2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek & 2022 Audi RS e-tron GT

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

We'll hit the ground running in the all-terrain-seeking Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek... Then, pop down to the garage for some next-gen car care advice...

It's "Two Wheelin'" atop a Bavarian touring machine... And charge out with the Audi RS e-tron GT...

So, come drive with us, next!

Closed Captioning provided by Maryland Public Television.

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First, there was the wheel.

Then, the tire.

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Forty years later, we're not slowing down.

JOHN: If you ever find yourself up a "rock" creek without a paddle, perhaps the best way to navigate your way back to suburbia just might be behind the wheel of this Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek.

It's outfitted for adventure and looks the part too!

♪ ♪ An all-new 5th generation Nissan Pathfinder debuted last year, and its "return to rugged" theme helped it easily win our Drivers' Choice Award for Best Midsize Utility.

An upgraded Rock Creek version arrives for 2023, designed to drive that point home even more forcefully!

The Rock Creek package itself arrived last gen but was clearly more about styling than actual off-road performance.

While, it does get a little more serious this time around, even Nissan refers to it as off-road "inspired."

We like their honesty!

Available with 4-wheel-drive only, the Rock Creek does add an upgraded suspension with just over half an inch of lift.

There's a beefy roof rack, new front fascia with black accents and mesh pattern grille, and 18 inch wheels styled to look like beadlocks with all-terrain tires.

So, while the upgrades aren't overly comprehensive, it's worth pointing out, that even in its standard form, and despite its unibody frame, we found the Pathfinder plenty capable when the pavement ends.

Nissan's intelligent 4-wheel-drive system has a combination of seven drive and terrain modes, three of which are off-road specific: Snow, Sand, and Mud/Rut.

Same 3.5 liter V6 under the hood, but Nissan did revise the fuel-mapping for the Rock Creek to boost output a bit.

Horsepower climbs from 284 to 295, with a torque increase from 259 to 270 pound-feet.

Max tow package is standard for a 6,000 pounds rating; as is a 9-speed automatic transmission, which was a big part of why we liked this gen Pathfinder so much, happily saying goodbye to the old gen's CVT.

At our Mason Dixon test track, we couldn't necessarily feel that extra oomph, as the Rock Creek left the line rather softly, though power arrived in heaps once we got rolling.

And 6.8 seconds to 60 is more than adequate for a family utility.

The engine does sound like it's working overtime, despite the 9-speed steadily working through the gears, but power delivery is very consistent.

The all-terrain tires made for a slightly less settled feel at higher speeds.

So, 15.2 seconds to reach the quarter mile at 92 miles per hour.

The additional ground clearance didn't seem to be a negative in our handling course.

You could sense more tire sidewall flex, but the Pathfinder still felt firm with only moderate body roll.

Though as before, stability control systems step in well before anything gets out of sorts.

In braking, there was a good amount of nosedive, and you could feel the blocky tread pattern struggling to find grip, but a quite respectable 112 feet was our average stopping distance from 60.

Inside, the unique seat covering is a mix of simulated leather and nice-looking fabric, with orange stitching and embossed logos.

There's more orange stitching throughout the cabin, along with a standard Around View Monitor with specific off-road modes for the 8.0 inch infotainment screen.

Keeping capability was a priority here, so there's still three rows of seating standard, and even a good 16.6 cubic-feet of room behind the 3rd row, plus, hidden underfloor storage.

Forty-five cubic-feet of space behind the 2nd row, with a max of 80.5.

All highly flexible as well.

The 2nd row captain's chairs that come standard in the Rock Creek, have a nice removable console in between, as well as climate controls for rear seat passengers.

The only compromise seems to come in daily driving, where you'll have to put up with a little more tire noise and an overall more truck-like feel; though those are the very things people generally sign up for when opting for an off-road inspired rig.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 20-City, 23-Highway, and 21-Combined.

We hyper-miled our way to a great 26.1 miles per gallon average on Premium.

That's still, a slightly below average Energy Impact Score, using 14.2 barrels of oil yearly, along with emissions of 6.9 tons of CO2.

