About this episode
The panel looks at Jeep’s redesigned 2026 Cherokee as a hybrid-only family SUV with a $40,000 starting price, more space than before, and a long list of standard safety features. They like the roomy back seat and practical packaging, but they’re less impressed by the ride tuning, laggy controls, and odd steering-wheel and door hardware. The big takeaway is caution: it’s an all-new model with an all-new powertrain, so they want fuel-economy and reliability data before giving it a full thumbs-up.
We share our first impressions of Jeep's all-new and first-ever hybrid Cherokee, including cabin and cargo space, design, and safety. We discuss its refinement, fuel economy, and how it compares to competitors in a crowded field. We also answer a viewer's question about whether Carvana and other sites are a good option for selling a vehicle.
Join CR at https://CR.org/joinviaYT to access our comprehensive ratings for items you use every day. CR is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit organization.
SHOW NOTES
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00:00 Intro
00:32 Overview: 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo
01:45 Jeep Brand Appeal
03:02 Space, Size & Family Practicality
04:50 Design, Comfort & Interior Quality
08:00 Safety Features & Standard Equipment
09:11 Hybrid Performance & Driving Experience
11:44 Key Drawbacks
14:03 Door Safety & Usability Concerns
17:11 Should You Buy It?
19:09 Ride, Handling & Trim Strategy
21:46 Infotainment & Tech Usability
25:13 Small Wins & Practical Features
27:15 Question: Is using Carvana or similar online services a good option for selling a vehicle?
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Test Results: 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/jeep/cherokee/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Which Brands Make the Best Cars?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
10 Best SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/10-best-suvs-you-can-buy-right-now-a8518508556/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Where to Shop for Used Cars
https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/where-to-shop-for-your-next-used-car-a1016305271/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Selling Your Car to Online Retailers
https://www.consumerreports.org/money/selling-a-car/how-to-sell-your-car-to-an-online-retailer-a2790904993/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Jeep Cherokee
"so this episode, we're going to talk about the new Jeep Cherokee for 2026. Stalantis and Jeep, I was going to say Chrysler, introduced a new model, whole redesign. So some of the big things, it's exclusively a hybrid, which is a pretty much a big deal."
They’re talking about the new 2026 Jeep Cherokee. The big news is that it’s a hybrid, and you can’t plug it in like some hybrids.
The hosts are discussing the redesigned Jeep Cherokee for 2026. They highlight that it’s exclusively a hybrid (no plug-in hybrid option), which is a major shift in how the Cherokee will be powered and marketed.
Stalantis
"Stalantis and Jeep, I was going to say Chrysler, introduced a new model, whole redesign. So some of the big things, it's exclusively a hybrid... And Stalantis have gone away from the plug-ins for a little bit of time."
They mention Stellantis, the company that makes Jeep. The point here is that the company is steering Jeep’s new Cherokee toward hybrid-only power.
Stellantis is the automaker behind Jeep, and the hosts attribute the Cherokee’s redesign and hybrid strategy to the company. In this context, “Stellantis” is acting as the corporate decision-maker for product planning and powertrain direction.
hybrid
"it's exclusively a hybrid, which is a pretty much a big deal. But there's no plug-in version... having fuel efficiency in a small SUV is critical, because that segment is so popular right now"
A hybrid uses a gas engine and an electric system together. It helps the car use less fuel than a gas-only SUV, and in this case it’s not a plug-in type.
A hybrid vehicle uses both an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor/battery to improve efficiency. In this episode, the key detail is that the 2026 Jeep Cherokee is “exclusively a hybrid,” meaning it uses hybrid power but isn’t offered as a plug-in hybrid.
plug-in version
"it's exclusively a hybrid, which is a pretty much a big deal. But there's no plug-in version. And Stalantis have gone away from the plug-ins for a little bit of time."
A plug-in hybrid can be charged like a phone or laptop—by plugging it in. The hosts say the new Cherokee doesn’t offer that option.
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) can be charged from an external power source, typically allowing longer electric-only driving than a standard hybrid. The hosts emphasize that the new Jeep Cherokee has no plug-in version, aligning with Stellantis moving away from plug-ins.
Cherokee Xj Cherokee
"...mother's friend, Sherry, had like an 80s, 90s era XJ Cherokee, the aerodynamics of a barn. And it was a two do..."
The Cherokee is a Jeep SUV model name that has existed for many years. The podcast mentions an older version (from the 1980s/1990s) that was known for a very boxy shape. It’s brought up because it’s a classic example of that older Cherokee style.
The Cherokee refers to Jeep’s long-running SUV nameplate, and the podcast context points specifically to an older XJ-era Cherokee. That generation is often remembered for its boxy, rugged design and straightforward off-road potential, even if it wasn’t focused on aerodynamics. It’s discussed because it’s a recognizable example of how the Cherokee evolved and why people still talk about that era’s vehicles.
two door
"Sherry, had like an 80s, 90s era XJ Cherokee, the aerodynamics of a barn. And it was a two door with a stick, fire engine red, cool car."
“Two-door” means the vehicle has two side doors for passengers. It usually makes the car feel more compact and can reduce rear-seat access compared with a four-door SUV.
“Two-door” describes a body style with two passenger doors instead of four. For SUVs like the older XJ Cherokee, the two-door layout typically changes proportions and can affect interior space and practicality.
stick
"And it was a two door with a stick, fire engine red, cool car."
“Stick” means the car has a manual transmission. You shift gears yourself instead of the car doing it automatically.
In car talk, “stick” is shorthand for a manual transmission. It implies the driver shifts gears themselves rather than using an automatic gearbox.
Ford Bronco
"... I'm thinking of Prelude, you know, Chevy Blazer, Bronco, all that on here. So I'm here to acknowledge th..."
