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Jeep's Toyota Secret, MSRP Is a Lie & Why Your Car's Legroom Numbers Are Wrong

Jeep's Toyota Secret, MSRP Is a Lie & Why Your Car's Legroom Numbers Are Wrong

Auto Buyers Guide Podcast Jun 01, 2026 75 min
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About this episode

Jeep’s hybrid tech gets traced back to Toyota—right down to “planetary power split” architecture and Toyota-derived regen behavior—while the hosts challenge how outlets test prototypes and how “0-to-60” and MPG results can swing with tires and setup. The episode then pivots to why MSRP comparisons are misleading: discounts, markups, and even residual-value math can flip the story. Finally, legroom and cargo specs are unpacked, showing how SAE measurement geometry and seat-position choices can make published numbers feel wrong.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Car

Dodge Ram

"...talking about them? What's up with Jeep Dodge and Ram and a whole lot more in this episode. Let's just ..."

The Dodge Ram is a pickup truck. It’s made for tasks like towing and hauling, not just everyday driving. The podcast mentions it while talking about what people should consider in the truck lineup.

Term

transmission shifts

"He's like, oh, I don't like the way the transmission feels. [61.7s] I don't like the way the transmission shifts. [63.4s] It's just not as good as the Toyota one."

When people talk about “transmission shifts,” they mean the moments when the car changes gears. The segment is saying the shift feel in this Cherokee hybrid doesn’t match what the listener expects from Toyota.

Term

regen-breaking

"And I was like, buddy, that is the Toyota one. [74.2s] In fact, the regen-breaking programming and like it is, it is all Toyota."

Regen-breaking is a feature where the car slows down using its electric motor. Instead of wasting that energy, it helps recharge the battery, and it can change how the car feels when you take your foot off the gas.

Company

Blue Nexus

"Fun fact, Stellantis Jeep's parent company, Inc. [82.3s] to deal with Blue Nexus, which is the mechanism by which Toyota and their partner companies [87.7s] are selling hybrid tech around the world, sort of at an arms distance."

Blue Nexus is mentioned as the way Toyota shares or distributes hybrid technology to partner companies. In other words, it’s part of how Toyota hybrid know-how can end up in non-Toyota vehicles.

Term

drivetrain

"they will do things like they will [111.8s] sell you the entire drivetrain, basically what they're doing with Mazda, the whole [115.7s] kit and caboodle made in a Toyota factory, or they will license bits and even let you"

The drivetrain is everything that transfers power to the wheels. It’s the “power delivery system” of the car.

Term

kit and caboodle

"basically what they're doing with Mazda, the whole [115.7s] kit and caboodle made in a Toyota factory, or they will license bits and even let you [120.5s] build them in your own factory."

It’s an expression meaning “the whole package.” Here, they’re saying Toyota can provide everything needed, not just pieces.

Company

Stellantis

"the transmission [127.6s] is being built to Toyota specifications in a Stellantis factory, sort of like the ZF [135.3s] arrangement they have, with parts sourced from Blue Nexus and the design sourced from"

Stellantis is a big car company that makes and assembles vehicles. Here, it’s mentioned because the drivetrain parts are made in a Stellantis factory.

Term

inverters

"the motors, the inverters, the control systems, all of that jazz is actually coming directly [152.9s] from Isen and Denso going to the Stellantis factory where they assemble it into a custom"

An inverter is the electronics box that turns battery power into the right kind of electricity for the electric motor. Without it, the motor can’t run.

Term

mechanical all-wheel drive system

"assemble it into a custom [158.3s] case to mate with their engine and their mechanical all-wheel drive system. [162.4s] And it's a..."

All-wheel drive means power goes to all four wheels. A mechanical system does that using physical drivetrain parts, not just electronics.

Term

planetary power split system

"that Toyota and Isen used for their planetary power split system. [188.2s] Only they did it themselves and they licensed the patents from PACE."

This is a hybrid transmission design that uses gears to share power between the gas engine and the electric motor. It helps the car decide how much power comes from each source.