Considering a base 2-wheel-drive Pathfinder starts at $36,295, and top Platinum comes in at $49,265, paying $44,115 for the Rock Creek is more than reasonable.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek may not be built to impress the hardcore dirt diggers at an off-road park, but when it comes to performing tasks that the vast majority of people buy 3-row SUVs for, it excels better than ever, and now looks a whole lot cooler while doing it.

♪ ♪ When it comes to comfortable, luxury-minded, high-tech conveyance with a performance twist; it's hard to beat the BMW 7-series.

Now, only if they had a two-wheelin' counterpart... well, it turns out they do, it's the BMW K1600 GTL, and here's Brian Robinson with the speedy detail.

♪ ♪ BRIAN ROBINSON: So, if you're in the market for a big touring bike and you're not sure, if you want to go the comfort/luxury direction, or something more high-performance and high-tech; well, BMW just made the decision a whole lot easier for you.

While, BMW always seems to be at the forefront of automotive technology, vehicle lifecycles tend to run a little longer on the motorcycle side of things, making it much more difficult for them to consistently deliver both the latest and the greatest.

When we first rode this K1600 GTL 11 years ago, it set a new standard for luxury long-distance touring motorcycles with its amazing adaptable suspension, active headlight that aimed into corners as you leaned in, and a brilliant iDrive-like multi-controller eliminating the switch overload of all touring bikes up to that point.

Though, the real star of the show was their first ever inline-6 engine in a motorcycle.

But, over the last decade most competitors have upped their game dramatically; so for 2022, the K1600 GTL gets a comprehensive update.

It may not look that much different, if you see one riding by, but from the rider's perch, you'll quickly notice the big 10 inch TFT display which looks like it came right out of a 7-series.

It's not a touchscreen however, still controlled by that multi-controller on the left handgrip.

Joining it, is a row of programmable "favorites" buttons on the lower left side fairing.

And while, there is obviously lots of that fairing to go around, BMW still lets you see plenty of the amazing 6-cylinder engine.

No additional horsepower for '22, still 160; but new software and emissions controls deliver a slight increase of torque to 133 pound-feet, and allow max power to be delivered 1,000 RPM sooner than before.

And you can immediately feel that it's both more responsive and little more eager to get going than before.

You would think a tech-heavy motorcycle such as this might have some kind of automated transmission, but still 6-speed manual, and we're fine with that.

Still, not a lightweight machine, but that engine and BMW's unique suspension setup continues to have a way of making a large portion of that weight magically disappear once you're underway.

As before, settings for Dynamic, Road, and Rain deliver the corresponding experience quite well, but now automatically adjusts for the amount of weight onboard.

No matter what type of road surface you're travelling on, or the speeds you're doing it, the GTL remains smooth and surprisingly eager to get through corners.

Most long-distance touring essentials are standard, plush seating for two, huge power adjusting windscreen to protect you from the elements, ways to divert cooling air onto the rider, and lots of storage, of course.

An available comfort package adds keyless ride, central locking, and additional lighting.

Starting price is $26,895, and with every available option, you'll be just over 30,000.

I agree, that is a lot of money for a motorcycle, but if you look at the 2022 BMW K1600 GTL not just as a motorcycle, but as the perfect getaway machine that will keep both you and your passenger comfortable, and engaged as you see large chunks of this beautiful country... well, it doesn't seem that bad at all.

JOHN: In most state's you can't get your driver's license until you're 16.

But this week, we're turning "Your Drive" over to one Gusieppe Iatarola, A car crazy 11-year-old who did his first online video when he was only seven!

♪ ♪ GUSIEPPE IATAROLA: I help my dad out a lot in the repair shop, and I wanna show you a few things that every driver should know, starting off with oil.

Right now, we're currently good on oil, so I'll wipe it and show you what the markings mean.

This marking means that you're good on oil, and then this marking right here means that you're low on oil or you need to change it.

So, I'm gonna put it back in.

Your user's manual should tell you all the specs on the oil; what's the weight and how much to put.

If you're on the side of the road with a flat tire and you need to change the tire, use a scissor jack.

The scissor jack is only for emergency use only and you can find it in the trunk under the carpet.