The Ford Bronco is a type of SUV designed to handle rough roads and off-road trails. It’s meant for drivers who want more than just normal commuting. That’s why it often shows up in conversations about off-road SUVs.
The Ford Bronco is a rugged, off-road-focused SUV built for people who want real trail capability rather than just city driving. It’s often discussed in the same breath as other classic-style SUVs because it blends everyday usability with serious off-road hardware. In a podcast, it commonly comes up when talking about the “modern take” on traditional off-road models.
Chevrolet Blazer
"...ith it. I'm thinking of Prelude, you know, Chevy Blazer, Bronco, all that on here. So I'm here to acknowl..."
The Chevrolet Blazer is a midsize SUV meant for everyday driving. Depending on the version, it can also be equipped for light off-road or rougher roads. That’s why it’s commonly grouped with other popular SUVs people remember from past decades.
The Chevrolet Blazer is a midsize SUV that has been offered in different generations, typically aimed at families and drivers who want a practical, comfortable vehicle with available capability. It often comes up in discussions alongside other classic-style SUVs because it represents the “SUV for everyday life” segment. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned as part of a lineup of vehicles people associate with that era and style.
tweener
"Yeah, the size is really one of its big appeals, because it did grow several inches over the previous generation. And now it's very much a tweener. It's a little bigger than the small SUVs, a little smaller in the midsize."
A “tweener” is a vehicle that sits between two size classes—typically between compact and mid-size SUVs. In this segment, they use it to describe how the Cherokee grew and now overlaps the space that many shoppers associate with both categories.
Honda Crv
"Yeah, you know, I always thought of the latest Honda CR-V is kind of in that position. It's a little bit bigger than all its peers. This has all the same appeal."
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that’s often used as a benchmark for size and practicality in the small-SUV segment. Here, the hosts compare the latest CR-V’s “in-between” sizing to the Cherokee’s positioning.
grand Cherokee
"Yeah, particularly, I mean, you don't have to jump all the way up to the grand Cherokee, you know, and have the grandness of the size."
The Grand Cherokee is a larger Jeep SUV line compared with the Cherokee. The hosts mention it to contrast size: you don’t have to “jump” to the bigger Grand Cherokee to get the benefits they’re discussing.
fuel economy hit
"But you also have to worry necessarily about the weight and all that and the fuel economy hit."
A “fuel economy hit” means a noticeable drop in how efficiently the vehicle uses fuel. The hosts connect it to tradeoffs like added weight when comparing larger SUVs (like the Grand Cherokee) versus a more efficient setup in the Cherokee.
rear-facing
"test, yeah, I'm a kid at the age where it's the rear-facing behemoth that you have to put in. And, you know, typically you have to put the passenger seat pretty far forward."
“Rear-facing” means the child seat is installed so the baby or child faces backward. It’s usually safer for small kids because it better supports their head and neck in a crash.
“Rear-facing” refers to a child safety seat orientation where the child rides facing the back of the vehicle. It’s commonly required for younger children because it helps protect the head, neck, and spine in a crash by spreading forces across the seat.
rear three-quarter window
"I think that three, you know, the rear three-quarter window gives you enough space to look out, check your blind spot, better than some of the other kind of not fully cupified, but kind of sloped roofs that you get in this particular segment."
The rear three-quarter window is the glass panel on the back side of the vehicle, between the rear door area and the rear roofline. It strongly affects outward visibility for checking traffic when changing lanes and for monitoring your blind spot.
sloped roofs
"...better than some of the other kind of not fully cupified, but kind of sloped roofs that you get in this particular segment."
A sloped roof changes the vehicle’s window and pillar geometry, which can reduce rear-seat headroom and worsen outward visibility. The hosts imply that more upright rooflines can provide better sightlines for checking traffic and blind spots.
blind spot
"I think that three, you know, the rear three-quarter window gives you enough space to look out, check your blind spot, better than some of the other kind of not fully cupified, but kind of sloped roofs that you get in this particular segment."
A blind spot is an area around the vehicle that the driver can’t see directly through mirrors or the windshield. Rear window shape and pillar placement can widen or shrink blind spots, which is why the hosts connect visibility to window design.
cupified SUVs
"Yeah, I mean, it's to your point, the cupified SUVs, you know, so often it's like, oh, it's useful, it's family, it's this, and then they make it where you can't fit anything in it."
“Cupified” here is used as slang for SUV designs with a more upright, boxy shape. The hosts contrast that with sloped-roof designs, arguing that boxier packaging can improve usable interior space and visibility.
off roadiness
"...to Jeep's point, we'll touch on it later about the off roadiness, but you know, it has that at off roadiness look and feel, but it really is the family vehicle it's pitched as..."
“Off roadiness” is a descriptive, non-technical term for the look and feel of a vehicle that suggests it’s capable on rough terrain. In this context, it likely refers to styling cues and packaging choices that evoke Jeep-like capability.
Soulcloth
"According to the Windows sticker, Soulcloth is the name that they call for it. But it was, you know, compared to if your expectations for a Solantis Fiat Chrysler vehicle..."
“Soulcloth” appears to be a branded name for an interior upholstery or trim material used in this Jeep model. It’s mentioned as the material name shown on the window sticker, indicating a specific fabric/trim offering rather than generic “cloth.”
Fiat Chrysler
"...compared to if your expectations for a Solantis Fiat Chrysler vehicle, like goes back maybe a decade or so, I think you'll be"
Fiat Chrysler is referenced as part of a historical expectation about vehicle interiors and quality. The hosts are comparing their current experience to what they associate with older Fiat Chrysler-era products.
drivetrain
"...you see where they're putting money into it. This one, they put a lot of money into the drivetrain, but also into the loading span."
