First Tests: 2026 Jeep Cherokee; 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee — New Engines, New Life
About this episode
The discussion centers on the 2026 Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, highlighting Jeep's shift to hybrid powertrains and innovative engines. The Cherokee returns as a midsize SUV with a 1.6L turbo hybrid delivering 210 hp and 37 mpg, emphasizing efficiency and tech features like a large digital cluster and advanced safety. The Grand Cherokee debuts a potent 2.0L turbo four-cylinder with 324 hp and impressive towing, showcasing modern combustion tech. The hosts also touch on JD Power's EV satisfaction study, noting strong owner approval despite sales challenges, and share insights on recent EV test drives including the Volvo EX30 and Genesis GV60.
This week on America on the Road, guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo joins Jack Nerad as they dive into Jack’s first-drive impressions of the revived 2026 Jeep Cherokee and updated 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Matt reviews the 2026 Volvo EX30, a punchy subcompact EV SUV with Scandinavian flair, while Jack road-tests the premium 2026 Genesis GV60 Performance, a luxury compact EV with vivid acceleration matched with luxury features. Plus, Jack sits down with Mike Cockell, Product Lead for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee, to discuss its all-new hybrid powertrain, off-road capabilities, and new pricing.
🚗 Jack Nerad Test-Drives the 2026 Genesis GV60 PerformanceJack evaluates the top-trim Genesis GV60, a luxury compact EV sharing its platform with Hyundai and Kia but elevated with premium touches. Dual motors deliver 429 horsepower (or 483 horsepower in Boost Mode), all-wheel drive, and a 252-mile EPA range, with fast-charging from 10-80% in about 18 minutes. The interior boasts Nappa leather, a massive 27-inch display, Ergo Motion seats, and advanced safety tech like blind-spot avoidance and highway driving assist. Jack covers handling, cabin comfort, infotainment, and value starting at $73,370, noting its refined ride but snug cargo space compared to rivals.
🚙 Matt DeLorenzo Test-Drives the 2026 Volvo EX30Matt takes on Volvo’s newest subcompact EV SUV, combining minimalist design with a maximum of 422 horsepower, 400 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.3-second 0-60 mph sprint. It offers a 253-mile range, 153 kW fast-charging, and seating for five in a compact package with Google-integrated infotainment and advanced driver aids. Matt discusses its tech-rich cabin, towing up to 2,000 lbs, and how it stacks up as an accessible, performance-oriented option in the small EV segment.
🎙️ Special Guest InterviewJack chats with Mike Cockell, director of small Jeep vehicles at Stellantis and director of the Jeep Cherokee nameplate. They dive deeply into the revived midsize SUV with a new hybrid powertrain delivering 210 horsepower, 37 mpg, and over 500 miles of range. And they discuss off-road features like Cherokee’s heritage, all-around capability, and enhanced safety.
📰 This Week’s Headlines Jeep Revives the 2026 CherokeeJeep brings back the midsize SUV with a boxier design, hybrid powertrain, increased cargo space, Uconnect 5 tech, and strong off-road prowess, including eight inches of ground clearance. Production starts in Mexico, with arrivals late this year. Stellantis counts on it to lead a U.S. sales turnaround for the Jeep brand.
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Gets Brand-New Hurricane EngineThe updated Grand Cherokee features a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 324 horsepower, 6,200-lb towing, and refreshed styling. Trims simplify to Laredo, Limited, and Summit, with options like air suspension and McIntosh audio. Its Hurricane four-cylinder engine might expand to other models like the Cherokee in the future.
J.D. Power EV Experience Study Hits Record HighsBEV owner satisfaction reaches new peaks at 786 (premium) and 727 (mass market), led by Tesla Model 3 (804) and Ford Mustang Mach-E (760). Public charging improves, but the sales slump post-tax credits raises questions on market rebound. The study shows 96% of owners would consider another EV, highlighting improvements in battery tech and infrastructure.
White House Exempts Autos from 10% Global TariffPassenger vehicles and parts are spared from the new levy, easing pressure on automakers amid ongoing steel/aluminum duties. Industry groups welcome the move but note persistent policy challenges. The temporary 150-day 10% import duty effective February 24 exempts autos to address U.S. economy needs.
📩 Listener Question of the WeekThomas from Salem, Oregon, asks: “Are station wagons making a comeback, or is that just wishful thinking?”
Jack and Matt discuss the resurgence of wagon-like vehicles through crossovers and all-terrain models, weighing nostalgia against modern SUV dominance.
