Chevy Trax Surprises, Kia Telluride Shines
About this episode
The episode features reviews of the 2026 Chevy Trax and the 2025 Kia Telluride, highlighting their unique features and performance. The Chevy Trax impresses with its stylish design, comfortable interior, and surprisingly zippy performance from its 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo engine, achieving good fuel economy. Meanwhile, the Kia Telluride stands out with its spacious three-row seating, modern design, and powerful V6 engine, making it a strong contender in the SUV market. The discussion also touches on historical shipping methods for the Chevy Vega, adding an interesting twist to the automotive narrative.
Think a three-cylinder can’t pull its weight? We put the 2026 Chevy Trax through nearly 500 miles and found punchy torque, smart gearing, and honest 30-mpg efficiency that make city runs and highway stretches feel easy. Then we climb into the 2025 Kia Telluride SX Prestige AWD, where the vibe flips from thrifty to luxurious: a serene ride, a clean and modern cabin with a huge infotainment screen, and a 291-hp V6 that tows up to 5,500 pounds without breaking a sweat.
We start with the Trax’s sharp design, intuitive controls, and surprising cargo room, weighing the real trade-off of two-wheel drive against its attractive price. From trims to tech, it’s a small SUV that nails the basics and sprinkles in style, competing credibly with Mazda CX-30 and VW Taos on affordability and ease of use. Then we step into the Telluride’s larger world—three rows of comfort, refined road manners, and the kind of daily livability that wins families fast. The knobs are back where they matter, the ride is limo-like, and the value story holds even as the options stack up.
Between these road tests, we detour into car history with Chevy’s VertiPak experiment—shipping Vegas nose-down to cut rail costs. It’s a wild look at how engineering, logistics, and real-world execution collide, and it frames a timeless buying lesson: value isn’t just about price; it’s about how well a vehicle fits your life. Whether you’re chasing efficiency and a low entry point or space, power, and long-distance comfort, these two SUVs show how clear priorities create better choices.
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Chevrolet Tracks
"I had a chance to drive the 2026 Chevy tracks. This thing is made in the Shang Juan, Korea province."
The Chevrolet Tracks is a small SUV that's easy to drive and park. It's designed for people who want a compact vehicle with enough space for passengers and cargo.
The Chevrolet Tracks is a subcompact SUV that offers a variety of trim levels and features, designed for urban driving and efficiency.
SUV
"pretty much loaded up small SUV seats, five"
An SUV is a bigger car that can carry more people and stuff. It's good for families and can handle rougher roads.
An SUV, or Sport Utility Vehicle, is a larger vehicle designed for both passenger comfort and off-road capability. They typically offer more cargo space than sedans.
Jaguar Marks I
"the trim level that you select. What I liked about it, the overall design in my mind gets high marks. I really did like this. What could use improvement? I'm not exactly sure what the roof rack rails are for anymore. It's just a look because they don't serve any purpose"
The Jaguar Mark I is a stylish car made by the British company Jaguar, built in the late 1950s. It's known for its elegant design and is considered an important part of car history because it helped Jaguar become famous for making luxury cars. People talk about it because of its beautiful looks and how it represents a certain era of automotive design.
The Jaguar Mark I is a compact executive car produced by Jaguar from 1955 to 1959. It is significant for being one of the first models to showcase Jaguar's distinctive design and engineering excellence, helping to establish the brand's reputation for luxury and performance. The Mark I is often discussed for its classic styling and historical importance in the evolution of British luxury cars.
turbocharged engine
"...Here's a killer. I'm really surprised. All right. A 1.2 liter, three cylinder turbocharged engine powers this thing."
A turbocharged engine is one that has a special device called a turbocharger, which helps the engine produce more power without needing a bigger size. It makes the car faster and more efficient.
A turbocharged engine uses a turbine-driven forced induction system to increase the engine's efficiency and power output. This is achieved by forcing more air into the combustion chamber, allowing for more fuel to be burned and thus generating more power.
horsepower
"A three cylinder. You wouldn't know it. 137 horsepower. You think a lot. This thing is gutless. No, it's not."
Horsepower measures how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster a car can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, often used to indicate the power output of engines. In automotive terms, it helps to gauge a vehicle's performance and acceleration capabilities.
torque
"...162 pound feet of torque, six speed automatic transmission. And that combination actually works very well."
Torque tells you how much pulling power an engine has. More torque means better acceleration and the ability to tow heavier loads.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which in vehicles translates to the engine's ability to do work, especially at lower speeds. It's crucial for acceleration and towing capacity.
six speed automatic transmission
"...six speed automatic transmission. And that combination actually works very well. You'd think that the thing is a slug from the stop light."
A six-speed automatic transmission is a system that shifts gears for you, helping the car run better and save gas.