Drivetrain refers to the components that deliver power from the engine to the wheels, such as the transmission and drive system. The speaker claims the manufacturer invested heavily here, implying mechanical refinement or capability improvements.
loading span
"...This one, they put a lot of money into the drivetrain, but also into the loading span. I think the interior still has a fair bit of hard plastic..."
This sounds like they’re talking about how easy it is to load and carry things. It’s probably about the usable space and layout for cargo.
“Loading span” isn’t a standard, widely used automotive term; in context it likely refers to cargo/space usability—how the vehicle’s interior layout supports loading items. The speaker contrasts this with interior material quality and visual design.
no optional packages to get stuff
"...they really did finally... hit it out of the park in the sense of no optional packages to get stuff. So, you know, you're getting your forward collision warning..."
They’re saying you don’t have to pay for extra add-on packages to get important safety features. The car includes the essentials by default.
The speaker is praising a trim/feature strategy where key safety equipment is included without requiring buyers to add optional packages. That reduces confusion and helps ensure most buyers get the same baseline safety tech.
forward collision warning
"So, you know, you're getting your forward collision warning, you're getting automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection..."
This system watches what’s in front of you. If it thinks you might hit something, it warns you so you can react in time.
Forward collision warning is a driver-assistance feature that monitors traffic ahead and alerts you if it detects a potential crash. It’s typically a visual and/or audible warning before any braking intervention.
automatic emergency braking
"So, you know, you're getting your forward collision warning, you're getting automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection..."
If the car thinks you’re about to crash and you don’t react fast enough, it can brake for you. The goal is to prevent the crash or make it less severe.
Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is a safety system that can apply the brakes automatically when it detects an imminent collision. It’s designed to reduce crash severity or help avoid the collision altogether.
pedestrian detection
"...automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, pedestrian detection, you know..."
The car can recognize people near the road. If it thinks you might hit one, it can warn you and help slow down.
Pedestrian detection is a driver-assistance capability where sensors/vision identify people near the vehicle. When paired with AEB, it can trigger warnings and braking if a pedestrian is at risk.
rear cross traffic
"...blind spot warning, rear cross traffic. So, hopefully, this makes it a lot easier for consumers going forward..."
Rear cross traffic alert monitors for vehicles approaching from the sides when you’re backing out of a parking spot. It warns you so you can avoid collisions with cross-traffic you might not see.
rolling stop
"Amongst hybrid powertrains, not if we're saying the top is something like a Honda or a Toyota in terms of rolling stop, you know, coming off the line, and how smooth it is, this was okay."
A rolling stop is when you slow down and basically “coast” through the stop area instead of coming to a hard, jerky halt. People notice it because it can feel smooth or rough depending on how the car manages power at low speed.
A rolling stop is a low-speed maneuver where the vehicle creeps forward while approaching a stop, then transitions smoothly through the stop-and-go moment. It’s often used as a real-world feel metric for how smoothly the drivetrain and power electronics respond at low speeds.
jerkiness
"It didn't commit to, you know, it didn't have the jerkiness or any of the other, like some of the things you see on some of competitors in this category, not the top of it, but I thought it was smooth enough, and, you know, it didn't highway merges weren't, didn't feel like you were asking too much of it in a way that I was kind of expecting."
Jerkiness is when the car doesn’t move smoothly—like it lurches or stutters when you press the gas or when the power system changes. It’s something drivers feel immediately, especially in stop-and-go driving.
Jerkiness is noticeable, uneven acceleration or drivetrain response—often felt during low-speed throttle changes or when a hybrid system transitions between power sources. It’s typically caused by how torque is commanded and delivered by the engine, motor, and transmission control.
noise vibration
"It happens. Like you really, there are some models where like the engine, I understand it's fuel efficiency, it's always regular, but you, there are parts where it's hard to explain, it's the combination of noise and noise vibration, all of that, that really makes it feel like you're asking a lot of it when you're trying to, you know, when you're actually need to pin it to the floor to get, you know, 40 to 60, 70 or something like that."
This is about how “rough” the car feels—how much noise you hear and how much it vibrates. Even if the car is fast enough, bad noise/vibration can make it feel like you’re working the car too hard.
Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) describes how much unwanted sound and body/engine vibration the driver and passengers feel. In hybrids, NVH can change depending on whether the engine is running, how it’s loaded, and how the system transitions to electric drive.
the transfer from engine to electric power
"To me, it felt like a generation behind its peers in terms of power and smoothness, the transfer from engine to electric power. I think if someone's coming from an older Jeep and they're drawn to this for all the reasons we just outlined, they probably think, fine."
This is how the car changes from using the gas engine to using the electric motor (or mixes both). If that switch feels rough, the car can jerk; if it’s tuned well, it feels smooth.
This refers to how the vehicle switches or blends propulsion between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. If the transition is abrupt, the car can feel jerky; if it’s well-calibrated, it feels seamless.
Forester Hybrid
"And when you have the Subaru Forester hybrid and you have the new RAV4 hybrid popping at the same time or right before it, it's, you know, you're up against a lot."
The Subaru Forester is a family-friendly SUV. The hybrid version uses both a gas engine and an electric motor, which can help it use less fuel. They’re just comparing it to other hybrid SUVs coming out around the same time.
The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover, and the “hybrid” version combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to improve efficiency. In this segment, it’s mentioned as part of the competitive set of hybrid SUVs.
Toyota RAV4
"And when you have the Subaru Forester hybrid and you have the new RAV4 hybrid popping at the same time or right before it, it's, you know, you're up against a lot."
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular SUV. The hybrid version uses an electric motor along with the gas engine to help save fuel. They’re talking about how it competes with other new hybrid models.
Toyota’s RAV4 hybrid is a compact SUV that pairs a gasoline engine with an electric motor for better fuel economy than a non-hybrid. The hosts mention it as a near-simultaneous release that creates competitive pressure in the hybrid market.
squircles
"We've entered an age of squircles, these square circle steering wheels. It's better than a yoke."