Brand

Toyota

"Just FYI, everybody out there, the patents are not Toyota's patents because Toyota effectively [196.2s] licenses them from PACE as well."

Toyota is the automaker being compared here. The host is saying Toyota’s hybrid tech and related patents are part of what other companies are building on.

Brand

GM Voltex system

"So Ford, Toyota, the GM Voltex system, they all operate on a similar principle and lots [204.0s] of patent arrangements are whirling around out there."

This is GM’s named hybrid/drive system. The host is using it as an example of how different automakers can use similar ideas but implement them differently.

Brand

Ford

"So Ford, Toyota, the GM Voltex system, they all operate on a similar principle and lots [204.0s] of patent arrangements are whirling around out there."

Ford is mentioned as another car company involved in similar hybrid technology discussions. The host is grouping it with other brands to explain how the tech and patents are shared.

Term

patent arrangements

"So Ford, Toyota, the GM Voltex system, they all operate on a similar principle and lots [204.0s] of patent arrangements are whirling around out there."

Patent arrangements are legal agreements about who is allowed to use certain inventions. In car tech, they can explain why different brands’ systems end up looking similar.

Term

hybrid system

"And even though the hybrid system is from Blue Nexus, they kind of Jeepified it because [212.6s] instead of using an electric motor at the rear axle, this does have a drivetrain going [219.0s] to the rear axle."

A hybrid system uses both a gas engine and electricity to help move the car. Depending on how it’s set up, the electric part can assist the gas engine and sometimes improve efficiency.

Term

rear axle

"instead of using an electric motor at the rear axle, this does have a drivetrain going [219.0s] to the rear axle. [219.9s] So it has a little bit more off-road capability."

The rear axle is what delivers power to the rear wheels. If the car sends power to the rear wheels differently, it can change how well it grips and how capable it feels off-road.

Term

1.6 liter turbo four engine

"I believe this is the first, maybe not the first, but it's a 1.6 liter turbo four engine [240.2s] from a lot of Pujo Citroen products, which is kind of interesting."

This is a small four-cylinder gas engine (1.6 liters) with a turbo. The turbo helps it make more power than you’d expect from a small engine.

Brand

Pujo Citroen

"I believe this is the first, maybe not the first, but it's a 1.6 liter turbo four engine [240.2s] from a lot of Pujo Citroen products, which is kind of interesting."

“Pujo Citroen” is referring to Peugeot and Citroën. The host is saying this same kind of 1.6-liter turbo engine shows up in those brands’ cars too.

Term

torque

"It's like 210 horsepower and they do quote the torque here. [247.9s] It's 230 pound feet, 0 to 16, about 8.4 ish seconds is what I got from 0 to 60."

Torque is the engine’s twisting force. More torque usually helps the car feel quicker, especially when you’re starting from a stop or pulling at lower speeds.

Term

0 to 60

"It's 230 pound feet, 0 to 16, about 8.4 ish seconds is what I got from 0 to 60. [255.3s] And it is the same like planetary gear set system that Toyota would use. [260.2s] We definitely got a faster 0 to 60 time, which is interesting."

“0 to 60” measures how fast a car accelerates from a stop to 60 mph. Different tests can produce slightly different times, even for the same car.

Term

planetary gear set system

"And it is the same like planetary gear set system that Toyota would use. [260.2s] We definitely got a faster 0 to 60 time, which is interesting."

A planetary gear set is a type of gearbox inside the drivetrain. It helps the car multiply torque and send power to the wheels efficiently, especially in hybrid systems.

Term

off-road course

"Motor Trend then decided to put it on an off-road course, even though later Jeep was real clear that this is not the off-road model... Those are aerodynamic panels and they took it on this course and then ripped them off course and then we're complaining about that."

An off-road course is a track or route built to challenge a car with rough terrain. The hosts are saying the test setup didn’t match what Jeep said the vehicle was meant to be.

Term

aero panels underneath

"Then Motor Trend tried to say that the aero panels underneath the Cherokee were like underbody protection and underbody cladding. They were not."

