Episode 448: 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The Jeep Wagoneer is a full-size, three-row SUV that Jeep positioned as a more upscale alternative to typical Jeep models. In this segment, the hosts discuss how Jeep expanded the Wagoneer lineup into multiple length/trim variants, which can make the naming feel confusing.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is the larger/more premium version of the Wagoneer nameplate, still built around a three-row SUV formula. Here, the hosts explain how Jeep layered multiple “Wagoneer” variants (including longer-wheelbase versions), contributing to customer confusion.

This segment discusses “creating a luxury brand” strategy—trying to reposition a vehicle line to compete with higher-end rivals and justify higher pricing. The hosts argue Jeep’s approach with Wagoneer may have been too aggressive (“jumped the gun”) for the market.

The Cadillac Escalade is a flagship luxury full-size SUV known for high-end features and strong brand positioning. In this segment, it’s used as the benchmark for why Jeep thought it could capture “a piece” of that luxury-SUV money.

Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain setup that can send power to all four wheels, improving traction on slippery surfaces like snow, mud, or loose gravel. The hosts connect it to pricing, saying Canadian models include it and that it accounts for a significant part of the price difference.

An all-wheel drive (AWD) system is designed to distribute power to all four wheels to improve traction and stability. The hosts call it a “heck of an all wheel drive system,” implying it’s a notable feature that helps justify the vehicle’s cost.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size Jeep SUV known for offering off-road capability in certain trims. In this segment, the hosts use it as a visual comparison point, saying the Grand Wagoneer now looks closer to the Grand Cherokee.

“Trail Rated” is Jeep’s branding for vehicles that meet specific off-road performance criteria. It’s meant to indicate the SUV can handle common trail conditions like uneven terrain, traction demands, and ground clearance challenges.

This segment discusses how Jeep’s traditional off-road identity is being broadened to include luxury positioning. The hosts connect that shift to pricing and to which models are allowed to feel “luxury” versus which remain purely rugged.

The Jeep Wrangler is Jeep’s iconic off-road-focused SUV, known for its rugged design and trail-oriented reputation. The hosts note that it “has never offered a luxury version,” contrasting it with newer luxury-leaning Jeeps like the Grand Wagoneer.

The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV known for its battery-electric powertrain and modern tech features. The podcast specifically references air suspension on the Model Y “in particular,” which points to comfort and ride-height adjustability on certain configurations. It’s discussed in the context of off-road-style features and suspension behavior.

Air suspension uses air-filled springs instead of steel coils, letting the vehicle automatically adjust ride height. On off-road setups, raising the suspension increases ground clearance to help the tires clear rocks and ruts.

Locking differentials force both wheels on an axle to rotate at the same speed. This helps maintain traction when one wheel loses grip, which is common on uneven off-road surfaces.

The friction coefficient is a number that describes how much grip two surfaces have relative to each other. On steep rock, the tires’ friction coefficient against the rock largely determines whether you can hold traction without sliding or spinning.

Quadra Drive 2 is Jeep’s branded full-time four-wheel-drive system used on certain Grand Cherokee trims. It combines electronic traction management with a low-range transfer case option, and it’s designed to improve grip and control on challenging surfaces.

A rear electronic limited-slip differential (often shortened to electronic LSD) helps manage how torque is split between the left and right rear wheels. When one wheel loses traction, the system can reduce wheelspin and send more drive to the wheel with grip—crucial for climbing or descending uneven rock.

Low-range gearing is a transfer-case setting that multiplies torque at the wheels for slow-speed, high-traction-demand driving. It’s especially useful for rock crawling because it provides more control and less wheel speed while climbing or descending steep obstacles.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) sends engine power primarily to the rear wheels. Compared with AWD, it can feel more lively for driving dynamics, but it generally has less traction advantage in slippery conditions.

A locking front differential forces the left and right front wheels to rotate at the same speed. That helps when one wheel loses traction, because the locked diff prevents power from just spinning the slipping wheel.

Tesh is referenced as the person the speaker picked the vehicle up from, implying a specific ownership/source story rather than a factory trim or part. In this context, it functions like a named individual connected to the car’s history.

“Canadian specs” refers to the factory configuration sold in Canada, which can differ from US versions due to regulations and equipment packages. Those differences can include drivetrain availability, trim content, and standard features.