“Squircles” here refers to a steering wheel shape that’s more square-like than a traditional round wheel. The hosts use it as a shorthand for modern, geometric steering-wheel designs that can affect grip and visibility of nearby controls.
yoke
"We've entered an age of squircles, these square circle steering wheels. It's better than a yoke. Well, the yoke's on Tesla buyers for that."
A yoke steering wheel is a steering wheel that doesn’t look like a full circle. It has a flatter bottom, which can make it easier to sit comfortably and reach the wheel, but some people don’t like the feel.
A “yoke” steering wheel is a steering design with a flattened bottom and an open, U-shaped look, rather than a full circular rim. It can make it easier to reach the controls and get your legs under the wheel, but it may feel awkward to some drivers.
Tesla
"Well, the yoke's on Tesla buyers for that. But in this case, you know, I understand you flatten the bottom of the steering wheel..."
Tesla is an electric-vehicle brand. They’re known for using a distinctive steering-wheel shape called a yoke, and the hosts are comparing that idea to what this Jeep does.
Tesla is the brand associated with “yoke” steering wheels in many of its vehicles. In this segment, the hosts compare the Jeep’s steering-wheel shape to the yoke style popularized by Tesla.
Grand Wagoneer
"...that's a jeep thing, though, because they did that in, I think, the Wagoneer and the Wagoneer, so I have Grand Wagoneer and even the Wagoneer S."
The Grand Wagoneer is the bigger, more upscale Jeep in the Wagoneer family. They’re mentioning it because it shares the same kind of dashboard/control design that they find frustrating.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is the larger, more luxurious version of the Wagoneer line. The hosts bring it up to show that Jeep has used a similar approach to placing key driver controls in the same general area.
Wagoneer S
"...so I have Grand Wagoneer and even the Wagoneer S. Yeah, so that it's on brand to block the key controls for the driver on the left side of the screen."
The Wagoneer S is a version of the Wagoneer line that’s meant to feel more sporty. They mention it because the same dashboard/control design choices show up across the lineup.
The Jeep Wagoneer S is a trim/model in the Wagoneer family positioned as a sportier option. It’s mentioned here as further evidence that Jeep’s control layout and screen placement have been carried across multiple variants.
heated seats
"well, you know, learn the steering wheel controls. But you can't do heated seats. No, no. So then you're waiting into the screen if you can't find the button up top."
Heated seats are car seats with built-in heaters. You turn them on with a button, and they warm you up—some cars only include them on certain versions.
Heated seats are seats with built-in electric heating elements that warm the cushion and sometimes the backrest. They’re typically controlled by a dashboard button or steering-wheel/infotainment controls and can be limited by trim level or software settings.
electric door release
"Once you get in, if you would like to exit again, [794.3s] you look down for the electric door release. Your leg is blocking the side of it. Yeah. There's a handle."
An electric door release is how the car unlocks the door using an electrical system. If the car loses power, the car may need a backup way to unlock the doors.
An electric door release is a door-unlocking mechanism controlled by electricity rather than a purely mechanical linkage. In modern cars, it’s often integrated with safety systems and can be affected by power loss, which is why manual/emergency options matter.
emergency mechanical release
"right in front of it is the emergency [810.2s] mechanical release. Awesome that it's there. Super easy to use. Great if you have an emergency. Applause, applause. But just move that couple inches back and just making a mechanical release"
An emergency mechanical release is a manual backup handle for getting out. It’s there so you can open the door even if the car’s electronics or power aren’t working.
An emergency mechanical release is a physical, cable/lever-based backup for opening a door when the normal (often electric) release isn’t working. Because it doesn’t rely on electronics, it’s designed to work during power failures or crashes.
manual override
"about emergency releases and if they're electronic door releases, in a situation where you need it, [837.0s] how do you get out of the car with the manual? Where's the manual override? In some cases, it's a crazy convoluted process that you would certainly need to check the manual to figure"
A manual override is the backup method you can use when the normal electronic system doesn’t work. It’s usually a physical step-by-step way to unlock or open something.
A manual override is a user-accessible backup procedure that lets you operate a system without relying on the normal electronic control. For door releases, it’s the “how do I get out if electronics fail?” path.
capacitor
"The back doors don't have a manual override as far as and the way you [861.6s] actually do it is to use what Giva's installed a capacitor, which holds a little bit of power [867.1s] so that you can release the electronic rear doors. They say two or three cycles."
A capacitor is like a small electrical “buffer” that holds power for a short time. Here, it’s used so the rear doors can still be unlocked for a few tries even if the car’s main power is gone.
A capacitor is an electrical component that stores energy temporarily. In this context, a capacitor provides a short reserve of power so the car can still operate electronic rear door releases even if the main battery is depleted or the car has lost power after a crash.
T-boned
"So basically, [873.5s] that means that if your T-boned or whatever, something happens, the car, the battery, the [878.8s] 12 volts drain, something like that, you'll have this reserve where you can still get the car"
“T-boned” means another car hits you from the side. Side crashes can cause power problems, so cars may need special ways to get the doors open.
“T-boned” describes a side-impact collision where one vehicle hits the other broadside, forming a “T” shape. These crashes can trigger electrical faults and power loss, which is why emergency door-release strategies are discussed.
12 volts drain
"So basically, [873.5s] that means that if your T-boned or whatever, something happens, the car, the battery, the [878.8s] 12 volts drain, something like that, you'll have this reserve where you can still get the car"
Cars have a 12-volt battery system that powers lots of electronics. If that power gets drained—like after a crash—some features may stop working unless there’s a backup.
