My dog makes a lot of noises

We adopted our dog Henry from a reputable rescue last March, at about 1.5 guesstimated age. He’s very comfortable with us now; he definitely has a preference for me since I’m home more, and he’s clingy and likes to lay on me or rest his head, cuddle, etc. (which I enjoy). He fears his crate a bit still (it’s a process) and doesn’t like car rides when the car stops or slows (he panics, and my guess is trauma?).

Anyways, he’s a happy boy, but he makes a lot of noises. After we first got him he made like wookie noises when we pet him or cuddled him, which doesn’t happen so much anymore. He doesn’t really bark, but he makes like low, guttural (not growling) noises, such as when I move him or give him pets or affection, and sometimes just in random situations. This is while awake, but also asleep. I believe he’s just a communicative dog; they all sound a bit different so I’m almost positive I know how he feels. But am I missing something? I’ve never experienced this in my lifetime of growing up with or owning dogs.

And he’s about 15lbs, long tri-color fur. I think he’s a mix between a schnauzer and australian shepherd, but we don’t know. He is UTD on shots, fixed, and healthy.