These are parts under the car that help the air flow smoothly underneath. The hosts are saying they weren’t meant as simple protection panels—they were there to improve efficiency, and the test ripped them off.

Term

low rolling resistant street tires

"And it's on regular low rolling resistant street tires. Good friend of ours up in the Pacific Northwest also did an off-road test and comparison with a woodland RAV4."

Low rolling resistance tires are made to make the car easier to roll along. That can help gas mileage, and in this story it affects how the vehicle performs on the test route.

Concept

on-road mall crawler

"So I will say full disclosure, this Cherokee that we have now is an on-road mall crawler. This is not meant to go to the off-road park exactly..."

A “mall crawler” is a joking way to describe an SUV that’s mostly meant for regular roads, not real off-roading. The hosts are saying this Cherokee is more about daily practicality than going off-road.

Term

E-axle setup

"This is not meant to go to the off-road park exactly, although the all-wheel drive system is going to feel more traditional in snow than an E-axle setup."

An e-axle setup uses an electric motor to help drive the wheels. The hosts are comparing how that kind of electric torque delivery can feel different from a more traditional AWD system, especially in snow.

Term

miles per gallon

"it still feels Jeep enough that you're like, Hey, I got a Jeep, even though it's the one that's going to get you the best miles per gallon for sure, it's going to be your daily driver."

Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how efficiently a car uses gas. The hosts are saying this Cherokee should get the best MPG for daily commuting.

Term

fuel efficiency loop

"It's also like the least Jeep of them all. [404.0s] But it gets 38 miles per gallon. [405.7s] That's what we averaged in our fuel efficiency loop."

A “fuel efficiency loop” is a consistent driving route the hosts use to measure gas mileage. They use it so the results are comparable between cars and can be checked against the EPA numbers.

Term

EPA

"So that was slightly above EPA, not RAV4 above EPA because RAV4 is, you know, in our test [413.5s] loop is like 43, 44, so it's punched actually decently above its EPA number."

EPA is the U.S. agency that sets the official fuel-economy test numbers you see on car labels. The hosts are saying their testing sometimes gets better mileage than the EPA estimate.

Term

zero to 60 testing

"Not sure why my zero to 60 times have been slower than you guys and some other people lately. "

“Zero to 60” is a simple acceleration test: how fast the car goes from 0 to 60 mph. They’re saying their times have been slower than other people’s, which can happen depending on conditions and testing.

Term

limited trim

"At least the one I'm driving is the limited trim. It's $45,000, doesn't have ventilated seats, doesn't have a 360 degree camera."

A “trim” is the version of a car with a specific set of features. “Limited” usually means a more optioned-up version than the base model, but it still may not include every luxury feature.

Term

ventilated seats

"It's $45,000, doesn't have ventilated seats, doesn't have a 360 degree camera. I know it's a hybrid."

Ventilated seats have small fans that blow air through the seat so you don’t get as hot. It’s like built-in cooling for your body while you drive.

Term

360 degree camera

"It's $45,000, doesn't have ventilated seats, doesn't have a 360 degree camera. I know it's a hybrid."

A 360-degree camera shows a stitched view of the car from above. It helps you park and avoid hitting things when you’re moving slowly.

Term

tape measure

"I think is the problem because visually, I agree. It doesn't look bigger inside, but the tape measure doesn't lie."

They’re basically saying: don’t trust how big the cabin looks—measure it. A tape measure can show whether there’s actually enough space for passengers.

Term

SAE measures legroom

"Legroom figures, the way that the SAE measures legroom, it is only one inch more than the RAV4. [605.1s] But this is where we probably ought to dive into legroom because this is a perfect example."

SAE is the organization that sets the rules for how car companies measure legroom. The test uses a specific “dummy” body position and a straight-line measurement, then adds a fixed amount, which can make the number not match real life.

Term

hip point

"Well, what we do or what manufacturers do is they measure from the hip point to the ankle point in a straight line. [648.6s] So in the back seat, they literally put a dummy in the car or use a calculated dummy measure."

