Jeep Cherokee
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.
Stalantis
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.
hybrid
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.
plug-in version
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.
Cherokee Xj Cherokee
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.
two door
“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.
stick
“Stick” means the car has a manual transmission. You shift gears yourself instead of the car doing it automatically.
Ford Bronco
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.
Chevrolet Blazer
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.
tweener
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
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
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
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
“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 three-quarter window
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
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
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
“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
“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
“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
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
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 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.
no optional packages to get stuff
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.
forward collision warning
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.
automatic emergency braking
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.
pedestrian detection
The car can recognize people near the road. If it thinks you might hit one, it can warn you and help slow down.
rear cross traffic
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
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.
jerkiness
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.
noise vibration
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.
the transfer from engine to electric power
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.
Forester Hybrid
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.
Toyota RAV4
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.
squircles
“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
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.
Tesla
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.
Grand Wagoneer
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.
Wagoneer S
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.
heated seats
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.
electric door release
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.
emergency 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.
manual override
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.
capacitor
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.
T-boned
“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.
12 volts drain
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.
powered
“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.
liftgate
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.
Stellantis
Stellantis is the big company behind several car brands, including Jeep. They’re basically saying they wish the company had designed the handles differently.
disconnect the battery
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.
fuel economy results
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.
reliability
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.
all-new powertrain
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.
waiting past the first year of any vehicle redesign
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.
Honda Passport
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.
ride and handling combination
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.
squishy
“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.
body lean
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.
understeering
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.
performance all season tires
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.
damping and rebound
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.
soft rotors
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.
Overland
Overland is a higher trim level. It usually means more comfort features and a more premium feel than the lower trims.
Dodge Hornet
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.
laggy
“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
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.
tuning knob
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.
Uconnect
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.
HVAC
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
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.
touchscreen
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.
acclimate
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.
GM
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.
Audi
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
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.
over-the-year updates
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.
lane centering
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 keeping
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.
parking sensors
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.
Subaru Crosstrek
A 2018 Subaru Crosstrek is a Subaru small SUV/crossover. The caller is thinking about selling theirs to help pay for a newer vehicle.
Carvana
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.
trade-in
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.
private sale
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.
consumerreports.org
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.
wholesale price
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.
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.
spec sheet
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
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.
driver assistance
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
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
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.
Highlander
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.
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.
Facebook Marketplace
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.
Craigslist
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.
CarMax
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.
registration
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.
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.