“Hurricane engine” is the name used for a specific engine family in the Jeep lineup. In this segment, the hosts describe it by displacement (“three liter”) and power output, and they compare different horsepower versions offered in earlier years.

A “horsepower version” refers to a specific tune or variant of an engine that produces a particular peak power rating. The segment contrasts a 420 horsepower version with an earlier 540 horsepower version, which implies different performance calibration and/or hardware configuration.

Ram is the truck brand within Stellantis, and in this context the host is comparing how the same kind of powertrain feels in a Ram versus the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The mention is mainly about driving impressions and horsepower availability rather than a deep dive into a specific Ram model.

“Horsepower” is a measure of engine power output, and “420 horsepower” indicates a relatively high-performance tune for the vehicle being discussed. In this segment, the hosts use the number to compare different versions and to talk about what power levels are being offered or removed.

Pentastar is Chrysler/Jeep’s family name for a V6 engine used across multiple models. The host says it’s “coming back,” implying a return to a conventional gasoline V6 instead of (or alongside) newer electrified powertrains.

EREV stands for “extended-range electric vehicle.” It’s an electrified setup where the car primarily runs on an electric drivetrain, but it also uses a generator (often an engine) to recharge the battery and extend range when needed.

A hybrid system uses more than one power source—typically an internal-combustion engine and one or more electric motors. In this setup, the V6 can act mainly as a generator rather than directly driving the wheels, while the electric motor(s) provide the acceleration torque.

In this context, a generator is the electrical machine that converts mechanical energy from the engine into electricity. The electricity then powers the electric motor(s) that actually propel the vehicle.

A series hybrid is a hybrid design where the engine primarily generates electricity, and the wheels are driven by electric motors. The engine may never be mechanically connected to the wheels, so propulsion comes from the electric motor(s).

An electric motor converts electrical energy into motion. In hybrid drivetrains, the motor can provide propulsion directly and can also work with the engine/generator to manage power smoothly across different speeds and loads.

A V6 drive train refers to the vehicle’s powertrain hardware built around a V6 engine layout (six cylinders arranged in a V). In this discussion, the oddity is that the V6 is present as part of the system even though it isn’t directly connected to the wheels.

Honda is referenced here because the speaker compares its hybrid strategy to the system being discussed. The key point is that Honda’s approach is described as connecting to the wheels only in limited situations, with the electric motor doing most of the work.

An extended range electric vehicle is an EV that uses an additional energy source to increase how far it can go. Commonly, that means a generator or engine helps recharge the battery when the main battery is low, rather than relying only on charging at a station.

The BMW i3 is a small electric car that’s known for offering a range-extending setup in some versions. When you add the gas-powered range extender (an engine that charges the battery), the extra hardware increases weight, which can reduce the vehicle’s overall electric range.

A range extension engine is a small internal-combustion engine used to generate electricity for the battery in an EV. It doesn’t directly drive the wheels like a traditional engine; instead, it helps extend driving range, but adds weight and complexity.

The Ford F-150 Lightning is an electric version of the popular F-150 pickup. In this discussion, it’s used as a weight comparison point to evaluate how much heavier the Grand Wagoneer’s system might be.

The Chevrolet Silverado EV is GM’s electric take on the Silverado pickup. In this segment it’s referenced alongside the Hummer EV to illustrate that full EVs can reach very high weights (around 9,000 pounds, per the hosts).

The Hummer EV SUV is an all-electric version of the Hummer lineup, built as a large, off-road-capable electric vehicle. The podcast groups it with the Silverado EV and emphasizes that these are full EVs, highlighting the shift from traditional powertrains. It’s discussed as part of the broader conversation about electric trucks and SUVs.

The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV known for comfort and high-end appointments. Here, it’s named alongside the Escalade as a top-tier competitor for the Grand Wagoneer’s price positioning.

Driving range is the estimated distance a vehicle can travel before it needs to be recharged or refueled. The hosts question the meaning of a stated 500-mile range, because real-world range can vary a lot based on speed, temperature, battery state, and how often the vehicle uses its gasoline engine versus electricity.

PHEV stands for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. It means the car can run on electricity for some distance, but it also has a gasoline engine for longer trips.

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) can be charged from an external power source and also uses a conventional engine. This setup is intended to give electric driving for shorter trips while retaining gas power for longer journeys.