The hip point is a fixed spot used by the measurement standard to represent where your hips would be. It’s part of the official legroom calculation, so it can affect the number even if your legs feel different.

Term

ankle point

"they measure from the hip point to the ankle hinge point in a straight line, [659.7s] as if it could be measured through the seat."

The ankle point is a specific spot the test uses to represent where your feet/ankles would be. Since the measurement is based on these fixed points, the published legroom number may not match what you feel when you sit down.

Term

rear leg room

"And it can be set at a calculated 40 inches for that measurement in the rear to be taken. Or it can be all the way back... to then measure the rear leg room."

Rear legroom is how much space back-seat passengers have for their legs. The number can change depending on where the front seat is moved during measurement.

Term

front leg room

"Or it can be wherever the front leg room has been measured, which is typically all the way back, because car companies want to advertise. I've got 44 inches of front leg room, right?"

Front legroom is how much room your legs have in the front seat. The tricky part is that the reported number can depend on where the seat is set during testing.

Car

Honda Crv

"Which is why when you hop in a Honda CR-V and then you hop in a Ford Escape, you think, my God, this Ford Escape is not as big as a CR-V."

The Honda CR-V is the example the host uses to show how legroom can feel different in practice. They’re saying published “legroom inches” can be measured in a way that makes cars seem equal on paper.

Car

Ford Escape

"Which is why when you hop in a Honda CR-V and then you hop in a Ford Escape, you think, my God, this Ford Escape is not as big as a CR-V. But you look at the numbers and the presto, it looks as big as a CR-V."

The Ford Escape is the comparison car in this segment. The host’s point is that the “legroom inches” you see for it may come from a test setup that makes the car look bigger than it feels.

Car

Volvo EX60

"hosted for Alex with the Volvo EX60, the Volvo EX60 is 189.1 inches long. The Volvo EX60 is that long."

This is Volvo’s EX60. The host is talking about how the car’s published size should line up with how much room it has inside, especially for legroom.

Car

Volvo EXC60

"The EXC60, the gas one, is only 185.4 inches long. The wheelbase is 116.9 on the EXC60 versus 112.8 on the EXC60."

This is the gas version of Volvo’s EX60 family, called the EXC60. The host compares it to the electric EX60 to question whether the published legroom numbers make sense.

Term

wheelbase

"The wheelbase is 116.9 on the EXC60 versus 112.8 on the EXC60. So there is zero chance in AT double hockey sticks that the EX60, the electric one,"

Wheelbase is the car’s “front-to-back” measurement between the wheels. A longer wheelbase usually helps designers fit more interior space, including legroom.

Term

leg room measurements

"However, if you look at the leg room measurements that I gave them, and you know, it's funny because I'm in Europe driving this car,"

Legroom measurements are the published numbers that try to describe how much space you have for your legs. The host says the way they’re measured can make two cars look different (or the same) even if the real-world feel is different.

Concept

straight line calculated measure

"because since it's this in straight line calculated measure, like from the tips of these two pencils in a straight line."

The host is saying some legroom specs are measured as a straight-line distance on paper. That can miss how your legs really fit when you sit normally, so the number may not match what you feel.

Car

Toyota 4Runner

"which is part of why like the old Tacomas and forerunners felt really cramped inside, even though some of their leg room numbers seemed big,"

The Toyota 4Runner is an SUV. The host uses it as another example that the official legroom numbers don’t always predict how much space you’ll actually feel.

Term

SAE 1100 standard

"And it's also important to remember that these measurements, the SAE 1100 standard, [883.8s] was designed in a world of exclusively sedans. [887.1s] So all the reference images for how you do this calculation,"

SAE J1100 is a set of rules for how car makers measure “legroom” so the numbers are supposed to be comparable. The catch is that the method was created with sedans in mind, so it doesn’t always match how space feels in SUVs. That’s why two cars can show similar numbers but feel different in the back seat.

Term

power reclining rear seat

"And in the Volvo, all of them have a power reclining rear seat that you can control on the door. [950.8s] So you could literally go like this and give yourself more leg room."