A 12-volt drain refers to the loss of power in the car’s 12V electrical system, which many vehicle controls and accessories rely on. After a crash or electrical fault, the 12V system may be depleted, so backup power (like a capacitor) can be critical for unlocking doors.
powered
"I would say there's also a similar concern with the liftgate on the back. On ours, it's not powered. So it's manual. Lifts up nice and easy."
“Powered” here means the back door can be moved with a motor. If it’s not powered, you’re doing more of the work by hand, so the handle and release need to be easy to use.
In this context, “powered” means the liftgate is assisted or operated by an electric motor rather than purely by hand. The hosts note their example is not powered, which changes how the release and closing mechanism should be designed for everyday use.
liftgate
"I would say there's also a similar concern with the liftgate on the back. On ours, it's not powered. So it's manual. Lifts up nice and easy. That works great. But when you go to close it..."
A liftgate is the back door you lift up to get into the trunk/cargo area. They’re talking about how the back door is opened and closed—especially how the release/handle feels and works.
A liftgate is the rear door on many SUVs and hatchbacks that swings upward to access the cargo area. In this segment, the liftgate is described as manual (not powered) and the discussion focuses on how the handle/release design affects ease of use.
Stellantis
"...that was the least expensive way of doing it when a handle would have been infinitely better. Yeah. So, you know, my wish for Stellantis is, you know, a handle there and a handle on the outside."
Stellantis is the big company behind several car brands, including Jeep. They’re basically saying they wish the company had designed the handles differently.
Stellantis is the automaker group that owns multiple brands, including Jeep. Here, the hosts use it as shorthand for the company responsible for the vehicle’s design choices (like handle placement and release mechanisms).
disconnect the battery
"Going back to the rear seats, I mean, we have not disconnected the battery in ours to try this. We're not going to do it because it's entering test... But, you know, maybe we will try that. Release, you know, take the battery off..."
Disconnecting the battery means cutting off the car’s electrical power. They’re suggesting it as a way to test what happens if the normal electronics don’t respond—like whether you can still get out from the back.
Disconnecting the battery means removing electrical power from the vehicle, which can reset certain systems and may affect how doors or liftgate releases behave. The hosts discuss it as a workaround to test whether they can exit from the rear when normal controls might not work.
fuel economy results
"Absolutely recommend they hold out to find out what the fuel economy results are from our tests. Because to me, the two unknowns thus far are mission critical. Fuel economy and the reliability."
Fuel economy results are basically how many miles the car can go on a gallon (or liter) of gas. The hosts are saying you should wait until real test numbers are available, especially for a brand-new vehicle.
“Fuel economy results” are the measured efficiency numbers from testing—how many miles you can drive per unit of fuel. In a new model, those figures are often uncertain until independent or manufacturer tests are completed.
reliability
"Because to me, the two unknowns thus far are mission critical. Fuel economy and the reliability. This is an all-new vehicle with an all-new, truly all-new powertrain."
Reliability means how likely the car is to avoid big problems as you drive it for years. They’re saying the first year of a redesign can be a risk until it proves itself.
Reliability is how consistently a vehicle performs over time without major problems. The hosts treat it as a key unknown for a brand-new redesign, since early production can have teething issues.
all-new powertrain
"This is an all-new vehicle with an all-new, truly all-new powertrain. Anything can happen."
The powertrain is the car’s main set of parts that make it move, like the engine and the system that sends power to the wheels. If it’s all-new, the hosts expect more uncertainty until it’s proven.
A “powertrain” is the vehicle’s main mechanical system for moving—typically the engine, transmission, and how power is delivered to the wheels. Calling it “all-new” suggests major changes that can affect both performance and early reliability.
waiting past the first year of any vehicle redesign
"We generally recommend waiting past the first year of any vehicle redesign, not just Jeep, just to see what happens and to give the factory time to get its best practices down and, you know, optimize the build."
The hosts recommend not buying right away after a car gets redesigned. Early versions can have surprises, and waiting helps you benefit from fixes and better real-world information.
This is the idea that the first model year after a redesign is when bugs and process issues are most likely. Waiting gives the manufacturer time to refine production and software/calibration, and it lets real-world data (like fuel economy and reliability) accumulate.
Honda Passport
"when you have these competitions, Honda CR-V, Honda Passport, I guess, because it's kind of in-between size."
The Honda Passport is another SUV they’re putting in the comparison mix. They’re using it as an example of a model that’s already been around long enough to feel less risky.
The Honda Passport is listed as a competitor in the same general crossover category. It’s used to illustrate alternatives that have established track records, especially for reliability.
ride and handling combination
"I get, I enter this part of the talk about the ride and handling combination, and then what it also means for outdoors, because it"
Ride and handling is how smooth the car feels on rough roads and how well it responds when you steer. They’re saying the car’s setup feels a bit stiff and unsettled in certain situations.
“Ride and handling” refers to how the car feels over bumps (ride quality) and how it behaves when steering and cornering (handling). The hosts are discussing how the vehicle’s suspension tuning affects both comfort and control.
squishy
"it somewhat stiff, but a lot of body lean feels very squishy. It didn't feel very comfortable, kind of hustling it through traffic"
“Squishy” is a driver’s way of saying the car feels soft and a little slow to respond. They’re describing how the suspension doesn’t feel firm and confident when driving quickly.
In driving feedback, “squishy” describes suspension behavior that feels soft, delayed, or overly compliant rather than crisp and controlled. It often shows up when the car’s damping and spring rates don’t match the driver’s expectations for quick maneuvers.
body lean
"it somewhat stiff, but a lot of body lean feels very squishy. It didn't feel very comfortable, kind of hustling it through traffic"
Body lean is how much the car “leans” to one side when you turn. The hosts are saying it leans, but the suspension feel is also described as kind of soft or unsettled.
