Car Keys with Robin Leech and Jay de Marcken – November 17, 2025
About this episode
Robin Leach and Jay de Marcken dive into the latest automotive news, focusing on the new 2026 Jeep Cherokee. They discuss its underwhelming specs, including a lower-powered engine and the controversial CVT transmission. The duo debates the softening image of Jeep and other brands, comparing them to older rugged models. They also touch on the evolution of turbocharged four-cylinder engines, sharing personal experiences with their Jeep Cherokees. The episode wraps up with insights on the current struggles of the automotive industry, particularly in the electric vehicle market.
Jeep Cherokee
"...is that the new 2026 Jeep Cherokee is apparently on the road and has been at least looked at initially by one of the motor magazines Motor Trend and I read it and I am not happy with what..."
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is a new version of a popular SUV made by Jeep. It's known for being good at off-roading and has been updated with new features for comfort and technology.
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is a new model in the Jeep lineup, known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It is part of a long-standing series that has evolved over the years to include modern technology and comfort features.
horsepower
"...it does not have the apparent horsepower rating of two versions of the last generation's engines, which was a V6, and a turbocharged V4, turbocharged 4. And..."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, often used to describe the output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, influencing a vehicle's acceleration and overall performance.
turbocharged
"...which was a V6, and a turbocharged V4, turbocharged 4. And..."
Turbocharging helps an engine produce more power by forcing more air into it. This means you can get more speed and power without needing a bigger engine.
Turbocharging is a technology that uses a turbine-driven forced induction system to increase an engine's efficiency and power output. It compresses the intake air, allowing more air and fuel to enter the engine, resulting in greater power without significantly increasing engine size.
CVT transmission
"...with the new CVT transmission that is coming through with at least in the initial production range of the vehicles that Motor Trend was able to talk about."
A CVT transmission is a special kind of automatic transmission that can change gears smoothly without any noticeable shifts. This helps the car accelerate more smoothly and can save fuel.
A CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is a type of automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of gear ratios. This allows for smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional automatic transmissions with fixed gears.
all-wheel drive
"...there are all-wheel-drive CVT power vehicles out there. Subaru's been making all-wheel-drive vehicles since the longest of times..."
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine at the same time. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in slippery or rough conditions.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain configuration that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously. This enhances traction and stability, making it ideal for various driving conditions, including off-road and inclement weather.
Subaru Outback
"...ad CVTs in their cars since in their cars in the outback. I understand that, Jay, but the point is if you'..."
The Subaru Outback is a car that can handle different types of roads and weather, making it great for adventures. It's also spacious and safe, which is why many families like it.
The Subaru Outback is a crossover SUV that is well-regarded for its all-wheel-drive capability and practicality, making it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. It has a reputation for reliability and safety.
Jeep Cherokees Grand
"I think Jeep is figuring out that 99% of the people who will buy these vehicles and have been buying whether Cherokees, Grand Cherokees, or even Wranglers, 99% of the people never go off-road to begin with. So... As is the case with the Subaru, the Toyota RAV4s, the Honda CR-Vs, and the like."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a type of SUV that can handle rough roads and off-road driving, but many people use it just for regular city driving. It's popular because it offers a lot of space and comfort for passengers.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV known for its blend of off-road capability and on-road comfort. It has been a significant player in the SUV market since its introduction in 1992, appealing to both adventure seekers and families.
Jeep Wranglers
"...ying whether Cherokees, Grand Cherokees, or even Wranglers, 99% of the people never go off-road to begin wit..."
Honda Crvs
"whether Cherokees, Grand Cherokees, or even Wranglers, 99% of the people never go off-road to begin with. So... As is the case with the Subaru, the Toyota RAV4s, the Honda CR-Vs, and the like. So do we need a Jeep-like vehicle like the Wrangler and the Bronco?"
Toyota Rav4S
"...as is the case with the Subaru, the Toyota RAV4s, the Honda CR-Vs, and the like."
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular small SUV that is known for being reliable and good on gas. Many people choose it for everyday driving and family use.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It is one of the best-selling vehicles in its class, appealing to those who need a practical vehicle for daily use.
Ford Bronco
"...eed a Jeep-like vehicle like the Wrangler and the Bronco? Or just do we need those two and not anything e..."
The Ford Bronco is a tough-looking SUV that can go off-road, meaning it can drive on rough terrain like dirt and rocks. It's popular among people who love outdoor adventures.
The Ford Bronco is a classic American SUV that was reintroduced in 2020 after a long hiatus. It is celebrated for its rugged design and off-road capabilities, making it a direct competitor to the Jeep Wrangler.
Land Rover Defender
"...f Jeep. Same thing can be said of the Land Rover Defender, for that matter, which the original Defender, w..."
The Land Rover Defender is a strong SUV that can handle very rough roads and tough weather. It's known for being able to go anywhere, which makes it popular with people who love exploring.
The Land Rover Defender is a renowned off-road vehicle that has been redesigned for modern use while retaining its rugged charm. It is significant for its capability in extreme conditions and has a loyal following among off-road enthusiasts.
Land Rover Range Rover
"...ry short, I don't think the image of Land Rover, Range Rover, today is necessarily one of an all-terrain rugg..."
The Range Rover is a fancy SUV that can drive on rough paths but is also very comfortable inside. It's popular among people who want a stylish vehicle that can handle different terrains.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV that combines off-road capability with high-end features and comfort. It is often discussed for its premium status and versatility, appealing to those who want both luxury and adventure.
Honda Pilot
"the Honda Pilot are all trying to go in the reverse direction..."
The Honda Pilot is a family-friendly SUV that has a lot of room for passengers and cargo.
The Honda Pilot is a midsize SUV designed for families, offering three rows of seating and a spacious interior.