A power reclining rear seat is a back seat that you can tilt/recline using buttons or controls, not by hand. In this case, the host says you can do it from the door. Reclining can change how much room you have behind the seat, which affects how legroom feels.

Term

cargo room

"And it was the same with cargo room. That's another one where they mess up all the time because they said based on the numbers"

Cargo room is how much stuff you can fit in the back of a car. The problem is that companies measure it in different ways, so the numbers on paper don’t always mean the same thing.

Car

Volvo XC60

"that there were certain measurements where the XC60 was bigger and it for sure was not."

The Volvo XC60 is an SUV, and the host is saying its cargo-space number can be confusing. The reason is that different measurement rules can make one car look bigger on paper than it really is.

Car

BMW X5

"The reason that like X5 seems like it has such a tiny cargo area compared to some is because BMW tends to use the European measurement"

The BMW X5 is an SUV, and the point here is that its cargo-space number can look smaller on paper. That’s because the measurement rules can differ by region, not necessarily because the trunk is actually worse.

Term

European measurement

"The reason that like X5 seems like it has such a tiny cargo area compared to some is because BMW tends to use the European measurement and they just convert it to cubic feet and just throw it at us."

Different regions use different rules for measuring cargo space. If a car is measured one way in Europe and then converted for the U.S., the published number can look smaller or bigger than you’d expect.

Term

cubic feet

"because BMW tends to use the European measurement and they just convert it to cubic feet and just throw it at us."

Cubic feet is just a way to measure volume—how much space there is. If two companies measure differently, their cubic-feet numbers can look different even if the space is similar.

Term

SAE mixed set of various different boxes

"You can either use the standard set of boxes like little tiny square boxes or an SAE mixed set of various different boxes that you stuff in there."

SAE is a set of measurement rules. Instead of just estimating, they use test boxes of different sizes to figure out how much real-world cargo space a car has.

Car

BMW 3 Series

"I believe there was actually a day that I remember where every BMW trunk just got smaller. They updated their press site and every BMW trunk, I think the three series had like 17.3 cubic feet"

The BMW 3 Series is a popular sedan, and the host says BMW’s published trunk space number changed after an update to their press info. That can happen because the measurement method or reporting standard changed, not because the trunk suddenly got smaller.

Car

Subaru Outback

"Cherokee reminds me more of the outback in a way than a RAV4, just the format of it. Well, that's kind of what I meant about the short roof line. It feels much more wagony than I would have anticipated."

The Subaru Outback is a crossover SUV that’s shaped like a wagon and is popular for road trips and rougher roads. The hosts are saying the Cherokee’s styling/shape feels closer to that vibe than to a more typical SUV.

Term

trail-rated

"They did tease a trail-rated version, though. Oh, yes. They did tease like a trail."

“Trail-rated” is a label that means the vehicle is set up to handle off-road trails better than a basic street SUV. It usually implies tougher off-road features and testing.

Term

trailhawk

"They didn't call it a trailhawk, but they basically said it's going to be the trailhawk. You can't not call it a trailhawk at this point unless it's really not up to snuff."

Trailhawk is a Jeep trim that’s meant to be more capable off-road than regular versions. The hosts are saying the new teased model is basically that Trailhawk style of package.

Term

two-wheel drive

"there was an era where Wranglers came as two-wheel drive vehicles by default."

Two-wheel drive means the car only powers two wheels instead of all four. It usually makes off-road traction worse than four-wheel drive on dirt, snow, or mud.

Car

Jeep Wrangler

"but then I reminded myself there was an era where Wranglers came as two-wheel drive vehicles by default."

The Jeep Wrangler is the Jeep most known for off-roading. The host is saying that in the past, Wranglers could be sold in a simpler two-wheel-drive form, not just the hardcore off-road kind.

Car

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

"we have vehicles like Grand Wagoneer, which they've said there is never going to be a trail-rated version of this thing."

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a big, more luxury-style Jeep SUV. The host is saying that even though it can have four-wheel drive, it’s not really the kind of vehicle people think of for tight, serious off-road trails.

