2026 Jeep Cherokee & Mazda CX-5 First Drives, BMW M2 CS Track Test
About this episode
The discussion covers first drives of the 2026 Mazda CX-5, Jeep Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee, plus a BMW M2 CS track test. Highlights include Mazda's retention of a six-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive in the CX-5, with a future hybrid powertrain developed in-house. The CX-5 grows slightly in size and features a large new touchscreen infotainment system, though it loses physical HVAC controls. Jeep’s new Cherokee and Grand Cherokee showcase future powertrain options. The episode also touches on EPA policy changes regarding auto stop-start technology credits.
Mazda Cx5
"We're going to start things off with Mazda and a first drive in their best-selling model, the CX-5 Crossover, as it enters its third generation with some well-executed updates."
The Mazda CX-5 is a popular small SUV that many people buy. The newest version has new features and improvements to make it better to drive and use.
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV and one of Mazda's best-selling models. The third generation includes updates that improve design, technology, and performance.
crossover
"We're going to start things off with Mazda and a first drive in their best-selling model, the CX-5 Crossover, as it enters its third generation with some well-executed updates."
A crossover is a kind of car that looks like a small SUV but drives more like a regular car, making it easier to drive and more comfortable.
A crossover is a type of vehicle that combines features of SUVs and passenger cars, typically built on a car platform for better ride and handling.
BMW M2Cs
"Then it's over to BMW and our recent track time in their entry-level track car, the M2CS."
The BMW M2 CS is a sportier and faster version of a small BMW sports car. It's made to be really good on race tracks.
The BMW M2 CS is a high-performance variant of BMW's entry-level M2 sports car, designed for track use with enhanced power, handling, and lightweight components.
Jeep Cherokee
"Finally, it's over to Jeep, where we drove both the all-new Cherokee and updated Grand Cherokee, which feature the future of the Jeep brand's powertrain options."
The Jeep Cherokee is a medium-sized SUV that can drive well off-road. The newest version has new designs and features.
The Jeep Cherokee is a midsize SUV known for its off-road capability and rugged design. The all-new Cherokee represents the latest generation with updated features and design.
powertrain
"Finally, it's over to Jeep, where we drove both the all-new Cherokee and updated Grand Cherokee, which feature the future of the Jeep brand's powertrain options."
The powertrain is all the parts in a car that make it move, like the engine and the parts that send power to the wheels.
A powertrain is the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
auto-stop start technology
"...EPA's recent decision to resend credits to automakers for utilizing auto-stop start technology."
This technology turns off the car's engine when you stop, like at a red light, and turns it back on when you start driving. It saves gas and helps the environment.
Auto-stop start technology automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, such as at traffic lights, and restarts it when the driver is ready to move again. This helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Mazda Cx50
"Alex, we're going to start with you. When the more rugged Mazda CX-50 came out back in 2022, a lot of the press thought it might mean the end of the line for the best-selling CX-5, but Mazda said that wasn't the case,"
The Mazda CX-50 is a new SUV that can handle rough roads better than some other Mazdas. It’s made for people who want a car that looks tough and drives well.
The Mazda CX-50 is a rugged, more off-road oriented SUV introduced in 2022, designed to complement rather than replace the popular CX-5. It offers a blend of Mazda’s signature driving dynamics with enhanced capability and a more aggressive design.
Mazda CX-50
"And I also went to California four years ago to drive the CX-50."
The Toyota CX-50 is a type of small SUV that is good for driving on and off roads. It is made by Toyota and is meant for people who like outdoor activities and need a car that can handle different kinds of terrain.
The Toyota CX-50 is a compact crossover SUV introduced by Toyota, designed to offer rugged styling and off-road capability compared to other models in Toyota's lineup. It is part of Toyota's strategy to expand its SUV offerings with a focus on outdoor adventure and versatility.
naturally aspirated
"The engine, right now we only have that naturally aspirated version of the 2.5-liter inline"
A naturally aspirated engine is one that breathes air in by itself without any extra help from things like turbos. It usually feels smooth and simple to use.
A naturally aspirated engine draws air into the combustion chamber without forced induction like a turbocharger or supercharger. This typically results in linear power delivery and simpler mechanics.
hybrid
"Well no hydrogen as of yet, just a hybrid down the road. Really the powertrain otherwise really hasn't been changed."
A hybrid car has both a gas engine and an electric motor that work together to save gas and pollute less.
