Car Keys with Robin Leech and Jay de Marcken – June 29, 2026
About this episode
Hosts Robin Leach and Jay de Marcken dive into Car and Driver's latest eight-way three-row SUV shootout, debating why the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade continue to dominate the segment while domestic options like the Ford Explorer fall short. Jay shares firsthand observations on European driving culture and the rise of Chinese brands like Jaecoo after a recent trip, contrasting it with chaotic New York traffic. Finally, the duo critiques the controversial design and powertrain shifts of the latest Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee models.
Nissan Pathfinder
"In eighth place, we'll start from the last place and move to the first place. Nissan Pathfinder, it was one of the eight and it came in last..."
A large family SUV from Nissan that has three rows of seats. It is built to carry up to eight people comfortably, though car reviewers sometimes find it less exciting to drive than its competitors.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-size three-row crossover SUV designed for family utility. While older generations utilized a rugged body-on-frame truck platform, modern versions use a unibody design focused on passenger comfort and road manners.
Mazda Cx90
"In seventh place was a Mazda CX-90. Jay, I think you've, I don't know whether you've ever driven one."
Mazda's largest and most luxurious SUV. It is designed to feel more upscale and sporty to drive than most other family haulers, featuring a fancy interior and a smooth, powerful engine.
The Mazda CX-90 is a premium three-row mid-size crossover SUV built on Mazda's rear-wheel-drive-biased platform. It features a sophisticated turbocharged inline-six engine or a plug-in hybrid powertrain, aiming to compete with luxury European brands.
Volkswagen Atlas
"The sixth place was the Volkswagen Atlas. I think the Atlas is a pretty good vehicle in general."
A very large SUV made by Volkswagen. It is famous for having one of the roomiest third rows, making it easy for adults to sit in the very back, though some find the ride a bit rough.
The Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size three-row crossover SUV tailored specifically for the North American market. It is highly regarded for its class-leading third-row legroom and massive cargo capacity, though its interior materials are more utilitarian than premium.
Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max
"Fifth place, I guess we're at fifth place, is the Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max. Highs, powerful, and efficient hybrid powertrain."
A highly popular family SUV from Toyota. This specific version uses a special high-power hybrid system that gives it quick acceleration while still saving gas compared to a traditional V6 engine.
The Toyota Highlander is a staple of the mid-size three-row crossover segment. The 'Hybrid Max' variant pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with electric motors to prioritize performance and towing capacity alongside hybrid efficiency.
Honda Pilot
"Fourth place, there was a tie. Honda Pilot was one of the ties. I'm not sure what the other one was..."
A dependable, spacious family SUV from Honda. It is designed like a minivan in an SUV body, offering tons of cup holders, smart storage spaces, and a comfortable ride for up to eight people.
The Honda Pilot is a mid-size three-row crossover SUV known for its exceptional interior packaging, clever storage solutions, and smooth V6 engine. The fourth-generation model introduced a more rugged, boxy design and improved off-road capability in the TrailSport trim.
Ford Explorer
"Third place, what is it? Oh, the Ford Explorer, the first American one to show up. The Ford Explorer has changed quite a bit."
A well-known American SUV. It is designed to tow heavy loads and offers a sporty drive, though some reviewers complain that the interior feels a bit cheap and the seats aren't as comfortable as rivals.
The Ford Explorer is one of the most famous American mid-size SUVs. Its sixth generation returned to a rear-wheel-drive-biased platform, improving towing capacity and driving dynamics, and offers powerful EcoBoost turbocharged engine options.
Hyundai Palisade
"Next on it, that is the second place is the Hyundai Palisade. We're getting to the second and last ones, and they both happen to be Korean-built..."
A stylish and very comfortable family SUV from Hyundai. It feels almost like an expensive luxury car inside, offering high-tech features and a very smooth, quiet ride for a reasonable price.
The Hyundai Palisade is a mid-size three-row crossover SUV that shares its platform and mechanical components with the Kia Telluride. It is highly praised for its near-luxury interior, smooth V6 engine, and comprehensive suite of standard safety technology.