Term

four-wheel drive system

"It has a four-wheel drive system, but it is way too big for a trail."

Four-wheel drive powers all four wheels, which helps grip on rough or slippery ground. But the host is pointing out that being 4WD doesn’t automatically mean it’s good for off-road trails.

Car

Jeep Renegade

"Like, was the Renegade a real Jeep in whatever context you want to capture it in?"

The Jeep Renegade is a smaller Jeep SUV. The host is using it to question whether a Jeep has to be truly off-road-capable to be considered a “real Jeep.”

Car

Lamborghini Urus

"It's the same folks who are really upset about the Lamborghini Urus, right? Like, oh, that's not a Lamborghini."

The Lamborghini Urus is Lamborghini’s SUV. Some fans dislike it because it’s not the traditional low-slung supercar shape Lamborghini is known for.

Car

Jeep Wagoneer

"So, you know, they basically were a brand with Wrangler, and they had Wagoneer, which then turned into Cherokee, which turned into Grand Cherokee."

The Jeep Wagoneer is a classic Jeep SUV. The host is using it to explain how Jeep’s SUV lineup evolved over time into models like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.

Car

Jeep Grand Cherokee

"which then turned into Cherokee, which turned into Grand Cherokee. And it's an interesting progression there. But there was some theory at the beginning that Grand Cherokee was going to replace Cherokee."

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of Jeep’s biggest, more upscale SUVs. The host is saying it was a big breakthrough for Jeep and helped the brand grow a lot.

Term

body-on-frame

"they had that if you pick up trucks, they had a body-on-frame thing that was big and a body-on-frame thing that was small. And that was that was kind of it with Jeep."

Body-on-frame means the car’s body sits on a separate heavy frame, kind of like a truck. The host is saying Jeep used that traditional setup, especially in its pickup-style roots.

Car

Jeep Aspen

"instead of making a Jeep or an SUV for Chrysler, they tried once upon a time with an Aspen,"

The Jeep Aspen is a Jeep SUV model. The host brings it up as an example of Jeep trying a more upscale SUV approach when SUVs were becoming popular.

Company

Stalantis

"And it sort of makes sense because there are very few standalone or limited brand [1360.8s] dealerships for Stalantis in North America. [1363.0s] By and large, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram are all sold at the same dealership."

Stellantis is a big car company that owns multiple brands. The host is saying their dealerships often sell several of those brands under one roof, which changes how easy it is to compare SUVs.

Car

Dodge Avenger

"... shit ton. So I mean, they've got they've got the Avenger internationally in the U.S., almost overlapping i..."

The Dodge Avenger is a car model that’s been sold as a sedan. The podcast mentions it because the same name and model can show up differently depending on the country. That can matter when you’re comparing listings or trying to identify the right car.

Car

Jeep Avenger

"So I mean, they've got they've got the Avenger internationally in the U.S., [1376.1s] almost overlapping in the segment. [1378.0s] We have Wagoneer S. We have the the EV thing, the Recon."

The Jeep Avenger is a smaller Jeep SUV. The host is using it to show that Jeep has multiple SUVs that compete with each other in the same general market.

Car

Jeep Wagoneer S

"We have Wagoneer S. We have the the EV thing, the Recon. [1382.2s] We have the Cherokee and we have the Compass and the Grand Cherokee, [1386.1s] which are all actually really close in size."

The Wagoneer S is another Jeep SUV in their lineup. The host mentions it to illustrate that Jeep has several SUVs that end up competing with each other.

Car

Jeep Compass

"We have the Cherokee and we have the Compass and the Grand Cherokee, [1386.1s] which are all actually really close in size. [1388.9s] In fact, Cherokee is closer to Grand Cherokee in size than it is to RAV4."

The Jeep Compass is a smaller SUV in Jeep’s lineup. The host mentions it to show Jeep has several SUVs that can overlap and confuse shoppers who are trying to pick one size/price point.

Term

electric

"we're going to get a gasoline powered Recon instead of just the electric Recon."

