher output versions available, 400 horsepower for Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trims: and 440 in either of two new Expedition trims for '22, Stealth Performance and Timberline.

The new Timberline series is the most intriguing to us with a multitude of unique exterior elements, along with added ground clearance, 33 inch all-terrain tires, and a 2-speed transfer case to make it the most off-road capable Expedition yet.

Regardless of power output or trim, all Expeditions work with a 10-speed automatic transmission; and maximum trailer tow is 9,300 pounds with rear-wheel-drive and the Heavy Duty Trailer Towing Package.

Optional 4-wheel-drive is Ford's Control Trac system, with an electronic limited slip differential available.

So, with standard power and 4-wheel-drive, we rolled our XLT tester into Mason Dixon Dragway.

It's a big vehicle, yes, but 470 pound-feet of torque is more than adequate to get it moving in quick fashion; we hit 60 in 6.1 seconds, and finished out the quarter-mile in 14.6 at 99 miles per hour.

Extremely light steering had us guessing at times exactly where the front wheels were pointed as we worked through the cones; plenty of body roll too, but nothing unusual for a big body-on-frame utility.

And Ford claims they have the most driver-assist technologies available in the class, including their BlueCruise hands-free highway driving on top Platinum.

Exterior updates for '22 are very minor; mostly just refreshed lighting and new grilles for select trims.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings for a 4X4 XLT Max are 16-City, 21-Highway, and 18-Combined; we averaged a spot-on 18.2 miles per gallon of Regular.

That's still, a below average Energy Impact Score; with annual consumption of 16.5 barrels of oil and yearly CO2 emissions of 8.2 tons.

With most of the SUVs, we've tested recently pushing six figures, the Expedition seems like a relative bargain, starting at $56,315.

XLTs start at $60,380, with just 2-grand on top of that for the MAX, making it a lot of truck-based SUV for the money.

The latest Ford Expedition is indeed better than ever.

And, with more options than before, it's easy to build the perfect fit for your big utility needs.

But no matter which Expedition you choose, you'll get a great family hauler that can basically do it all.

♪ ♪ JOHN: The biannual MINI Takes the States road trip got back in full gear this summer with thousands of MINI Cooper owners uniting and driving 1700 miles over 9 days.

Well, our Stephanie Hart joined the pack and maneuvered challenging American byways while discovering it's not just about the cars, but also about camaraderie and charity.

♪ ♪ STEPHANIE HART: MINI Takes the States picked up speed in Burlington, Vermont.

With a caravan of Coopers continuing on to Vernon, New York; Poconos, Pennsylvania; Frederick, Maryland; Roanoke, Virginia; Bristol, Tennessee; and then on Day 8, the Coopers came up over the Blue Ridge Mountains, camouflaged by a mysterious mist that eventually revealed all 650 MINI Coopers perfectly parked in solidarity.

I met up with the MINI Cooper owners here in Asheville, North Carolina.

There's a lot of excitement in the air, especially since the reunite and rally event hasn't happened since 2018.

It was postponed twice, due to COVID.

The MINI Cooper owners tell me they're excited to hit the road today and drive the Tail of the Dragon, which is gonna be incredible.

TIM ARTIS: It's a very-- um-- personable car to everybody and it's their- it's like-- their own child.

STEPHANIE: As I find out the daily rise and rally events create an almost Disney-like atmosphere that coax you to act silly.

So, this bear used to be your co-pilot?

TIM: It was my co-pilot and we decided to move him around.

STEPHANIE: Get a lot of attention on the road?

TIM: I get a lot of attention... STEPHANIE: Probably, a lot of people beeping.

TIM: Yes, we get a lot of people.

STEPHANIE: Especially when he floors it...

The legs...are flapping in the wind.

TIM: The legs were flapping in the wind, the arms flapping, the heads bobbing down.

STEPHANIE: A car with personality is what owning a MINI Cooper is all about for a lot of these owners.