Max tow rating is the manufacturer’s maximum allowable weight a vehicle is designed to tow safely. It’s typically limited by the engine, transmission, cooling system, brakes, and the vehicle’s overall towing setup.

The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV offered in trims like the Yukon Denali, aimed at buyers who want a lot of interior space and a more upscale experience. The podcast compares space and positioning, noting that you can get more space than a Yukon Denali. It’s used as a reference point for competition in the large-SUV market.

The Nissan Armada is a full-size three-row SUV built for space and family hauling. It’s mentioned in the same breath as other large SUVs like the Expedition and Sequoia, which suggests the podcast is comparing the big-SUV segment and their luxury counterparts. The Armada is part of that “large SUV” discussion.

The Ford Expedition is a full-size three-row SUV designed for families and long-distance comfort. It’s mentioned alongside other big SUVs because it competes in the same “large, spacious” segment, including luxury versions. The podcast is using it as a benchmark for size and positioning.

Super Cruise is GM’s hands-free driver-assistance system that can steer the vehicle under certain conditions while the driver monitors the road. It’s positioned here as a standout tech feature that other brands are trying to match.

Blue Cruise is Ford’s hands-free driver-assistance system, designed to allow the car to steer itself in supported conditions while the driver remains responsible for monitoring. In this segment, it’s mentioned as Ford’s closer alternative to GM’s Super Cruise.

A hands-free system refers to advanced driver-assistance technology that can control steering (and sometimes other functions) without the driver holding the wheel, but only within specific operating limits. The host is using this idea to compare which automakers offer it and whether the 2026 Grand Wagoneer includes it.

Engine replacement means the entire engine is removed and swapped for a new or remanufactured unit. In the segment, it’s used to describe a pattern of failures severe enough that repairs escalate beyond normal fixes.

Power recline means the seat back angle can be adjusted electronically, usually with a switch or button. On a third row, it’s a convenience feature that makes it easier to dial in comfort without manually adjusting the seat.

USB-C is a modern, reversible USB connector commonly used for charging and data. Having USB-C in the third row indicates the vehicle supports charging for rear passengers without needing adapters.

USB-A is the older, rectangular USB connector shape still used by many devices and accessories. Including USB-A alongside USB-C improves compatibility for different charging cables.

A powered sunshade is an electronically operated cover that blocks sunlight over a sunroof. The host says this vehicle lacks that feature, meaning the shade must be adjusted manually for third-row comfort.

A rear-seat entertainment system is a set of screens and media controls designed to keep passengers in the back seats entertained. It often includes dedicated displays, audio/video inputs, and sometimes streaming or device mirroring—so the front-seat occupants aren’t sharing the same screen.

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning—the system that manages cabin airflow and temperature. In this context, the hosts are linking the rear-seat screens to the car’s climate system controls.

Four-zone climate control divides the cabin into up to four independently controlled temperature areas. That lets different passengers (for example, front left/right and rear left/right) set their own comfort levels instead of sharing one temperature setting.

A head-up display (HUD) projects key driving information onto the windshield so you can see it without looking down at the instrument cluster. In this segment, the host notes the HUD’s unusually large fonts and how it affects readability.

A motorized hinge is a hinge mechanism that uses an electric motor to move a door, panel, or cover. In this context, it’s describing an opening/closing feature that “flies away” when activated.

A wireless phone charger charges a compatible phone without plugging in a cable, typically using inductive charging. It’s usually integrated into a console or storage area for convenience.

Haptic buttons use vibration or tactile feedback to confirm an input, even though the button may not physically “move” much. In practice, that can help drivers avoid looking down while operating climate, media, or convenience functions.

Stellantis is the automaker group behind multiple brands, including Jeep. When the host credits Stellantis (or Jeep) for interior ergonomics, they’re attributing the design/packaging work to the parent company that develops and coordinates these vehicles.

A 3-row SUV is designed with seating for three rows of passengers, typically targeting families that need more seats than a two-row crossover. In this context, the speaker argues that the Grand Wagoneer’s family-focused packaging comes at the expense of off-road priorities.

The Land Rover Defender 130 is a long-wheelbase Defender variant built around serious off-road use. Here, it’s used as a benchmark for “off-road credibility,” with the speaker saying it’s more capable for activities like dune bashing even if it’s less luxury-focused.