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📚 Jack Nerad’s New BookJack’s crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, is available now in paperback and eBook on Amazon — currently at a post-Christmas sale price.
🎧 Where to ListenCatch America on the Road on this station each week, or subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Follow for newcar reviews, guest interviews, auto news, and road tests.
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Check Out Matt DeLorenzo’s Book:Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance
Special Price for Jack’s Newest Crime NovelJack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a 67%-off price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price.
Toyota Prius
"Yeah, well, not a car event, but tomorrow we're going to drive a Prius Prime up to Santa Ionesa to visit some old friends."
The Prius Prime is a car that can run partly on electricity and partly on gas, which helps save fuel and drive longer distances without using much gas.
The Toyota Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) known for its fuel efficiency and ability to run on electric power alone for short distances before switching to hybrid mode.
hybrid powertrain
"Jeep is reviving the Cherokee for 2026 with a fresh hybrid powertrain, promising 35, I'm sorry, 37 miles per gallon, 500 miles range."
A hybrid powertrain means the car uses both gas and electric power to help it go farther and use less fuel.
A hybrid powertrain combines an internal combustion engine with one or more electric motors to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. It can operate using gasoline, electricity, or both.
Jeep Cherokee
"Jeep is reviving the Cherokee for 2026 with a fresh hybrid powertrain, promising 35, I'm sorry, 37 miles per gallon, 500 miles range."
The Jeep Cherokee is a type of SUV that is good for driving on rough roads. The new 2026 version will have a special engine that uses both gas and electricity to save fuel and drive farther.
The Jeep Cherokee is a midsize SUV known for its off-road capability and rugged design. The 2026 model is being revived with a new hybrid powertrain, which combines a gasoline engine with electric motors for improved fuel efficiency and range.
Jeep Grand
"...ng that. I also got to drive in the updated 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It now has a fascinating new engine."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a big car that can drive well on rough roads and is comfortable inside. The newest version has a new kind of engine that makes it work better and use fuel more wisely.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular midsize SUV known for its off-road capability and luxury features. The 2026 update introduces a fascinating new engine, enhancing performance and efficiency, which makes it a notable advancement in the model's evolution.
EV experience study
"JD Power has announced its latest EV experience study, record high owner satisfaction, despite slumping sales."
This study looks at how happy people are with their electric cars, checking things like how well they work and how much people like them.
The EV experience study by JD Power measures electric vehicle owner satisfaction, reliability, and overall experience. It provides insights into how well EVs meet customer expectations despite market challenges.
EVs
"We'll see if EVs can move forward."
EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and are getting more popular.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of gasoline. They produce no tailpipe emissions and are becoming more common as technology improves.
electrification
""Yeah, you know, everybody's been focused on electrification. And I think we're seeing some of these hybrids and things coming to the fore now. So it's a growing trend, as they say.""
Electrification means cars are starting to use electricity instead of just gas to run. Some cars use both gas and electric power, called hybrids, and some use only electricity.
Electrification refers to the automotive industry's shift from traditional internal combustion engines to electric powertrains, including fully electric and hybrid vehicles. This trend is transforming vehicle design, performance, and environmental impact.
hybrid vehicles
""And I think we're seeing some of these hybrids and things coming to the fore now. So it's a growing trend, as they say.""
Hybrid cars use both gas and electricity to help them go. This helps save gas and makes the car cleaner for the environment.
Hybrid vehicles combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. They can switch between or combine power sources depending on driving conditions.
Genesis GV60
"... Yeah, I will be driving another EV, the Genesis GV60. So stay with us for that."
The Genesis GV60 is a fancy electric SUV that looks good and has lots of new technology. It runs on batteries and is made by a company known for making nice cars.
The Genesis GV60 is a luxury electric SUV from Hyundai's premium brand, offering advanced technology and stylish design. It's part of the growing trend of luxury electric vehicles competing in the EV market.
electric motors
"two electric motors and a battery, of course. Can't run the electric motors without the battery."
Electric motors are parts that use electricity from the battery to help move the car's wheels.
Electric motors convert electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy to drive the vehicle's wheels, often providing instant torque and improving efficiency.
battery
"two electric motors and a battery, of course. Can't run the electric motors without the battery."
The battery holds electricity that helps the car run its electric parts and saves gas.