Kia Telleride
"and the first place is Kia Telleride, the Prestige-level 2.5T hybrid, highs, everything that is great about the Hyundai plus more..."
An incredibly popular SUV from Kia that has won numerous awards. It looks rugged on the outside, feels like a luxury vehicle on the inside, and is widely considered the best overall family SUV on the market.
The Kia Telluride is a critically acclaimed mid-size three-row crossover SUV. Since its introduction, it has dominated comparison tests due to its handsome, rugged styling, exceptionally spacious and upscale cabin, and outstanding value proposition.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...at anybody would think of about a better SUV, but Range Rover comes to mind. Jay, you might be able to add in o..."
The Range Rover is a large, expensive luxury SUV made by a British company. It is designed to be extremely comfortable and fancy inside, while also being able to drive through tough off-road conditions like mud and deep water.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a flagship luxury SUV that pioneered the concept of combining opulent comfort with legendary off-road capability. Now in its fifth generation, it is highly regarded for its minimalist design, sophisticated air suspension, and high-end cabin materials. It is often discussed as the gold standard for premium, go-anywhere utility vehicles.
Ford Bronco
"I've driven the Ford Explorer four-cylinder engine in the Bronco, and I think it performs really well with the 10-speed transmission..."
A rugged, boxy SUV from Ford designed for serious off-road adventures. You can take the doors and roof off, and it is built to climb over rocks and through mud, while still being decent to drive on regular roads.
The Ford Bronco is a highly capable, retro-styled mid-size off-road SUV designed to compete directly with the Jeep Wrangler. It features a body-on-frame construction, removable doors and roof, and independent front suspension for better on-road manners.
2027 Jeep Cherokee
"What I didn't know was, I have been down on the new 2027, I'll call it 2027 Jeep Cherokee. I think they've taken the Jeep out of the Cherokee."
A classic Jeep model name. The hosts are disappointed with the newer version, arguing that Jeep has made it look too much like a soft, generic family crossover instead of a tough, recognizable off-roader.
The Jeep Cherokee is a historic nameplate that transitioned from a rugged SUV to a unibody crossover. The hosts discuss the upcoming 2027 generation, criticizing its softened styling, increased length, and the rumored transition to a CVT powertrain.
CVT
"but they've switched out the nine-speed automatic with selected drive capability transmission for a some kind of CVT version."
A type of automatic transmission that doesn't have traditional gears that shift. Instead, it smoothly adjusts like a dimmer switch, which helps save gas but can make the engine sound like it is constantly revving.
A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) uses a system of belts and pulleys instead of fixed gears to provide an infinite range of gear ratios. This allows the engine to operate at its most efficient RPM, though enthusiasts often dislike the resulting 'droning' engine sound.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"And it's now an option engine in the new Grand Cherokee. So that engine, that's where they put the two liter turbo instead of keeping it in the new Cherokee."
Jeep's larger, more expensive SUV. It is designed to be comfortable and fancy inside for daily driving, but still tough enough to go off-road where other luxury SUVs would get stuck.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size luxury SUV that balances premium on-road comfort with genuine off-road capability. The fifth-generation model offers advanced 4WD systems, high-tech interiors, and a choice of traditional gas engines or a plug-in hybrid (4xe) powertrain.
Toyota Camry
"The like of the lower tier ride share drivers in their little Toyota Camrys and little Nissan's and driving on the breakdown lane..."
The quintessential reliable four-door family sedan. It is incredibly common, highly dependable, and very popular for daily commuting and rideshare driving.
The Toyota Camry is a legendary mid-size sedan famous for its exceptional reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. It has been one of the best-selling passenger cars in North America for decades and is highly favored by rideshare drivers.
Jaecoo
"Jayco, the other one of the other numerous Chinese cars. And Jayco, I saw a few of them in Belgium and I was like, huh, this is new."
A new Chinese car brand that makes stylish, rugged-looking SUVs. It is growing very quickly in Europe and the UK by offering luxury looks and features for a lower price.
Jaecoo is an export-focused brand launched in 2023 by the Chinese state-owned automaker Chery. It specializes in ruggedly styled, premium-oriented SUVs aimed at European, UK, and other global markets.