Showing off their creativity and bonding with other owners is a large part of "MINI Takes the States" mission.

The road trip has been around since 2006.

PATRICK McKENNA: One thing we have noticed over the years is more and more people going on the entire trip.

And these trips are anywhere between 9 and 14 days, and right now, we have about 900 people going the entire distance.

STEPHANIE: People like the Payne's who we're brave enough to travel 1,700 miles with a 15 month old!

How do they do it?

DANIEL PAYNE: Lot of music and just talking (laughs).

STEPHANIE: There are also about 80 dogs along for the ride... makes sense since money raised from this event will be donated to Best Friends Animal Society.

Can I get a paw...hiiii, OMG that face... After making so many new friends, it was time to hit the road.

We left together in one big cute-looking caravan.

It would take us a few hours to reach the Tail of the Dragon.

I'm behind the wheel of the 2022 MINI Cooper S. I'm having a lot of fun driving this car.

It's responsive.

It feels quick and its sharp handling makes tackling the Tail of the Dragon a blast.

DANIEL: We did, like, the back of the Dragon, which is this crazy-- uh-- twisty road.

It was good.

Kinda got me back into, like, that manual-type way of driving, so it definitely helps, you know, when you get in those tight turns and go up and down hills.

STEPHANIE: After following a pretty terrific drive route for about eight hours, we ended up here in Greenville, South Carolina, at Fluor Field where a celebration is underway.

It includes games, food, and music.

BRAD VICKERY: Oh, it was awesome.

STEPHANIE: On our way home, I spotted this: a lifted 2nd-generation MINI.

It's built on a Ford F-150 platform with a 426 Hemi.

It made me smile strangely... and think to myself "why?"

A pretty perfect ending to this nine day adventure, spanning 1,700 miles on state and country roads, from Vermont to South Carolina.

In the end, $91,000 was raised for Best Friends Animal Society.

JOHN: Even if you consider yourself meticulous about your car's well-being, you just might miss something.

So just in case, here's Audra Fordin with some often overlooked car care advice in this week's, Your Drive.

♪ ♪ AUDRA FORDIN: Maintaining your car is a task, and if you own a car, well then it is such a priority to make sure that you do take real good care of it.

You know, putting a good coat of wax on your car is going to help the finish, to prolong its life, and that's certainly an overlooked maintenance.

In addition to that, take a look at your headlights.

Headlights used to be glass, now headlights are plastic.

Because they're plastic, they oxidize from the sun.

You can see here, there's a haze coming over this headlight.

I call that cataracts because there's actually a light that's being limited, that you can't see through.

Something as simple as using a headlight polish, with a chamois and some elbow grease, is going to help you to clear the headlight and restore it back so that you can get visibility on the road.

Another overlooked maintenance is your engine air filter.

Think about the air filter like your lungs, taking in air so that your body can breathe.

Your car breathes also, and it needs fresh air in order to breathe.

Take a look at this air filter.

It's filthy, it's got oil and debris and all kinds of blowby.

This restricts the amount of air that can actually be pulled into the engine while your car is trying to breathe, which limits how much fuel you're going to burn, and this costs you, a 10 percent fuel economy.

Another very important overlooked maintenance is your tires.

To make sure that your tires are rotated every other oil change makes a difference.

You know, if you think about the tires on your car, they are your car's shoes on its feet, just like you have shoes on your feet.

You can tell how you're walking, if your car is in alignment, just by looking at the tire tread.

Most important here-- about tires-- is to check your tire pressure.

You'll find the sticker on the driver's side door jam, it has the correct pressure for your car, and to check your tire pressure every month, especially when you have seasons change, to make sure you have the correct tire pressure in your car.

That will make sure that your tires last the most life.

If you have any questions or comments, you can reach us right here, at MotorWeek !

JOHN: Actually turning a key is getting rarer, but we're just as eager as ever for another QuickSpin!