Dune bashing is an off-road driving activity where you traverse sand dunes at speed, using traction and suspension travel to keep the vehicle moving. It’s a good real-world test of off-road capability because it stresses tires, drivetrain, and suspension repeatedly.

To tow a trailer means pulling another vehicle or load behind the SUV, which requires adequate towing capacity and the right drivetrain and cooling setup. The speaker uses it to characterize the Grand Wagoneer’s intended role as more of a family-and-hauling vehicle than a dedicated off-roader.

A three-row SUV is a large family vehicle with seating for up to seven or eight people, typically prioritizing space and practicality. In this segment, the hosts argue that off-roading isn’t usually the point of a three-row SUV, and that buyers of vehicles “this big” are more often motivated by towing or hauling.

Towing means pulling a trailer behind the vehicle, while hauling generally means transporting bulky cargo or heavy loads in/around the vehicle. The hosts use these as the “specific need” that justifies buying a very large SUV like the Grand Wagoneer.

TRD is Toyota Racing Development, Toyota’s in-house performance and off-road branding. When a Sequoia is offered as a TRD version, it typically means more aggressive styling and equipment aimed at driving enthusiasts or light off-road use.

The Land Rover Defender is a rugged, off-road-focused SUV known for its boxy design and strong capability. It often comes up in discussions when people compare “go-anywhere” SUVs and look at pricing for specific variants like the Defender 130. The podcast mentions it in the context of figuring out how it stacks up against other large SUVs.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the longer-wheelbase version of the Grand Cherokee line. In this segment, the hosts compare the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer’s proportions and styling to the Grand Cherokee L to explain why it may look “bigger” and less distinctive.

The Dodge Hornet is a compact crossover that the podcast discusses as being “on your list,” but then notes it’s “gone,” implying it’s no longer available or no longer part of the current lineup. The mention is brief and focused on whether it’s still being considered. It’s essentially a status update within the host’s vehicle shortlist.

The Mazda RX-3 is a classic Mazda sports coupe that’s known for its rotary-engine heritage. The podcast references it in a broader point about older designs still being acceptable if they meet the needs of buyers. It’s mentioned as an example of how a design can remain relevant over time.

“Magne ride” refers to GM’s MagneRide adaptive suspension system, which uses electronically controlled dampers to change ride stiffness in real time. It’s designed to improve both comfort and handling by reacting quickly to road conditions.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is notable because it adds an electrified powertrain to the Crosstrek crossover formula, changing how it delivers power and efficiency. In this segment, the hosts discuss how earlier hybrid attempts felt weak, and how the newest setup uses two electric motors.

The segment contrasts a regular hybrid with a plug-in hybrid, focusing on how the powertrain affects real-world performance. The hosts argue that the earlier hybrid setup felt weak and added weight, while later they mention a plug-in version as a different approach.

A four-cylinder engine has four combustion chambers in a single engine block, and it’s a common layout for efficient everyday vehicles. Here, the hosts specify a “two and a half liter four cylinder engine” to frame the discussion of power and torque output.

Torque is the twisting force the engine produces, and it strongly affects how quickly a vehicle feels like it’s pulling. In this segment, they emphasize that the Crosstrek’s torque comes in nearly instantly versus peaking at higher RPM.

A spare tire is an extra wheel/tire carried so you can replace a flat without waiting for roadside help. The host notes that the Crosstrek Hybrid they’re discussing doesn’t include a spare tire, which affects how you handle punctures on the road.

Automakers often sell different trim lineups by market, so the “same” hybrid model can come in different configurations depending on the country. Here, the host says Canada has only one hybrid trim while the U.S. offers multiple hybrid trims, which changes what the cheapest hybrid costs.

A turbocharged engine uses a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders, which can increase power without needing a larger engine. The host is using this as a benchmark for when the Crosstrek would feel “fast,” implying the current setup lacks that boost.

CVT stands for continuously variable transmission, a gearbox that can smoothly change gear ratios instead of using fixed “gears.” The host describes “buzzeness” from a four-cylinder engine being held near higher revs by the CVT, which can become tiring over time.

In a hybrid, “transitions” are the moments when control switches between the gas engine and the electric system. If the calibration isn’t seamless—especially when the engine is cold—it can feel jerky or cause vibration because torque delivery changes quickly.