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
"about Jayco and their SUV that looks a little like a Range Rover Evoque. And it landed in the UK eighteen months ago..."
A small, highly stylish luxury SUV from Land Rover. It is designed to look very modern and sleek, making it popular for city driving, though it is quite expensive.
The Range Rover Evoque is a subcompact luxury crossover SUV produced by Land Rover. It is famous for its striking, coupe-like styling and premium cabin, bringing the prestigious Range Rover badge to a smaller, more urban-friendly footprint.
BYD
"My next car, BYD, just clear answer. No question, no doubt, absolutely convinced, likes the styling..."
A massive Chinese company that has overtaken Tesla as the world's biggest seller of electric cars. They are known for making high-tech electric vehicles with very safe and long-lasting batteries.
BYD (Build Your Dreams) is a Chinese multinational manufacturing company that has grown to become the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturer. They are highly vertical integrated, producing their own advanced 'Blade' lithium-iron-phosphate batteries.
Tesla Model Y
"they have a vehicle that looks like a crossover between a Tesla three and a Tesla Y, but it looks like it has a more substantial presence..."
An all-electric SUV from Tesla that is slightly larger and taller than the Model 3 sedan, making it much more practical for carrying cargo and families.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact crossover SUV that shares its platform and most of its parts with the Model 3 sedan. It has become one of the best-selling vehicles in the world due to its practical cargo space and high driving position.
Tesla Model 3
"they have a vehicle that looks like a crossover between a Tesla three and a Tesla Y, but it looks like it has a more substantial presence..."
A highly popular, all-electric sedan from Tesla. It has a very simple interior with almost no physical buttons, relying instead on a large central screen to control everything.
The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric four-door compact sedan that popularized mass-market EVs. It features a minimalist interior dominated by a single central touchscreen, impressive electric range, and sporty driving dynamics.
Volkswagen ID.4
"So ID, the ID, ID four is the car we have here. And then in Europe, they have an ID three, which is the size of the golf."
Volkswagen's main electric SUV sold in the US. It is designed to feel familiar to traditional SUV drivers, offering a quiet, comfortable ride and plenty of cabin space.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric compact crossover SUV built on VW's dedicated MEB electric vehicle platform. It serves as Volkswagen's primary electric offering in North America, focusing on a comfortable ride and traditional SUV utility.
Volkswagen Golf
"And then in Europe, they have an ID three, which is the size of the golf. So it's a smaller vehicle."
A highly famous, practical compact hatchback from Volkswagen. It has been a global favorite for decades because it is fun to drive, easy to park, and surprisingly spacious inside.
The Volkswagen Golf is a legendary compact hatchback that has been a benchmark of the automotive industry since 1974. It is celebrated for its exceptional packaging, refined driving dynamics, and high-performance GTI and R variants.
Volkswagen ID.3
"And then in Europe, they have an ID three, which is the size of the golf. So it's a smaller vehicle."
A compact electric hatchback from Volkswagen that is sold in Europe. It is about the same size as a VW Golf and is designed for city driving and daily commuting.
The Volkswagen ID.3 is an all-electric compact hatchback sold primarily in Europe. It was the first vehicle built on VW's modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform, serving as the electric counterpart to the iconic Golf.
Volkswagen Polo
"The Polo was historically the smaller, the small, not actually not the smallest, but smaller than the golf little compact hatch."
A small hatchback from Volkswagen that is popular in Europe. It is a size smaller than the Golf, making it very easy to park and highly fuel-efficient.
The Volkswagen Polo is a supermini/subcompact hatchback positioned below the Golf in VW's global lineup. It offers similar refinement, build quality, and technology as the Golf but in a smaller, more affordable package suited for tight European streets.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
"The only EV they have, the only EVs they've had is that that must be, which is the stupidest marketing thing ever."
An all-electric SUV from Ford that uses the famous Mustang name. It is fast and sporty, but features four doors and a hatchback trunk for family practicality.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric compact crossover SUV. Ford controversially applied the iconic 'Mustang' pony car nameplate to this electric family vehicle to highlight its sporty performance and athletic handling.