♪ ♪ GREG CARLOSS: The 6th generation CR-V compact crossover is here, and with it comes the latest Hybrid model, which Honda expects will make up about 50 percent of all CR-V sales.

We think 100 percent of customers will be pleased with their new CR-V, but for the half picking up Hybrids, you'll be especially thrilled with the updated powertrain on top of the other gen-six overhauls-- all of which we experienced firsthand in Santa Barbara, California.

The powertrain consists of a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, paired with a two-motor hybrid system.

Together, they make 204 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque; increases of three ponies, and 15 pound-feet over the outgoing model.

The Sport Hybrid is front-wheel drive by default, with all-wheel-drive available.

The Sport Touring is AWD only.

Regenerative brakes and one-pedal driving help efficiency, now up to 43 miles per gallon city, 36 highway and 40 combined.

STEVEN TRUANT: When it comes to hybrids, you really do get the best of both worlds: more horsepower and better fuel efficiency, and the 2023 CR-V hybrid is a great example of doing just that.

We were cruising through some Santa Barbara backroads earlier and the extra 15 pound-feet of torque really helps in propelling out of the corners.

GREG: Inside, the front seats have been revised for posture and stability.

Rear passengers gain over half-an-inch more legroom, and cargo space grows to 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats; up to 76.5 when folded.

The Sport comes with a 7.0 inch infotainment screen, while the Sport Touring boasts a 9.0 incher; although both trims include digital gauge clusters for easy readouts.

With a starting price ranging from the mid-to-high thirty-thousands, we can see why at least half of 2023 Honda CR-V sales will be for one of these hybrids.

And we'll have plenty more QuickSpins coming at ya...soon!

♪ ♪ GREG: This past month was a busy one for our long-term 2022 Kia Carnival, adding more than 3,600 miles to its odometer; bringing our 5-month tally to a hefty 10,900 miles.

And while doing all of that driving, we had time to play with the Carnival's drive modes.

Along with the usual Eco and Sport modes, there's also a Smart mode, which monitors the driver's braking and steering inputs, and adjusts throttle response and transmission shift patterns accordingly.

Basically, Sport when you want it, Eco when you're lazily cruising, and Normal for the rest of the time.

If you're the set it and forget it type, Smart is the mode you want.

For the most part, it does a pretty good job of understanding how you're driving and then responding accordingly in real time.

It can be a little slow to interpret inputs from time to time, so if you're the "I want what I want when I want it type" like me, it's best just to select the drive mode manually.

Mileage has stayed very consistent, currently sitting at 23.2 miles per gallon of regular.

That's not bad for a 290 horsepower 3.5 liter V6.

Winter is near, so we'll soon see how the Carnival measures up to frigid weather on another MotorWeek Long-Term Road Test Update!

JOHN: The name Integra has near-legendary status in the auto world, and it was a sad day in 2001 when Acura chose to change that name to RSX as part of a new marketing strategy.

Sadder still, when Acura stopped selling it here altogether just a few years later.

Well, the Acura Integra is back for 2023!

So, let's find out, if it's worth celebrating the second time around.

♪ ♪ The original Acura Integra did much to help grow Honda's new luxury performance division, introducing Americans to new terms like...Type R and V-TEC.

But eventually, Acura decided the younger sport compact crowd was not who they were after.

But, that was then and this is now.

This reborn 2023 Acura Integra should not only appeal to drivers looking for a tidy, tech-heavy, sport-luxury ride, but also those wanting to relive their fast and furious glory days of yore.

Powering this Integra is the upgraded version of the Honda Civics' small, but fairly mighty 1.5 liter turbo-4 from the Si.

A unique exhaust system helps it deliver 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels.

It comes with either CVT or 6-speed manual transmission; so you can easily guess which side of that we favor.

The manual includes rev matching and even gets a serious limited slip differential.

Now, the original Integra was mostly successful in disguising its humble Civic roots, but the new one seems to embrace them, with the same slick 5-door hatchback shape.