The battery in a hybrid vehicle stores electrical energy used to power the electric motors and assist the gasoline engine, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions.
miles per gallon combined
"210 horsepower, 230 pound feet of torque, 37 miles per gallon combined,"
Miles per gallon combined tells you how far the car can go on a gallon of gas when driving in different types of roads.
Miles per gallon combined is a fuel economy rating that averages a vehicle's fuel efficiency in both city and highway driving conditions.
four-cylinder engine
"What could otherwise be a little kind of choppy with a four-cylinder engine. But there's a lot going on under the hood here."
A four-cylinder engine is a type of car engine with four parts that burn fuel to make the car move. It's common in many cars and usually helps save gas.
A four-cylinder engine is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders where fuel combustion occurs. It's common in many cars due to its balance of efficiency and power.
Hyundai Palisade
"...a full midsize, like a Ford Explorer or a Hyundai Palisade or something like that."
The Hyundai Palisade is a medium-sized car that can fit many people and their things. It is known for being comfortable and having nice features for the price.
The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize SUV that offers a spacious interior, upscale features, and strong value. It competes directly with vehicles like the Ford Explorer in the family SUV segment.
Ford Explorer
".... I don't think it's a full midsize, like a Ford Explorer or a Hyundai Palisade or something like that."
The Ford Explorer is a medium-sized car that can carry families and their stuff comfortably. It's popular because it drives nicely and has lots of room inside.
The Ford Explorer is a well-known midsize SUV that balances family-friendly space with solid performance. It's often used as a benchmark for comparing other midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Palisade.
mid-cycle refresh
"Things they do kind of mid-cycle, as they say in the industry."
A mid-cycle refresh is when a car company makes small changes to a car while it's still being sold, like new lights or a different front look, to keep it looking fresh.
A mid-cycle refresh is an update automakers make to a car model partway through its production run. These updates often include changes to the exterior styling, headlights, and sometimes technology or mechanical improvements.
2-liter Hurricane 4 turbo four cylinder
"But the big change is the 2-liter Hurricane 4 turbo four cylinder. This is the first application of this power plant in the United States."
This is a type of engine with four cylinders and a turbocharger that helps it make more power. It's a new engine being used in this Jeep for the first time in the U.S.
The 2-liter Hurricane 4 turbo four cylinder is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It is notable for its power output and efficiency, marking the first use of this engine in the U.S. market.
horsepower
"324 horsepower and 332 pound feet of torque is what it's quoted to produce."
Horsepower tells you how powerful a car's engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster or pull heavier loads.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power output of an engine. It helps describe how strong or fast a car's engine can be.
torque
"324 horsepower and 332 pound feet of torque is what it's quoted to produce."
Torque is the force that helps a car start moving and pull heavy things. More torque means the car can tow or carry heavier loads more easily.
Torque is a measure of rotational force produced by an engine, important for acceleration and towing ability. It indicates how much twisting force the engine can apply to the drivetrain.
towing capacity
"Ton of range, 529 miles per tank and a 6200 pound towing capacity."
Towing capacity tells you how much weight a car or truck can pull safely. If you want to pull a trailer or boat, you need a vehicle with enough towing capacity.
Towing capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely pull behind it. It is important for buyers who need to tow trailers, boats, or other heavy loads.
Tesla Model
"...interesting to me that topping the charts was the Tesla Model 3. And close behind was the Model Y."
The Tesla Model Y is a small SUV that runs only on electricity, so it doesn't use gas. Many people like it because it can go far on one charge and has cool tech inside.
The Tesla Model Y is a compact all-electric SUV that has quickly become one of the best-selling electric vehicles worldwide due to its range, performance, and technology. Its popularity often sparks discussions about the future of electric mobility.
Tesla Model 3
"It is interesting to me that topping the charts was the Tesla Model 3. And close behind was the Model Y."
The Tesla Model 3 is an electric car that runs on batteries instead of gas. It's known for being fast, having a long driving range, and lots of cool tech inside.
The Tesla Model 3 is a popular all-electric sedan known for its range, performance, and advanced technology features. It is one of Tesla's most affordable models and has played a significant role in popularizing electric vehicles.
Ford Mustang
"...on the luxury side. On the mass market side, the Mustang Mach-E is the leader. And then the Ioniq 6 from ..."
The Ford Mustang is a famous fast car from America. The Mustang Mach-E is a new version that is an electric SUV, meaning it runs on batteries instead of gas.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American sports car, and the Mustang Mach-E is its electric SUV counterpart that has gained attention for combining performance with electric power. It's significant for showing how traditional brands are moving into electric vehicles.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
"..., the Mustang Mach-E is the leader. And then the Ioniq 6 from Hyundai. And then EV9, what's your take on ..."