A six-speed automatic transmission is a type of gearbox that automatically changes gears for the driver, providing six different gear ratios for improved performance and fuel efficiency.
turbocharged motor
"...tow rating, 1263 pounds on a three cylinder turbocharged motor. And this I really like miles per gallon rated 28 city 32 highway..."
A turbocharged motor has a special device that helps it get more power from a smaller engine, making the car faster without using a bigger engine.
A turbocharged motor uses a turbocharger to force more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power without increasing engine size.
miles per gallon
"...28 city 32 highway for a combined of 30 miles per gallon. I got 29.3 miles per gallon over 477.5 miles."
Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how far a car can go on a gallon of gas. The higher the number, the less gas you'll need to buy.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of fuel efficiency, indicating how many miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. Higher MPG means better fuel economy.
two wheel drive
"...What could use improvement? It only comes in two wheel drive. Now here in Houston, good, because we get to save the money."
Two-wheel drive means that only two wheels of the car get power from the engine. This is usually better for fuel economy but can be less effective in bad weather or off-road.
Two-wheel drive (2WD) means that power is sent to only two of the vehicle's wheels, typically the front or rear. This setup is often lighter and more fuel-efficient but may not perform as well in off-road or slippery conditions compared to all-wheel drive (AWD).
four-wheel drive
"...on not having a four wheel drive. Now, if you have the thing in some place that's got a snow, well, that could be a problem..."
Four-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car can get power from the engine, which helps the car grip the road better, especially in bad weather like snow.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain system that allows all four wheels of a vehicle to receive power from the engine simultaneously, improving traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.
base model price
"...base trim price 25 three prices tested 28 385 base model price 21 600 nice base model price 20 starter vehicle..."
The base model price is the cheapest price you can pay for a car without adding any extra features or options.
The base model price refers to the starting price of a vehicle without any additional options or upgrades, serving as a benchmark for the vehicle's cost.
Chevrolet Trailblazer
"...the VW Tows 26 five and the Chevy Trailblazer. And I say that because the trailblazer is just a tiny bit bigger, but it does have a four wheel drive option..."
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a small SUV that can handle different driving conditions, including snow, especially if you choose the four-wheel drive version.
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a compact SUV that offers a balance of size and capability, including a four-wheel drive option for enhanced traction in various conditions.
Chevrolet Trax
"...the base model price of the Chevy tracks next week. All right, time out for Jeff's car culture..."
The Chevrolet Trax is a small SUV that is often considered a good choice for first-time car buyers because it is affordable and easy to drive.
The Chevrolet Trax is a subcompact SUV that serves as an entry-level vehicle in the Chevrolet lineup, known for its affordability and practicality.
Chevrolet Vega
"Well, the Chevy Vega was a subcompact car sold by Chevrolet during the 70s 70 to 77 mile years. The goal was to take a new Japanese European small fuel efficient car with an American made..."
The Chevrolet Vega is a small car that was made in the 1970s. It was built to be affordable and fuel-efficient, competing with other small cars from around the world.
The Chevrolet Vega was a subcompact car produced by Chevrolet from 1970 to 1977. It was designed to compete with small, fuel-efficient cars from Japan and Europe, featuring innovative design elements and a focus on cost efficiency.
vehicle development process
"Major cost efficiencies of the Vega gained through a quick vehicle development process. It had aluminum engine and had advanced automation in the assembly plant."
The vehicle development process is how car companies create new cars. It involves planning, designing, and building the car before it goes on sale.
The vehicle development process refers to the series of steps taken to design, engineer, and produce a new vehicle. This includes everything from initial concept and design to testing and final production.
aluminum engine
"It had aluminum engine and had advanced automation in the assembly plant. Getting the Vega to the dealers needed to find a cheaper way to ship the cars."
An aluminum engine is made from a lighter metal called aluminum instead of heavier metals. This helps the car use less fuel and go faster because it weighs less.
An aluminum engine is an engine block made primarily from aluminum, which is lighter than traditional iron or steel. This helps improve fuel efficiency and performance by reducing the overall weight of the vehicle.
General Motors
"...a form of what they call a Verda pack rail car developed by General Motors and Southern Pacific Railway..."
General Motors is a big company that makes cars. They produce many different brands and models, and they are one of the largest car manufacturers in the world.
General Motors (GM) is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick.
powertrain
"...to prevent damage to the engine and transmission mounts. These were removed when the cars were unloaded."
The powertrain is the part of a car that makes it move. It includes the engine and the parts that help the car drive, like the transmission.
The powertrain refers to the components that generate power and deliver it to the road, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. It is crucial for the vehicle's performance and efficiency.
engine oil baffle
"An engine oil baffle prevented the oil from entering the"
An engine oil baffle helps keep the oil in the engine where it belongs, especially when the car is tilted or turned. This prevents oil from spilling out and causing problems.
An engine oil baffle is a component designed to control the movement of oil within the engine, preventing it from spilling or sloshing around, especially during extreme angles or conditions.