A hybrid vehicle uses a combination of an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions compared to traditional gasoline-only cars.
Kodo design language
"The exterior follows this Kodo design language we've seen. I mean a lot of their vehicles embrace that, but we saw it a lot on like the CX-90 and the CX-7."
Kodo design is how Mazda makes their cars look stylish and alive, like they are moving even when parked. It's a special way they design the shape and lines of their cars.
Kodo is Mazda's design philosophy emphasizing dynamic, flowing lines intended to evoke a sense of motion and vitality even when the vehicle is stationary. It is a signature style seen across many Mazda models to create a cohesive brand identity.
Mazda Cx90
"The exterior follows this Kodo design language we've seen. I mean a lot of their vehicles embrace that, but we saw it a lot on like the CX-90 and the CX-7."
The Mazda CX-90 is a big SUV that looks stylish and has a nice, smooth design. It’s made for people who want a bigger car that still feels nice to drive.
The Mazda CX-90 is a larger SUV that follows Mazda’s Kodo design language, emphasizing sleek, flowing lines and a premium feel. It represents Mazda’s move into more upscale and spacious vehicles while maintaining driving enjoyment.
Mazda Cx7
"I mean a lot of their vehicles embrace that, but we saw it a lot on like the CX-90 and the CX-7. I mean it really does look like a baby version of the 98."
The Mazda CX-7 is a medium-sized SUV that was made a while ago and is known for being fun to drive. It looks a bit like newer Mazda SUVs but is smaller and older.
The Mazda CX-7 is a mid-size crossover SUV that was produced in the late 2000s and early 2010s, known for its sporty handling and distinctive design. It shares design cues with newer Mazda SUVs but is considered a predecessor to models like the CX-90.
soul red paint
"I'm mistakenly Mazda and part of that is the available soul red paint, which is still in my opinion the best red in the business, just a beautiful color."
Soul Red is a special bright red color Mazda uses on their cars. It looks shiny and really nice in the sunlight.
Soul Red is Mazda's signature vibrant red paint color known for its depth and metallic sparkle. It is often praised for its rich appearance and is a popular choice among Mazda buyers.
wheelbase
"It really didn't grow that much, four and a half inches in both wheelbase and in just overall length and it's not even an inch wider..."
Wheelbase is how far apart the front and back wheels are on a car. It helps decide how smooth the ride is and how much room is inside.
Wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear wheels of a vehicle. It affects ride quality, interior space, and handling characteristics.
Dodge Charger
"...buy a smartphone these days, you get the phone, a charger and like a quick start guide, because they kind ..."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go very fast. People like it because it feels like a muscle car but you can still use it every day.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful engine options and muscle car heritage. It blends modern technology with classic American performance, often discussed for its aggressive styling and V8 powertrains.
40-20-40 split
"it's a 40-20-40 split, which means both seats can fold down independently and that center can fold down independently"
The back seats are split into three parts, so you can fold down one or two parts to carry bigger things, but still have seats for people.
A 40-20-40 split refers to the rear seat configuration where the rear bench is divided into three sections: two outer seats each making up 40% and a center section making up 20%. This allows for flexible folding options to increase cargo space while still accommodating passengers.
all-wheel drive
"but right now, just standard all-wheel drive. That is an interesting choice."
All-wheel drive means the car sends power to all four wheels at the same time, which helps it grip the road better when it's wet or snowy.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously to improve traction and handling, especially in slippery conditions like snow or rain.
front-wheel drive
"where you're hardly ever going to have to deal with snow or one all-wheel drive, so having a front-wheel drive option that saves you 1500 bucks is a great choice, but you're doing away with that."
Front-wheel drive means the car's engine only powers the front wheels. This usually makes the car cheaper and better on gas, but it might not do as well in snow or rain.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a drivetrain layout where the engine powers only the front wheels. It is typically more fuel-efficient and less expensive than all-wheel drive but may offer less traction in poor weather.
Bmw 2
"Absolutely. So we started off with a BMW 2 Series Coupe, which is their smallest car you can..."
The BMW 2 Series is a small, sporty car that’s fun to drive and easy to park. It’s a good choice if you want a fancy car that feels quick and nimble.
The BMW 2 Series is BMW’s smallest coupe and convertible, offering sporty performance in a compact package. It is praised for its sharp handling and is often seen as an entry point into BMW’s performance lineup.