Though, the diamond patterned frameless grille and jewel-eye LED headlights are all Acura.

A diffuser-style lower rear fascia integrates dual oval-shaped exhaust tips; 17, 18, and 19 inch wheels are available.

An optional A-Spec sport appearance package adds black trim, front lip spoiler, and shark gray 18 inch alloy wheels with Continental all-season performance tires.

Inside, there is a tech-forward feel, with a standard 10 inch digital gauge display that is a super clean design.

But, to really make it special and stand apart from its Civic cousin, you need to add extras like-- 16-speaker ELS premium audio, the technology package with Head Up display, and the A-Spec package with stainless steel pedals and contrast stitching.

Now, you're talking!

The standard Integrated Dynamics System does a good job of adjusting throttle response, transmission mapping, steering feel, and settings for the available adaptive dampers in Normal, Comfort, or Sport modes; unique gauge displays arrive with each one.

Upgrading to A-Spec and Technology package also brings more customizable Individual settings.

Taken to the backroads, we found that, like many Acura's, it is a highly capable machine, but one that puts the exclamation point on refinement rather than emotion.

Driven more aggressively at the test track, the car is very tight with only moderate body roll.

Due in part to great Acura tuning, and in part to its already more than capable 11th generation Civic platform.

The Adaptive dampers, a feature not available on Civic, seem to excel best in smoothing out the ride when you want it, more so than boosting handling performance.

As to boost, the Integra may be working with only 200 horsepower, but it makes the most of it.

The very light clutch allows for easy launching, with good grip and a slight chirp of the tires on the way to a 0-60 of 7.5 seconds.

The shifter is buttery smooth, and throws are relatively short.

We finished out the quarter-mile in 15.8 seconds at 91 miles per hour.

During panic braking from 60, ABS pulsing is very noticeable; but stops averaged just 110 feet, and the pedal has a nice firm feel.

With the manual transmission, Government Fuel Economy Ratings come in at 26-City, 36-Highway, and 30-Combined.

Our lead feet yielded an acceptable 28.9 per gallon of Premium.

Pricing starts at $31,895, but to get the full experience, you really need to go all in with A-Spec and Technology packages which brings it to a still more than reasonable $36,895.

Acura had to know they were stirring up controversy as soon as they molded the Integra name into its front fascia.

The 2023 Acura Integra may not be the overly emotional Integra that many people remember.

But it is a fine, totally modern, sport-luxury contender.

One that is perfect for a time when many are more than willing to pay a little extra for something unique and special.

And, on that score, it's a bargain in its class.

Still, we can't wait for the Type S to take Integra to the next level.

Well, that's our show, I hope you enjoyed it.

Now, for more MotorWeek , including daily news updates, podcasts, and even complete episodes, cruise on over to PBS.ORG/MOTORWEEK.

And I hope you'll join us next time-- as we jump behind the wheel of one extraordinary utility, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Estrema, then go totally practical in the new Honda HR-V!

Until then, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

ANNOUNCER: To learn more about MotorWeek , television's original automotive magazine, visit... To order a DVD of this program, call... MotorWeek has been brought to you by... ANNOUNCER: For more than 30 years Lucas Oil products has helped people tackle mechanical problems in the automotive, marine, and industrial fields.

From our original four core products... Lucas Oil has developed over 400 custom products to help both professionals and do it yourselfers.

To learn more visit Lucasoil.com.

Lucas oil, keep that engine alive!

MotorWeek is proudly sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper To Bumper, featuring major brand auto and truck parts, and service from coast to coast.

Learn more at AutoValue.com and BumperToBumper.com.

TireRack.Com is proud to support MotorWeek .

First, there was the wheel.

Then, the tire.

"We'll call it Tire Rack."

Forty years later, we're not slowing down.

♪ ♪ This program was produced by Maryland Public Television, which is solely responsible for its content.

(car engine revving) ♪ ♪ You're watching PBS.