Body lean is how much the vehicle tilts to the outside of a turn when cornering. More body lean usually means the suspension is allowing more weight transfer, which can feel less controlled to some drivers.
understeering
"it was hiking over, not understeering, not, you know, or not the tails coming around, but just very soft."
Understeer is when you turn the steering wheel and the car doesn’t rotate enough. It feels like the front tires are sliding first, so the car wants to go wide.
Understeer is when a car turns less than the driver intends—typically the front tires lose grip first. The result is that the car tends to push straight toward the outside of the turn.
performance all season tires
"it's, I think it's had performance all season tires, like not even any kind of all trim."
These tires are meant to handle better than regular all-season tires, but they’re still not dedicated summer tires. They’re built to work in more than one season.
Performance all-season tires are designed to offer better grip and handling than typical all-seasons, while still being usable in a range of weather. They’re a compromise between summer-style traction and all-weather durability.
damping and rebound
"Just the balance of damping and rebound, it just isn't where I wish it was."
Those are suspension settings that control how the car reacts to bumps. Good balance helps the tires stay planted instead of bouncing or feeling floaty.
Damping and rebound describe how a suspension controls spring motion. Damping slows the suspension as it compresses, while rebound controls how it extends back after hitting a bump.
soft rotors
"right now we're seeing, you know, this emergence of what we've been calling soft rotors, you know, conventional crossover vehicles that are given an off-roady exterior treatment"
They’re basically saying the car looks rugged, but it rides and handles more like a regular street vehicle. It’s not truly built for rough trails.
“Soft rotors” here is being used as a shorthand for a softer, more road-focused setup on vehicles that look off-road. In context, they’re contrasting conventional crossovers with off-road styling rather than discussing a literal brake rotor.
Overland
"But the top trim, that's, I think it's had performance all season tires... But yeah, puzzled about the trims... But the top trim, the Overland is more of a, an upscale version."
Overland is a higher trim level. It usually means more comfort features and a more premium feel than the lower trims.
Overland is a trim level that typically emphasizes a more upscale, comfort-and-features direction compared with base trims. In this discussion, they’re contrasting it with the rest of the lineup’s direction.
Dodge Hornet
"They've kind of been up and down, in my opinion, the Alfa Romeo Tannale, and then the Dodge Hornet, when they came out,"
The Dodge Hornet is a small SUV/crossover model from Dodge. They’re mentioning it as an example of how the brand has been changing its lineup.
The Dodge Hornet is a compact crossover that Dodge introduced as part of its push into the small-SUV segment. In the discussion, it’s referenced as an example of how Dodge’s direction has changed with newer models.
laggy
"they had small, very small screen and then very small touch points and a very much laggy, [1308.0s] it's a bigger screen in the Cherokee."
“Laggy” describes delayed response between a user input (like tapping the screen) and what the system does. In infotainment, lag can make controls feel distracting because you may need to wait or repeat inputs while driving.
touch and go
"but I still found it a little laggy and I still found it the touch and go, so to speak, [1318.6s] with use."
They mean you tap the screen quickly to make adjustments. If the system is slow, it can take more taps and make you look around more while driving.
“Touch and go” here refers to quick, repeated touchscreen interactions to adjust settings. The hosts imply the system’s responsiveness makes these quick taps less smooth, increasing the chance you’ll need to look away to confirm changes.
tuning knob
"You know, admittedly, you may need the passenger to DJ the tuning knob, [1334.2s] but you get the squircle you can play with"
A tuning knob is a real dial you can turn with your hand. They’re saying it may be easier to use than relying only on the touchscreen while driving.
A tuning knob is a physical rotary control used to adjust settings like radio/media volume or menu selection. The hosts mention it as a workaround for reaching controls, implying that physical controls can be easier to operate than touch-only interfaces.
Uconnect
"Now, I think Uconnect was really known for being super easy. That was always the appeal of it, [1346.0s] but yeah, some of the controls are a little laggy"
Uconnect is the system that runs the Jeep’s touchscreen and controls like navigation, media, and climate settings. They’re saying it used to be simpler, but the current controls can feel slow.
Uconnect is Stellantis’ (Jeep’s parent company) infotainment software and hardware platform used across many Jeep and other brands. In this segment, the hosts note it was historically praised for being easy to use, even if some controls feel laggy now.
HVAC
"including the HVAC strip underneath, [1351.0s] but really my thing with it was the design is a bit more elegant"
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—the climate-control system in the vehicle. The hosts are specifically talking about how climate controls are integrated into the touchscreen/strip layout and how that affects usability.
touch-capacitive strip
"you've got this control strip, [1379.7s] which is a touch-capacitive strip underneath it. Concept and placement is great,"
This is a smooth strip on the dashboard that senses your finger like a phone screen. Since there aren’t real buttons you can feel, it can be tricky to use quickly while you’re driving.
A touch-capacitive strip is a sensor-based control area that detects finger touch without physical buttons. Because it’s not tactile, it can be harder to use confidently while driving, especially if you have to “aim” for the right spot.
touchscreen
"in 2026, when a screen tap and then you wait to Mississippi for something to come up, it's real hard to get used to something like that"
A touchscreen is the screen you tap to control things in the car. They’re saying it can feel slow if you tap and then have to wait for the screen to respond.
A touchscreen is a display that you interact with directly using your fingers. The hosts criticize the experience of tapping the screen and waiting for the system to update, which can feel harder to adapt to than older button-based controls.
acclimate
"I guess you can acclimate to it. And for the context of this, cars are playing many years before they're actually released."
They mean you might get used to the touchscreen behavior after a while. But if it feels slow, it’s still tough to adjust at first.
“Acclimate” here means getting used to a new interaction style over time. The hosts argue that if the system uses older hardware and slower response, it can be harder for drivers to adapt compared with faster, more familiar consumer devices.