3-liter inline 6 engine
"You can get an M version of that, the M2, which cranks up the performance, puts the 3-liter inline 6 there and there, versus the 4-cylinder 2-liter in the standard car."
A 3-liter inline 6 engine is a type of car engine with six cylinders lined up in a row, making the car powerful and smooth to drive.
A 3-liter inline 6 engine is a six-cylinder engine arranged in a straight line with a total displacement of 3 liters. This engine configuration is known for smooth power delivery and strong performance, commonly used in BMW M models.
rear-wheel drive
"One thing to note is it's rear-wheel drive only, so it's the most powerful M car that is rear drive. Pretty much everything above that is all-wheel drive now."
Rear-wheel drive means the back wheels of the car get the power from the engine. This helps the car drive in a way that feels fun and sporty.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) means the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels only. This setup is often preferred for sporty driving because it can provide better handling balance and acceleration characteristics.
suspension
"They're going to get a totally redone suspension. It's like a third of an inch lower, much stiffer damping and spring rate."
Suspension is the part of the car that helps it ride smoothly and handle turns well. When it's changed or improved, the car can feel better to drive, especially on twisty roads.
Suspension refers to the system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connect a vehicle to its wheels, allowing for smooth ride quality and handling. A redone or upgraded suspension typically improves handling and ride stiffness.
8-speed automatic transmission
"This one is automatic only, 8-speed auto."
An 8-speed automatic transmission is a system that changes the car's gears for you, making the car go faster or slower smoothly without you having to shift manually.
An 8-speed automatic transmission is a gearbox that automatically changes through eight gear ratios, providing smooth acceleration and improved fuel efficiency compared to fewer gears.
BMW E30
"... coupe, but if you remember back to the original E30 M3s, had those really big fenders that come out ..."
The BMW 3 Series is a small, fancy car that is fun to drive and feels sporty. The older versions had special wide parts on the sides that made them look cool and helped them go faster.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact luxury car that has long been praised for its driving dynamics and sporty character. The original E30 M3, in particular, is iconic for its performance and distinctive wide fenders, influencing many enthusiasts and automotive designs.
carbon fiber
"Like it had a carbon roof and everything, which was just awesome. ... A big part of it is shaving weight, which is a lot of carbon fiber on the roof. The rear deck lid is carbon fiber. The wheels are lighter. Basically just a lot more carbon fiber, which it sounds great,"
Carbon fiber is a special material that is very light but strong. Car makers use it on parts like the roof or wheels to make the car lighter and faster.
Carbon fiber is a lightweight and strong material commonly used in high-performance cars to reduce weight and improve handling. It is often used for parts like roofs, deck lids, and wheels to shave off unnecessary mass.
Mazda MX-5 / Miata
"..., which, you know, they didn't turn into a Mazda Miata or anything like that. It's already like the big..."
The Mazda Miata is a small, two-person car that is really fun to drive because it’s light and easy to handle. It’s one of the most popular sports cars that doesn’t cost too much.
The Mazda MX-5, also known as the Miata, is a lightweight, two-seat roadster celebrated for its fun-to-drive nature and affordability. It’s often credited with reviving the affordable sports car segment with its simple, engaging design.
0-60 time
"4.1 seconds on the 0 to 60 and 12.6 at the quarter at 116."
0-60 time tells you how fast a car can go from stopped to 60 miles per hour. The smaller the number, the quicker the car is.
The 0-60 time measures how many seconds a car takes to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common benchmark for assessing a vehicle's acceleration performance.
BMW M3
"...'ve talked about this before. It's like what the M3 was at one point, you know, going back to the E30..."
The BMW M3 is a faster and sportier version of a regular BMW car. It’s made to be really good at driving fast and turning well, which makes it special.
The BMW M3 is the high-performance version of the 3 Series, famous for its powerful engines and precise handling. The original E30 M3 set the standard for sporty sedans and remains a benchmark in the performance car world.
Toyota Supra
"Half our fleet down there. We had the Supra inline six. Same engine."
The Toyota Supra is a fast sports car that has a strong engine with six cylinders in a row. Many people like it because it’s quick and also lasts a long time without problems.