EV driving mode is a setting that tries to run the vehicle on electric power alone (or as much as possible) instead of using the gas engine. If the system can’t meet the power demand or battery conditions, the car may refuse to engage EV mode and display messages like “EV mode not available.”

A mild hybrid uses an electric motor to assist the gas engine, but it typically can’t propel the car for long distances on electricity alone. That’s why EV mode may be limited or only available in certain situations, such as coasting or at a complete stop.

Fuel economy is how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, commonly expressed as miles per gallon (MPG) in the U.S. The segment references the standard breakdown of highway, city, and combined ratings used for comparisons.

Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) is Toyota’s hybrid system architecture, best known from models like the Prius. It coordinates the gasoline engine and electric motor(s) so the car can blend power smoothly and recover energy during braking.

EV power means the vehicle is being driven using electricity from its battery and electric motor, rather than burning fuel. The segment highlights that the Crosstrek Hybrid can’t always stay in EV mode depending on conditions, so real-world driving may use more gas than expected.

The Crosstrek (likely referring to the Subaru Crosstrek/Crosstrek) is a compact crossover known for practical versatility. In the snippet, the host says they can’t do something because it “doesn’t work with the cross track,” suggesting a compatibility or feature limitation related to the car’s systems. The mention is tied to whether a particular function or setup applies to this model.

The Toyota Corolla Cross is a compact crossover, and in this segment it’s brought up as the Corolla Cross hybrid option that’s also all-wheel drive in its class. The hosts compare its combined fuel economy figure to the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid to show how close (or far) the real-world results may be.

A combined fuel-economy number blends multiple driving conditions (typically city and highway) into one figure. The hosts use the “combined” value to compare vehicles fairly, rather than relying on a single type of driving.

A trim level is a specific configuration of a model that bundles equipment and pricing. Mentioning “mid trim” signals that the hybrid price premium and value proposition may change depending on which equipment level you buy.

The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a hybrid version of Subaru’s Crosstrek crossover, aimed at improving fuel economy versus a non-hybrid setup. In this segment, the hosts compare its real-world fuel use to the previously available base engine to judge whether the hybrid upgrade is financially worth it.

Fuel mileage is how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, typically expressed as distance per unit of fuel or fuel used per distance. In this segment, they’re using a tracking app to measure real-world fuel consumption over two years.

Liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) is a fuel-consumption unit commonly used outside the U.S. It represents how many liters of fuel the car uses to travel 100 km—lower numbers mean better efficiency. The hosts compare L/100 km between the base engine and the hybrid.

A “two liter” engine refers to an engine displacement of about 2.0 liters, which is a common way to describe engine size. Here, the hosts note that this two-liter engine was only available on the base trim, shaping which buyers could realistically compare it to the hybrid.

Fuel efficiency is how effectively a vehicle turns fuel into distance—commonly discussed as miles per gallon (MPG) or liters per 100 km. In the segment, it’s the key metric used to judge whether the hybrid trim is actually delivering a meaningful benefit.

The Nissan Pathfinder is a midsize SUV known for its family-friendly size and off-road-capable heritage. In this segment, it’s the specific vehicle the speaker damaged (likely a suspension/steering component) and is now diagnosing for an exhaust leak.

A control arm is a suspension link that locates the wheel and helps control its movement over bumps. If a control arm is bent, it can change wheel alignment and steering feel—consistent with the “tiny little bit of a steering angle” the speaker noticed.

A tie rod is a steering linkage that connects the steering system to the front wheels. If a tie rod is bent or damaged, it can contribute to misalignment and a noticeable steering angle, which matches the speaker’s symptoms after the jack incident.

A catalytic converter is an emissions-control device that helps convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful ones. It’s a common target for theft because it contains valuable metals, and removing or damaging it can lead to a sudden exhaust leak.

An exhaust leak means exhaust gases are escaping somewhere in the exhaust system before they reach the tailpipe. It can happen after damage or tampering and may cause sudden changes in sound, smell, or emissions-related warning lights.

The Volkswagen Taos is a compact crossover positioned below the larger Volkswagen Tiguan. The speaker is transitioning to discuss it next, and the segment includes pronunciation/wording before the deeper review.