GM
"it's very hard to not be frustrated by something like that. Yeah. GM, for example, their system [1446.2s] has, I think, evolved over the years to be closer to what UConnect maybe was in the sense of usability"
GM is short for General Motors. They make cars and also build the software inside the car, like the screen and controls. The hosts are saying GM has improved its system over the years.
GM refers to General Motors, which uses in-car software and infotainment systems that can be updated over time. In this segment, they’re used as an example of how a system’s usability can improve as it evolves.
Audi
"Even Audi, we mentioned before, they've already introduced a new [1470.1s] interface for their MMI system with models that just came out a year ago."
Audi is used here as an example of automakers that update their in-car interface (the screen layout and menus) even on relatively new model years. The point is that infotainment UI changes can arrive via software updates.
MMI system
"they've already introduced a new [1470.1s] interface for their MMI system with models that just came out a year ago."
MMI is Audi’s dashboard screen system. It’s what you use to control things like navigation and music, and it can get updated so the menus and look change.
MMI is Audi’s infotainment system, covering the touchscreen interface and controls for navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Here it’s mentioned specifically to illustrate how the interface can be refreshed on newer cars.
over-the-year updates
"Yeah. Well, that's the upside of the ability to make over-the-year updates to these [1482.7s] systems. They can evolve a little bit."
This means the car’s software can be improved or changed after you buy it. Sometimes that’s good because features get better, but it can also be annoying if the screen or behavior changes.
Over-the-year updates refers to software updates delivered after the car is sold, improving features or changing the user interface over time. The upside is that systems can evolve; the downside is that the experience can change and sometimes frustrate owners.
lane centering
"things that the Jeep got right is [1502.1s] there's a hard dedicated button to, I believe, I forget if it's lane centering or lane keeping, [1506.4s] but it's basically the thing that jerks you back into the center lane."
Lane centering helps keep your car near the middle of the lane using sensors and steering assist. The hosts like having a quick button to turn it off if it starts acting weird.
Lane centering is an advanced driver-assistance feature that uses cameras and steering control to keep the car positioned in the middle of its lane. In this segment, the hosts discuss a dedicated button to quickly disable it when it’s misreading lane markings.
lane keeping
"there's a hard dedicated button to, I believe, I forget if it's lane centering or lane keeping, [1506.4s] but it's basically the thing that jerks you back into the center lane."
Lane keeping is a safety feature that helps stop you from drifting out of your lane. If the system gets confused by bad lane lines, a quick disable button can make it less annoying.
Lane keeping is a driver-assistance function that helps prevent unintentional lane departures by steering the vehicle back toward the lane. The hosts mention it alongside lane centering because the button they’re praising disables the feature that “jerks” the car back when lane markings are unclear.
parking sensors
"there's a hard button for disabling [1531.1s] parking sensors, which if you're used to backing into your garage and going beep, beep, beep, beep,"
Parking sensors are the beeping alerts that tell you when you’re close to something while parking. The hosts like that you can turn them off quickly when you don’t want the noise.
Parking sensors are proximity detectors (typically ultrasonic) that alert you when you’re getting close to objects while parking. The hosts specifically praise a hard button that disables them so they don’t beep constantly in familiar situations like backing into a garage.
Subaru Crosstrek
"Hey talking cars, after buying my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek with 145,000 miles, I have contemplated selling both my Toyota Highlander as well as the Crosstrek to combine the money and get myself a newer Toyota Highlander hybrid."
A 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a Subaru small SUV/crossover. The caller is thinking about selling theirs to help pay for a newer vehicle.
The 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a small crossover/SUV known for practical everyday use and available all-wheel drive. Here, it’s the current car the listener owns and is considering selling as part of upgrading to a newer vehicle.
Carvana
"I didn't know what your experience was using Carvana or online car selling sources to sell these vehicles. Didn't know if you had anyone you could recommend or just avoid entirely. Thank you so much for all your advice. Stay hydrated. Okay, Sean, I'm glad that to see that you're keeping the baby buckled in the passenger seat there like I suggested. But you know, he's selling a vehicle. Jeff, what's your advice to Sean on what he should do? Well, having interest in using a service like Carvana is understandable because they've had a strong reputation for providing good prices."
Carvana is a company that helps you sell your car online and then resells it. The caller is asking whether it’s worth using and if there are any downsides.
Carvana is an online used-car retailer that buys vehicles from customers and sells them through a digital process. The hosts discuss whether using Carvana (or similar online selling sources) is a good way to sell a car and what kind of pricing to expect.
trade-in
"[1719.9s] but one facet of it is if you're trading in a vehicle to buy a new one, all of the paperwork is easier at the dealership. There's less risk certainly than a private sale."
A trade-in is when you turn in your old car to help pay for the next one. The hosts say the paperwork and tax impact can be easier when you do it through a dealership.
A trade-in is when you give your current vehicle to the seller as part of the deal for a new or used car. The hosts note that trade-ins can affect paperwork and taxes, which can differ between private sales and dealership transactions.
private sale
"all of the paperwork is easier at the dealership. There's less risk certainly than a private sale. And also it will impact the taxes that you pay on the new vehicle."
A private sale is when you sell your car directly to someone else. The hosts suggest dealerships can reduce risk because they handle more of the process for you.
A private sale is when you sell your vehicle directly to another person rather than through a dealer. The hosts contrast it with dealership trade-in paperwork, calling out “less risk” with dealership handling.
consumerreports.org
"Well, go no further than [1753.4s] consumerreports.org slash trade-in. We've got a simple tool that takes just seconds to punch in [1759.5s] to make model trim and miles."
The hosts point to Consumer Reports as a place to look up estimated car values. It helps you understand what your car might be worth before you negotiate.