The Toyota Supra is a legendary sports car known for its powerful inline-six engine and strong tuning potential. It has a rich history in motorsports and car culture, often praised for its balance of performance and reliability.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"Because it was before. And the existence of the Grand Cherokee. Not according to Jeep."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a type of SUV that can drive well on rough roads and also feels comfortable inside. It was one of the first Jeeps to be both tough and nice to ride in, so many people like it for different reasons.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV known for its off-road capability and luxury features, first introduced in the early 1990s. It marked a significant evolution for Jeep by combining ruggedness with comfort, making it a popular choice for both adventure and daily driving.
Trail Rated
"And like you said, not trail rated. So the Cherokee is no longer, you know, focused to be an off-road vehicle like other Jeeps have been."
Trail Rated means the Jeep is tested to be good at driving on rough, off-road paths.
Trail Rated is Jeep's certification indicating a vehicle has passed tests for off-road capability, including traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and ground clearance.
1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
"So 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, ECVT,"
It's a small engine with four parts that make power, and it uses a turbo to help it go faster and use less fuel.
This is a small displacement engine with four cylinders and a turbocharger that forces more air into the engine to increase power output while maintaining efficiency.
traditional banded CVT
"ECVT, not a traditional banded CVT. There are differences."
A banded CVT is a type of transmission that changes gears smoothly using a belt or band inside.
A traditional banded CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) uses a belt or band to vary gear ratios continuously for smooth acceleration, but can have different mechanical characteristics compared to electronic CVTs.
Toyota RAV4
"... that fuel economy in. But I'm comparing it to a RAV4, a CRV, a Tiguan, maybe a Forester. So they need..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that lots of people buy because it’s reliable, uses gas well, and has plenty of space. It’s good for families and everyday driving.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that is one of the best-selling vehicles worldwide due to its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It competes directly with the Honda CR-V, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Subaru Forester in the popular SUV segment.
Volkswagen Tiguan
"...omy in. But I'm comparing it to a RAV4, a CRV, a Tiguan, maybe a Forester. So they need to steal those b..."
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a small SUV that looks nice inside and outside and is comfortable to drive. It’s a good choice for people who want a practical car with a bit of style.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that balances European styling and driving dynamics with practicality. It competes with other popular SUVs like the RAV4 and CR-V, often noted for its upscale interior and smooth ride.
Honda Crv
"...el economy in. But I'm comparing it to a RAV4, a CRV, a Tiguan, maybe a Forester. So they need to ste..."
The Honda CR-V is a small SUV that’s good for families because it’s roomy, saves gas, and doesn’t usually have many problems. It’s one of the popular cars people use every day.
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV known for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and reliability. It competes closely with other popular SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan in the family vehicle segment.
chassis
"This one, is this a continuation of that chassis? Or is this an all-new chassis? It's the all-new chassis."
The chassis is like the car's skeleton that holds everything together and helps it drive safely and smoothly.
The chassis is the main structural frame of a vehicle, supporting the body and various components. It plays a critical role in the vehicle's rigidity, safety, and handling characteristics.
mid-sized vehicle
"Yeah, that's why it's a mid-sized vehicle. Right."
A mid-sized vehicle is a car that's not too big or too small, making it good for everyday use with enough space inside.
A mid-sized vehicle refers to a car that is larger than a compact but smaller than a full-size vehicle, balancing interior space and maneuverability.
mud mode
"But it still has like snow mode, mud, sand, all that good stuff."
Mud mode helps the car not get stuck or slip when driving through mud.
Mud mode is a driving setting that optimizes traction and power delivery to help a vehicle maintain grip and control when driving through muddy terrain.
snow mode
"But it still has like snow mode, mud, sand, all that good stuff."
Snow mode helps the car drive safely on snow by making it less likely to slip or slide.
Snow mode is a vehicle setting that adjusts the throttle response, transmission, and traction control to improve stability and control on snowy or slippery surfaces.
sand mode
"But it still has like snow mode, mud, sand, all that good stuff."
Sand mode helps the car drive better on loose sand so it doesn't get stuck.
Sand mode is a driving setting that adjusts the vehicle's traction control and throttle to prevent wheels from digging into soft sand, improving mobility on sandy surfaces.
Jeep Wrangler
"...ng like this will probably find its way into the Wrangler. We kind of already know that it's going to make..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough SUV that can drive on very rough roads and trails. It looks like a classic Jeep and is made for people who like outdoor adventures.
The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic off-road SUV known for its rugged design and exceptional capability on rough terrain. It has a strong enthusiast following and is often updated with new features while maintaining its classic style.
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