If you're on soft ground, the scissor jack will sink, so you wanna mostly be on pavement.

Now, there's an arrow on this plastic part to show you where the jacking point is: right here.

Now, you don't wanna jack it from the plastic part.

Otherwise, it'll just crumble and then you have a big repair to do.

If you're in the shop, use a floor jack; it can pick up more weight.

And, if you're in the shop, use a jack stand.

The jack stand secures the car from falling and you getting injured.

It's very important to see out of your car.

When your blades are smudgy and blurry, and you can't really see good, here's what you do.

If you can't change the blades right now, you get an alcohol pad, it's a little trick.

Wait until you see how much dirt you get off.

Wipe it.

Now, look how much dirt just came off.

See?

And before I go, let's talk about tire pressure.

Now, you get your tire pressure gauge and you check it.

Now, there's a sticker in the door jam that tells you how much pounds you need.

Right now, we're currently at 25 pounds and it's supposed to be 32, so you need to add air.

If you have any questions or comments, reach out to us at MotorWeek .

JOHN: "Hit it, punch it, floor it," to us they all mean the same thing: time for more QuickSpins!

♪ ♪ GREG CARLOSS: The Kia EV6 is already an all-electric force to be reckoned with, but why stop there...or at all?

Instead, let's go full-send with the 2023 EV6 GT.

The GT isn't to be confused with the EV6 GT-Line and one purposeful jab of the pedal instantly eliminates the conflation, as the GT kicks things up to a staggering 576 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque.

That means, a 0-60 time of just 3.4 seconds and, more impressively, pulling power doesn't fizzle out as the quarter mile ends.

Along with the 200+ horsepower difference, it sits a little lower and rides a little tighter.

The GT gets larger brakes, 21 inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F-1 tires, and an electronic limited slip rear differential.

The interior gets sporty bucket seats with lime green accents; a little aggressive for daily use, but perfect for the road course.

Same can be said for the GT-exclusive drive mode... ...let's go in to GT MODE.

There it is!

Noticeable power difference there going into GT Mode.

...Ooooh, yeah.

The tail is definitely happy.

A lot of the power goes to those rear wheels.

It is all-wheel-drive but more power can be sent to the rears.

Haha-- it's very easy to control with that back end coming out.

The brakes do seem to, uh, have less bite when you're trying to come down from higher speed.

I mean, this is not a light vehicle.

Of course, all that muscle comes at a cost; range is down to 206 miles; but a 350 kilowatt fast charger can recoup from 10-80 percent in about 18 minutes, getting you back on track A-S-A-P. Limited to about 2,500 units, the 2023 Kia EV6 GT does an impressive job putting consumer electrification on the track.

Expect these to start just under $63,000.

JESSICA RAY: This 2023 Wrangler Willys pays homage to Jeeps of old most obviously in name, but also in rugged capability inherited through decades of trail experience.

Our tester is powered by the Wrangler's 2.0 liter turbocharged inline-4, making 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

It's paired to an 8-speed automatic and 4-wheel-drive, though ours came with a Selec-Trac Full-time 4-wheel-drive system, an $895 option.

The Willys treks onward with a slew of upgrades: LED lights, Rubicon Shocks and Rock Rails, and Trac-Lock Limited Slip rear differentials.

And kicking things up a notch is our optional Xtreme Recon package, mounting 35 inch off-road tires on 17 inch beadlock-capable wheels.

We suspect a regular Willys to be exceptional on the trail, but our configuration was not only competent, but just downright fun.

Still, the Wrangler's street smarts aren't dumbed down; our model came with the optional Technology Group for a 7.0 inch driver's display and passive entry, plus, the Premium Audio Group for an 8.4 inch UConnect infotainment setup.

Our 2023 Jeep Wrangler Willys totals out to just under 60 grand, but they start near $44,000 and just shy of 40 grand for a 2-door configuration.

The less-optioned Willys Sport Unlimited starts near $40,000 and the mid-thirties for a 2-door.

In our eyes, they're all worthy of a passing wave from any member of the Wrangler family.

And we'll have more QuickSpins, soon!