Kia Telluride
"I had a chance to drive the 2025 Kia Telluride. Now this is a three row SUV and I thought that this was interesting."
The Kia Telluride is a large SUV that can fit up to seven people. The 2025 version has different versions with various features to choose from.
The Kia Telluride is a three-row SUV that has gained popularity for its spacious interior and modern features. The 2025 model continues to build on its reputation with various trim levels and options.
trim levels
"Available trim levels include the LX, the S, the EX, the SX and the SX Prestige."
Trim levels are different versions of the same car that have various features. For example, one version might have more technology or better materials than another.
Trim levels refer to the different versions of a car model that come with varying features and options. Each trim level can offer different equipment, technology, and styling options.
all-wheel drive
"V6 all wheel drive plus X line and X Pro. Wow. That's what it said on the window sticker."
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle, improving traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Chevrolet Suburban
"this competes up there with the Chevy Suburban. This is a big SUV."
The Chevy Suburban is a big SUV that can carry a lot of people and things. It's often used by families or for work because of its size.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a large SUV known for its spacious interior and capability to seat many passengers, making it popular for families and as a utility vehicle.
dual exhaust
"...Not dual exhaust, one on each side. Right. No, this is two on one right hand side. What I liked, the clean look..."
Dual exhaust means the car has two pipes for the exhaust gases to exit, which can help the engine run better and sound more powerful.
Dual exhaust refers to a vehicle's exhaust system that has two separate exhaust pipes, allowing for better airflow and potentially improved performance. This setup can enhance the sound and efficiency of the engine.
roof rack
"...Roof rack is old school and not necessary. I want to just make it an option..."
A roof rack is a frame on the top of a car that helps you carry things like bags or bikes. Some cars come with them, but you might not need one if you don't carry extra stuff.
A roof rack is a set of bars mounted on the roof of a vehicle, used to carry extra cargo such as luggage, bicycles, or other items. They are often optional features on vehicles.
infotainment screen
"Oh, that's perfectly fine. Interior highlights, huge infotainment screen with easy to use controls, digital instrument cluster with white faces..."
An infotainment screen is a touchscreen in cars that lets you control music, maps, and other features all in one place.
An infotainment screen is a central display in a vehicle that integrates audio, navigation, and other multimedia functions, allowing drivers to control various features easily.
digital instrument cluster
"...digital instrument cluster with white faces, which I thought was a nice touch, comfortable seating surfaces..."
A digital instrument cluster is a screen behind the steering wheel that shows important information like speed and fuel level, instead of using dials.
A digital instrument cluster replaces traditional analog gauges with a digital display, providing drivers with customizable information about the vehicle's performance and status.
V6 motor
"...3.8 liter v6 motor in this that turns out 291 horsepower, 262 pound feet of torque..."
A V6 motor is a type of engine that has six cylinders, which helps the car have good power while still being efficient with fuel.
A V6 motor is an engine configuration with six cylinders arranged in a V shape, known for balancing power and efficiency, commonly used in many vehicles.
eight speed automatic transmission
"...291 horsepower, 262 pound feet of torque, eight speed automatic transmission. It will tow up to 5,500 pounds..."
An eight-speed automatic transmission is a system that changes gears automatically in a car, making it smoother to drive and helping save fuel.
An eight-speed automatic transmission allows for smoother shifting and better fuel efficiency by providing more gear ratios for the engine to operate within.
base trim price
"...base trim price 53,685. Price is tested 56,240. Now the average overall price of a new car is now at $50,000."
The base trim price is the lowest price for a car model, without any extra features or upgrades. It's the starting point for what you would pay for that car.
The base trim price refers to the starting price of a vehicle model without any additional features or options. It serves as a benchmark for comparing different configurations and trims of the same model.
overall price
"...Price is tested 56,240. Now the average overall price of a new car is now at $50,000. You can get into one of these."
The overall price is the total amount you pay for a car, including the starting price and any extra features or taxes. It's what you actually spend to buy the car.
The overall price of a vehicle includes the base trim price plus any additional options, features, taxes, and fees. This is the final amount a buyer would pay to purchase the car.
Toyota Grand Highlander
"...Competitors, Toyota Grand Highlander, that's the three row, starts at 44,2. The Subaru Ascent,..."
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a large SUV that has three rows of seats, making it great for families. It has a lot of space for passengers and luggage.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a three-row SUV designed to accommodate families and provide ample cargo space. It competes in the midsize SUV market, offering a blend of comfort, technology, and reliability.
Subaru Ascent
"...the Subaru Ascent, it starts at $39,995 and the Honda Pilot starts at $40,200."
The Subaru Ascent is a large SUV that can fit a lot of people and is great for families or trips with friends.
The Subaru Ascent is a mid-size SUV that offers three rows of seating, making it suitable for families or those needing extra passenger space.
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