Moab version
"Jeep has just come out with the Moab version of the Wrangler..."
The Moab version of the Wrangler is a special type of Jeep made for off-roading, named after a place known for its tough trails.
The Moab version of the Jeep Wrangler is a special trim designed for enhanced off-road capability, named after the famous off-road trails in Moab, Utah.
V8 engine
"with a super high-performance V8 and a super low..."
A V8 engine is a powerful engine with eight cylinders that helps cars go fast and perform well.
A V8 engine is a type of internal combustion engine with eight cylinders arranged in a 'V' configuration, known for providing high power and performance.
Hemi
"as Motor Trend says on that, the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 packs a Hemi, big tires, and a surprising price tag."
Hemi is a type of engine that helps cars run more powerfully. It has a special shape that makes it work better and faster.
Hemi refers to a type of engine design characterized by a hemispherical combustion chamber, which allows for more efficient airflow and combustion. This design is known for producing higher power outputs.
Range Rover
"The Range Rovers or the Defenders are included. I think you've probably seen in the Range Rover, Land Rover, lineup..."
The Range Rover is a fancy SUV made by Land Rover. It's designed to be very comfortable and luxurious while still being able to handle rough terrains.
The Range Rover is a luxury SUV produced by Land Rover, known for its off-road capabilities combined with high-end features and comfort. It is often regarded as one of the most prestigious SUVs on the market.
Enius Grenadier
"or you can go out and buy a new Enius Grenadier."
The Enius Grenadier is a new type of vehicle made for driving on rough roads. It's built to be strong and reliable for people who love off-roading.
The Enius Grenadier is a new off-road vehicle designed to be rugged and capable, aimed at enthusiasts who need a reliable vehicle for tough terrains.
four-cylinder turbo engine
"I want to put this in perspective, meaning the history of the four-cylinder turbo engine, first of all."
A four-cylinder turbo engine is a type of engine that has four small cylinders and uses a turbo to make it more powerful. It's often more efficient than bigger engines.
A four-cylinder turbo engine is an engine configuration that uses four cylinders and a turbocharger to increase power output. This type of engine is known for providing a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
BMW 2002
"I think the first production car that had a four-cylinder two-liter turbo engine was the BMW 2002."
The BMW 2002 is an older car that was popular in the late 1960s and 1970s. It's known for being fun to drive and was one of the first cars to use a turbocharged engine.
The BMW 2002 is a classic compact car produced by BMW from 1968 to 1976. It is known for its sporty handling and was one of the first cars to popularize the use of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
turbocharger
"...the turbocharger is powered by the exhaust gases, and then that spins the turbo, which in turn rams in more air into the intake, and thus you can have more power. And this is a very bad short explanation."
A turbocharger is a part of the engine that helps it produce more power by pushing more air into it. It uses the gases that come out of the engine to work, making the car faster and more efficient.
A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's intake, allowing for more fuel to be burned and thus increasing power output. It uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which compresses the incoming air.
engine noise
"So why would the Lexus have this engine noise problem as you are?"
Engine noise is the sound that comes from the engine when a car is running. In luxury cars, people usually expect it to be very quiet, so if it's loud, it can be disappointing.
Engine noise refers to the sounds produced by an engine during operation. In luxury vehicles, excessive engine noise can be a sign of poor insulation or engine issues.
0 to 60
"...not like you're trying to go from 0 to 60 in five seconds or so..."
'0 to 60' is a way to measure how fast a car can go from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's often used to show how quick a car is.
'0 to 60' refers to the time it takes for a vehicle to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to gauge a car's acceleration capabilities.
miles per gallon (MPG)
"...slated to get 29 miles on the sticker highway, and somewhere between 22 and 23 on the city range..."
Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how many miles a car can drive using one gallon of gas. Higher MPG means the car is more fuel-efficient.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of how far a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. It's an important metric for understanding a car's fuel efficiency.
V6
"...the V6 was doing between 28 and 29 miles per gallon..."
A V6 is an engine with six cylinders that are arranged in a V shape. It usually gives more power than a four-cylinder engine but is smaller and lighter than a V8 engine.
A V6 engine is a six-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration. It is commonly used in many vehicles for a balance of power and fuel efficiency, providing more performance than a four-cylinder engine while being lighter and more compact than a V8.
Volkswagen GTI
"they are pretty good engines, and they were used in Volkswagen's also. The GTIs, for example..."
The Volkswagen GTI is a popular small car that is fun to drive. It has a turbocharged engine that makes it faster than many other cars in its class.
The Volkswagen GTI is a sporty hatchback known for its performance and practicality. It features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a fun driving experience.
CarPlay
"...Tesla was considering installing CarPlay in their cars, and there's no assurance that that will actually happen..."
CarPlay is a system that lets you use your iPhone in your car. It shows your phone's apps on the car's screen so you can use them while driving.
CarPlay is Apple's interface that allows iPhone users to connect their devices to their car's infotainment system, providing access to apps and features directly from the car's display.
Android Auto
"...to try to weed out both Android and CarPlay. I know, I saw that recently, Jay. Why is that? I don't know..."
Android Auto is similar to CarPlay but for Android phones. It lets you use your phone's apps on your car's screen.
Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google that allows Android users to connect their devices to their car's infotainment system, enabling access to apps and features while driving.
GM
"...weeding out Apple, CarPlay, other manufacturers, GM, Ford..."
GM stands for General Motors, a big company that makes many different types of cars and trucks.
General Motors (GM) is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick.
Rivian
"...about Rivian weeding out Apple, CarPlay, other manufacturers, GM, Ford..."
Rivian is a company that makes electric trucks and SUVs. They are designed for outdoor activities and adventures.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its electric trucks and SUVs, focusing on adventure and outdoor lifestyles.
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