Consumer Reports (via consumerreports.org) is referenced as a tool for estimating vehicle values before you buy or sell. The hosts say it provides both wholesale and private-party price estimates to help shoppers set expectations.
wholesale price
"And it'll give you not only a wholesale price, but a private party price. So that gives you some good guardrails."
Wholesale price is the kind of number you’d expect a dealer to pay for your car. It’s usually lower than what you might get selling it yourself.
Wholesale price is the lower, dealer-oriented valuation—what a dealer might pay for a vehicle. The hosts contrast it with a private-party price to give listeners “guardrails” for what to expect in different transaction types.
private party price
"We've got a simple tool that takes just seconds to punch in [1759.5s] to make model trim and miles. And it'll give you not only a wholesale price, but a private party price."
Private-party price is what you might get if you sell your car directly to a person. The hosts mention it because it can be different from dealer trade-in numbers.
Private-party price is the estimated value when selling directly to another individual, typically higher than what dealers pay. The hosts use it to help listeners compare outcomes between selling privately and trading in.
spec sheet
"The only thing I would consider is take a look carefully at the spec sheet. If you're going from the Crosstrek and the Highlander to a newer model..."
A spec sheet is the manufacturer’s list of a vehicle’s specifications and included features. The hosts advise reviewing it closely—especially the safety and driver-assistance items—before deciding on a newer model.
safety upgrades
"If you're going from the Crosstrek and the Highlander to a newer model, look very carefully at the line items of what you're getting. If you're getting meaningful safety upgrades, especially, or driver assistance..."
Safety upgrades are newer safety features that weren’t on the older car. The hosts recommend checking if the newer model actually adds important safety tech before you switch.
Safety upgrades are improvements in a newer vehicle’s safety systems compared with an older one. The hosts specifically suggest checking whether the newer model includes meaningful safety upgrades, especially driver-assistance features.
driver assistance
"look very carefully at the line items of what you're getting. If you're getting meaningful safety upgrades, especially, or [1812.6s] driver assistance, like those kinds of things, absolutely."
Driver assistance refers to automated or semi-automated safety features that help the driver—often including things like collision warnings, automatic braking, lane assistance, or adaptive cruise control. The hosts recommend verifying that these features are included when moving to a newer model.
gas prices
"Yeah. I mean, it comes at a tough time because Highlander Hybrid is a great choice. [1845.0s] Everyone wants to buy hybrids now all of a sudden because of gas prices."
Gas prices are used here as the motivation for why hybrids are suddenly more popular. The hosts connect higher fuel costs to increased consumer interest in hybrid vehicles like the Highlander Hybrid.
financing
"...So look for a used model. If you can, used car prices are going up as well, but it's just not the same hit as a brand new car. If you're financing it."
Financing means you’re buying the car with a loan instead of paying all at once. The main thing that affects your total cost is the interest rate.
Financing refers to paying for a car with borrowed money, typically through an auto loan. The cost depends heavily on the interest rate and loan term, which is why the hosts compare new-car financing versus other options.
Highlander
"...considering a newer Highlander, the fuel economy is terrific. So that'll offset some of the initial purchase price. It'd be roomy enough for the whole family..."
The Toyota Highlander is a family-sized SUV with room for multiple passengers. The hosts are saying it’s a good fit because it’s spacious and can be efficient.
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize three-row SUV aimed at families. In this segment, it’s being recommended as roomy enough for everyone and as a good value when paired with strong fuel economy.
trade them in
"...you'll be able to get some, get worth for both of those cars if you trade them in."
Trading in means you give your current car to the dealer and use its value toward the next car. It can lower what you have to pay out of pocket.
“Trading in” is when you sell your current vehicle to a dealer as part of buying another car. The dealer applies the trade-in value toward the new purchase, which can reduce the amount you finance.
Facebook Marketplace
"...versus Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist. It's one of those things where in my 20s all day, I would, Craigslist deal with the low ballers..."
Facebook Marketplace is where people list items (including cars) to sell locally. It’s an alternative to selling through a dealer or a used-car company.
Facebook Marketplace is a peer-to-peer online marketplace where individuals buy and sell cars locally. The hosts mention it as an alternative to dealer or online retailer channels.
Craigslist
"...versus Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist. It's one of those things where in my 20s all day, I would, Craigslist deal with the low ballers..."
Craigslist is a website where people post ads to sell things, including cars. The hosts are talking about the experience of selling/buying directly with strangers.
Craigslist is a classifieds website where private sellers list vehicles for sale. The hosts bring it up in the context of negotiating and dealing with buyers directly.
CarMax
"than you plug in your license plate into, I think, CarMax or Carvana and you just get a result immediately and you can decide whether that will fit with you or not."
CarMax is a company that sells used cars. They let you check information and pricing online so you can quickly see what a car might be worth.
CarMax is a used-car retailer that lets you look up vehicles and pricing online. In the segment, they’re mentioned as a place where you can plug in a license plate and get an immediate result to help you decide what to do next.
registration
"they may lower the value of the vehicle to the point that you pay less registration or tax cost."
Registration is what you pay to get your car legally allowed to drive on public roads. The amount can depend on the car’s value and your state’s rules.
Registration is the state process and fee that allows a vehicle to legally be driven on public roads. The hosts mention that a dealer may lower the vehicle’s value in a way that can reduce the registration or tax cost you end up paying.
tax cost
"they may lower the value of the vehicle to the point that you pay less registration or tax cost."
Tax cost is the money you pay in taxes related to the car deal. Depending on how your trade-in is valued, the taxes you owe can be higher or lower.
Tax cost refers to the total taxes you pay when buying or transferring a vehicle, which can vary by state and deal structure. The segment suggests that how a dealer values your trade-ins can change the taxable amount and therefore your final tax cost.
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