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a new electric car that looks nice and uses batteries instead of gas. It's made to be efficient and modern.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an electric sedan featuring sleek design and advanced technology, part of Hyundai's growing Ioniq EV lineup. It competes in the electric vehicle market with a focus on efficiency and style.
Kia EV9
"And then the Ioniq 6 from Hyundai. And then EV9, what's your take on this? Where is this all goi..."
The Kia EV9 is a new electric SUV that runs on batteries and is designed to be roomy and full of modern features. It's part of Kia's plan to make more electric cars.
The Kia EV9 is an upcoming all-electric SUV that aims to offer spaciousness and advanced technology, representing Kia's push into the electric vehicle market. It is part of the broader trend toward larger electric SUVs.
EV charging
"Charging, where do you live, that type of thing, how much it's going to cost."
Charging an EV means plugging it in to fill up its battery with electricity, like charging a phone. How easy and fast this happens depends on where you live and the charger type.
EV charging refers to the process of replenishing an electric vehicle's battery using electric power from a charging station or home charger. Charging speed and availability are key factors in EV adoption.
Hyundai Genesis
"...ry level model. And I drove an electric too, the Genesis GV60 and SUV and all wheel drive trim. So we'll ..."
Hyundai Genesis was a fancy version of Hyundai cars that had more features and felt more comfortable. It later became its own separate brand for luxury cars.
Hyundai Genesis was the luxury division of Hyundai before becoming its own brand, Genesis. It is known for offering premium features and quality at a competitive price point.
single motor
"It's a single motor. The range is about 230 maybe."
A single motor means the car has one electric motor that makes it move, usually powering just the back or front wheels.
A single motor electric vehicle uses one electric motor to drive either the rear or front wheels, which typically results in lower cost and simpler design compared to dual motor setups.
range
"The range is about 230 maybe. The thing that I don't like about it is they run everything through a center screen."
Range is how far the car can go before the battery runs out and you need to charge it again.
Range refers to the estimated distance an electric vehicle can travel on a full battery charge before needing to recharge.
center screen
"The thing that I don't like about it is they run everything through a center screen."
A center screen is a big touchscreen in the middle of the car that lets you control things like music, maps, and the temperature.
A center screen is a touchscreen display located in the middle of the car's dashboard that controls many vehicle functions such as navigation, media, climate control, and settings.
Toyota Chr
"...g to flock to it, but recently I was driving the Toyota CHR, the revival of that. And I think that starts ar..."
The Toyota C-HR is a small SUV that is easy to drive in the city and looks different from other cars. It's good for people who want a small, practical car.
The Toyota C-HR is a subcompact crossover SUV known for its distinctive styling and urban-friendly size. It is often discussed as an entry-level SUV option with good fuel efficiency.
Lexus
"If we ever see a premium brand on Lexus, I imagine it'll be more expensive than the Volvo EX30."
Lexus is the fancy, more expensive version of Toyota cars, with nicer materials and more features.
Lexus is Toyota's luxury vehicle division, offering premium cars with higher-end features, materials, and performance compared to Toyota-branded vehicles.
Volvo
"It does carry the Volvo name and kind of the aura of a Volvo."
Volvo is a car company from Sweden that makes cars known for being very safe and comfortable to drive.
Volvo is a Swedish automotive brand known for its focus on safety, Scandinavian design, and comfort. It produces a range of vehicles including sedans, SUVs, and wagons.
zero to 60
"zero to 60 in 3.6 seconds. I mean, kind of faster than it needs to be, to tell you the truth."
Zero to 60 means how fast a car can go from stopped to 60 miles per hour. It's a way to see how quick the car is.
Zero to 60 time refers to how long a vehicle takes to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to gauge a car's acceleration capability.
Nappa leather
"you sniff the nappa leather, and it's just good-looking all the way around."
Nappa leather is a very soft and nice type of leather used inside fancy cars to make the seats and surfaces feel nice.
Nappa leather is a high-quality, soft, and smooth leather often used in luxury car interiors. It provides a premium look and feel compared to standard leather.
frunk
"It has a one cubic foot frunk, so you kind of wonder why they bother with that."
A frunk is a storage space in the front of the car where the engine usually is. It's like a front trunk you can put things in.