♪ ♪ JESSICA: Did you know that the batteries in electric vehicles can be recycled?

And they're even being designed with recycling in mind.

Batteries can be taken apart and many of the individual components, and materials can be recycled or a battery can be repurposed, and used in less intense ways, like as energy storage or in small appliances.

New batteries are even being made now with recycled materials.

Battery recycling is still in its infancy, but big investments from the government and OEMs have us optimistic about the future sustainability of battery tech.

JOHN: When you think about it, it was only a matter of time before Audi made this e-tron GT happen.

After all, sister brand Porsche set a new standard for EV performance luxury with the Taycan.

So, building an Audi variant is sure to appeal to a much wider audience.

So, let's see how Audi's vision turned out.

♪ ♪ Don't look now, but another high-performance EV is bursting onto the scene!

It's the 2022 Audi e-tron GT and we couldn't be happier to get some quality time behind the wheel, to see what Audi has built upon the Porsche Taycan's bones.

Most of the hardware is indeed the same as the Taycan; that means dual-motor all-wheel-drive, 270 kilowatt fast charging of the 93 kilowatt hour battery, and their unique 2-speed transmission.

Though, tuning is different, so actual numbers aren't quite the same; and as of now, options are more limited to just a base e-tron and an upgraded RS version.

The base e-tron works with 522 horsepower, and is rated for 238 miles; while this RS cranks the motors up for 637 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque.

That falls between the Taycan 4S with Performance Battery and the Turbo.

And it only loses 6-miles of range while gaining all of that power.

Now, 232 miles is certainly in the acceptable range to get you through most tasks and joy rides, but surely not pushing any boundaries.

Though, driven conservatively, quite a few more miles are possible, as we were actually on pace for about 270 miles before needing a charge.

While, that may not be enough range for every EV fan, as most already know, alleviating range anxiety is more about planning ahead.

Plus, there are more and more places to charge up these days, and the GT can get 120 miles added back in as little as 10-minutes.

A lot of design time in EVs is being spent on sound.

Sound is a big part of the performance car experience.

And Audi's is a distinct one; rather than faking engine noises or even amplifying the electric motors, they created a unique soundtrack they claim is the "acoustic expression of sportiness."

Marketed as a Grand Tourer, the e-tron GT is not the fastest EV out there, but unless you've actually driven the Taycan Turbo S or Model S Plaid, it will feel like the fastest car you've ever driven, equal parts intoxicating and addicting.

The launch of the RS it truly brutal, just a full-power assault to 60 in 3.0 seconds flat.

There's a slight bit of wheel slip, which doesn't slow you down, but rather seems to get the motors wound up even quicker.

It is odd to feel a definite shift happening about a third of the way down the track.

It's a little upsetting to the car too; but ultimately just a reminder of how much power you're dealing with here.

Our best quarter-mile time was 11.1 seconds at 127 miles per hour.

Handling is of course quite good; not exceptional, as it didn't stay quite as flat as expected; but firmly hitting that overall superior middle ground that Audi sedans occupy so well.

It may be more of a grand tourer, not an all-out performance machine, but it's quick and precise steering make it a real joy to drive no matter the speed.

As tech intensive as it is, Audi has given it a very traditional looking and usable interior.

Some may actually want all touch-panel everything, but frankly we love what Audi has done.

There are lots of real controls, and everything is slightly canted toward the driver and within' easy reach.

It's highly attractive, and seems built to please the driver in everyday use, not just be a flashy showpiece to wow your neighbors.

E-tron GT pricing starts at $106,395, the RS at $145,395; that's certainly not a bargain, but competitively priced with similar EVs, and after driving it, you'll feel like you got your money's worth and then some.

So, while performance numbers tend to garner all of the headlines, how an EV actually drives is really more important.

The 2022 RS e-tron GT's acceleration and beauty may attract eyes, but its driving experience will be what truly wins most people over.

It's just a fantastic all-around EV...the EV elevated!

It doesn't really break any new ground, but it sure looks great occupying the high ground that it's on.

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 for a large Korean-built utility designed with American comfort in mind, the updated Hyundai Palisade.

Then crab walk into view in the GMC Hummer EV.

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.