Ford F-150 Lightning
"Then they came out with a Ford Lightning truck, which was actually a pretty good vehicle, but disappointed in sales."
An all-electric version of America's favorite pickup truck. It looks almost exactly like a regular gas truck but runs entirely on battery power and can even power your house during an outage.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is the fully electric version of Ford's best-selling full-size pickup truck. It retains the traditional styling and utility of the gas-powered truck while adding unique features like a massive front trunk ('frunk') and vehicle-to-home power export capabilities.
Ford Mustang
"... right off the start, harking back to like the 65 Mustang did, you know? And I wasn't really around for tha..."
The Ford Mustang is a famous two-door sports car known for its sporty look and powerful engine. It is designed to be fun to drive, relatively affordable, and has a long history dating back to the 1960s.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American pony car that has been in continuous production since its groundbreaking debut in 1964. The seventh-generation model continues to offer traditional rear-wheel-drive performance with powerful EcoBoost and V8 engine options. It is frequently discussed for its heritage-inspired styling and its status as one of the last remaining affordable V8 sports cars.
Ford Escape
"Another thing is Ford is doing is that they're letting go. They're stopping the production of the escape, which is also on the same platform as the Broncos sport."
A popular, small family SUV from Ford. It is easy to drive and offers good gas mileage, but Ford is planning to stop making it to focus on other vehicles.
The Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV that has been a core part of Ford's lineup since 2001. It offers a variety of powertrains, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, but faces discontinuation as Ford shifts its focus toward more profitable or electric models.
Ford Broncos Sport
"They're stopping the production of the escape, which is also on the same platform as the Broncos sport. And the escape is very different than the Broncos sport visually."
A smaller, more affordable version of the rugged Ford Bronco. It is built for camping and light off-roading, but uses the same underlying parts as the smoother Ford Escape.
The Ford Bronco Sport is a rugged compact crossover SUV that shares its platform with the Ford Escape but features boxy, retro styling inspired by the larger body-on-frame Bronco. It is designed to offer genuine light off-road capability and outdoor utility.
Toyota Land Cruiser
"I don't know what that's sort of like the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Lexus version of it, right?"
A legendary off-road vehicle from Toyota that is famous for being nearly indestructible. The newest version has a cool retro look and a hybrid engine.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a legendary line of four-wheel-drive utility vehicles known worldwide for their extreme durability and off-road prowess. The model returned to the US market for 2024 as a slightly smaller, retro-styled hybrid SUV.
Cadillac Lyriq
"I see Cadillac badges coming at me right and left. I never used to notice them. I've seen lyrics on the road."
Cadillac's first all-electric luxury SUV. It has a very futuristic design, a giant screen stretching across the dashboard, and a super quiet and smooth ride.
The Cadillac Lyriq is Cadillac's first fully electric vehicle, a mid-size luxury crossover built on General Motors' Ultium platform. It features striking exterior styling, a massive 33-inch curved LED display, and a highly refined, quiet cabin.
Cadillac Escalade IQ
"But I guess more to transfer SUV of the year is the Cadillac Lyra, Escalade, I what is it called the IQ Escalade or I whatever. OK. And it's a huge vehicle, but it is huge."
A massive, ultra-luxurious electric version of the famous Cadillac Escalade. It is packed with high-tech features and has a giant battery, but is very heavy and expensive.
The Cadillac Escalade IQ is the all-electric version of Cadillac's flagship full-size luxury SUV. Built on GM's Ultium platform, it features a massive battery pack, ultra-luxurious interior appointments, and a dramatic design that reinterprets the traditional Escalade for the EV era.
Autobahn
"Sort of ludicrous to buy. If you're not, we're going to be able to exercise them to the lengths that you used to be able to do on the Autobahn. And can you still do that on the Autobahn, Jay?"
A famous highway system in Germany where some sections have no speed limit, meaning you can drive as fast as you want if conditions allow.
The Autobahn is the federally controlled highway system in Germany. It is famous worldwide because select sections have no federally mandated speed limit, allowing drivers to travel as fast as their vehicles are capable of safely going.
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