A frunk is a front trunk in vehicles, especially electric cars, where the front area is used for storage instead of housing an engine. It provides additional cargo space.
Porsche 917
"...les an hour, but at Le Mans, Vic Alfred's Porsche 917 raged down the Mulsin Strait at 248 miles per ho..."
The Porsche 917 is a very fast race car from the past that won big races and could go super fast on the track. People still talk about it because it was one of the best race cars ever made.
The Porsche 917 is a legendary race car famous for its dominance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the early 1970s, reaching speeds over 240 mph. It is often discussed for its historical significance and engineering excellence in motorsport.
Ferrari 512
"...our. The racing pit of the Porsche 917 versus the Ferrari 512, the fastest road racing ever, and road and trac..."
The Ferrari 512 M is an old, very fast race car that competed against other famous cars in big races. People remember it because it was one of the fastest and most exciting cars on the track.
The Ferrari 512 M is a classic race car from the early 1970s known for its rivalry with the Porsche 917 in endurance racing. It is celebrated for its speed and role in motorsport history.
Cherokee nameplate
"With the expert on that vehicle, Mike Cockle is director of the Jeep Cherokee Nameplate. Wow, what a cool title. That's cool. It is a cool title. Thank you."
A nameplate is the name a car company gives to a type of car. Cherokee is the name Jeep has used for one of their SUVs for a long time.
A nameplate refers to the model name used by a manufacturer for a line of vehicles. The Cherokee nameplate has been used by Jeep for over 50 years, representing a key part of their SUV lineup.
mid-size SUV
"It is a super important vehicle for us because we're returning to a segment that we created. The mid-size SUV,"
A mid-size SUV is a medium-sized car that can carry people and stuff, and sometimes can drive off-road. It's bigger than small SUVs but not as big as the biggest ones.
A mid-size SUV is a category of sport utility vehicles that are larger than compact SUVs but smaller than full-size SUVs. They balance passenger comfort, cargo space, and off-road capability.
Cherokee Xj Cherokee
"... did. So in the early 80s, when we launched that XJ Cherokee, that is really considered to be the originator o..."
The Cherokee is a type of SUV that became popular in the 1980s because it could drive off-road but was also good for regular use. It helped make SUVs popular with many people.
The Cherokee, especially the early 1980s XJ model, is considered the originator of the modern compact SUV, blending off-road capability with everyday usability. It is significant for shaping the SUV market as we know it.
Dodge Journey
"...rd. And it's something that we're starting a new journey here with this vehicle. The old Cherokee, the Ch..."
The Dodge Journey is a medium-sized SUV that was popular because it was not too expensive and could carry families. However, it is older and not as modern as newer cars.
The Dodge Journey is a midsize crossover SUV that was known for its affordability and practicality but has become outdated compared to newer models. It is sometimes referenced when discussing older or budget SUVs.
miles per gallon (MPG)
"...I mean, if you got 500 miles of range, you know, that's that's terrific. And 37 miles per gallon fuel economy, I think something..."
Miles per gallon tells you how far your car can go with one gallon of gas. The higher the number, the less often you need to fill up.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of how many miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. It is a common way to express fuel efficiency.
Jeep Compass
"...e a little confusing. Yeah, sure. So we have our compass that is our entry into the Jeep brand and into t..."
The Jeep Compass is a smaller SUV that is good for people who want a Jeep but don't need a big or very rough off-road car. It is comfortable for everyday driving.
The Jeep Compass is an entry-level compact SUV that introduces buyers to the Jeep brand with a balance of on-road comfort and some off-road capability. It is often seen as a gateway to more rugged Jeep models.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
"...nd ultimately, we'd like to see them move to our Grand Wagoneer as well. And the reverse happens as well, where m..."
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a big, fancy SUV that can go off-road but is also very comfortable and has lots of space inside for people and things.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a full-size luxury SUV that combines rugged off-road capability with premium features and spaciousness. It represents Jeep's move into the high-end SUV market.
station wagon
"Are station wagons making a comeback or is that just wishful thinking? Your thoughts? I think it's wishful thinking. There still is a place. The Europeans still offer some station wagons. They call them touring."
A station wagon is a type of car that looks like a regular car but has a bigger back part to carry more stuff. They used to be very popular but now many people prefer SUVs instead.
A station wagon is a car body style featuring an extended rear cargo area with a rear door or hatch, combining passenger and cargo space. While popular in the past, their sales have declined with the rise of SUVs, though some markets like Europe still offer them, often called 'touring' models.
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