And despite a notable bump in output (300 horsepower, 280 lb-ft), the 2.0-liter flat-4 returns up to an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Better yet, our test unit handily exceeded the EPAâs figures in real-world conditions by returning 34.4 mpg on the highway at an average speed of 72 mph.
Rory married Joey in 2002. They welcomed their first child together, Indiana Boone Feek, in Feb. 2014. He has two daughters â Hopie Feek and Heidi Feek â from a previous marriage. Shortly after Indianaâs birth, Joey was diagnosed with an aggressive case of cervical cancer.
Although both musicians had spent years focusing on their individual careers, they proved to be a strong duo and ultimately finished third in the competition, laying the groundwork for a collaborative career. Kansas-born Rory Feek had originally hit Nashville in 1995, hoping to hawk his songs. A meeting with legendary songwriter Harlan Howard resulted in a publishing deal, and Feek served as his lone staff writer through 2000, at which point he moved over to Clint Black's Blacktop Music.