“Electric” means the car is powered mainly by a battery and an electric motor. The host is saying they’re not sure enough people are ready for that yet.

Concept

capture different markets

"sell two vehicles of like the same size and price, you know, but just capture different markets."

This means selling different versions of cars to appeal to different types of buyers. The host is suggesting Jeep could do that by offering similar-sized vehicles but aimed at different customer tastes.

Car

Mazda Cx50

"...ed and cool and boxy like how Mazda did with CX5, CX50. I think that would be a winning strategy with it..."

The Mazda CX-50 is a compact crossover SUV. It’s designed to look more rugged and “boxy” than some other crossovers. The podcast mentions it because they think that style and approach could attract buyers.

Car

Jeep Commander

"The commander, as I recall, is what it's called over there. It's a little three row thing."

The Jeep Commander is a Jeep with three rows of seats. The point here is that Jeep sells different versions of its SUVs in different countries, so the lineup you see at home may not match what’s sold elsewhere.

Term

V8 only strategy

"He says, we have a V8 only strategy on Durango. Now, we violate that on a regular basis and build some of them with Pentastars."

A “V8 only strategy” means the company wants that SUV to be sold only with a V8 engine. Here they’re saying they can’t always do that because there aren’t enough V8 engines to go around.

Car

Dodge Durango

"He says, we have a V8 only strategy on Durango. Now, we violate that on a regular basis and build some of them with Pentastars."

The Dodge Durango is a big SUV with three rows. The hosts are saying the company can’t always build it with a V8 because V8 engines are in short supply, so they sometimes use a different engine instead.

Term

Pentastars

"Now, we violate that on a regular basis and build some of them with Pentastars."

“Pentastar” is the name for a certain type of V6 engine used in some Stellantis vehicles. The point here is that if V8s aren’t available, they may put this V6 in the Durango instead.

Term

cylinder shortage

"There's a cylinder shortage as you were there. There's a cylinder shortage."

A “cylinder shortage” here means the company can’t get enough of the engines they want—specifically V8 engines. So they sometimes have to use a different engine until supply catches up.

Car

Jeep Durango

"And so so apparently that's why there are occasionally some some Durango V6 is poking out here and there. But Grand Cherokee, then in this sort of same breath, he said Grand Cherokee isn't getting a Hemi reboot because it's not refined enough."

The Jeep Durango is a family SUV with room for more than two people. They’re just referencing that some Durangos are coming with a V6 engine.

Term

Hemi reboot

"But Grand Cherokee, then in this sort of same breath, he said Grand Cherokee isn't getting a Hemi reboot because it's not refined enough. So odd because when I drove the four cylinder Grand Cherokee, you know what I instantly didn't think of?"

“Hemi” is a nickname for a specific type of engine design that’s often used in performance cars. “Reboot” means they’re talking about updating or bringing that engine back in a newer form.

Term

Hurricane six

"Yeah, it's that's all that's left right as the hurricane. Yeah, the hurricane six. Yeah, because obviously the four is also a hurricane."

“Hurricane” is the name they use for a newer engine family. The “Hurricane six” means the six-cylinder version, and the host is saying it feels better and is the one to choose if you want more power.

Term

Hurricane four

"Yeah, the hurricane six. Yeah, because obviously the four is also a hurricane. So yeah, the hurricane four is okay."

“Hurricane four” means the four-cylinder version of that newer engine line. The host is basically saying it’s fine, but it won’t feel as strong as the six-cylinder.

Term

Hellcat

"I just wrote a story about this, that all of those amazing Rumblebee trucks that they just came out, save for the SRT, the Hellcat one, are all slower than the hurricane ones."

Hellcat is a name Jeep/Dodge uses for a very high-power performance setup. The host is saying it’s the one that’s not “slower” like the other versions being discussed.

Car

Challenger Hellcat

"...ks that they just came out, save for the SRT, the Hellcat one, are all slower than the hurricane ones."

The Dodge Challenger is a muscle car made for strong acceleration. The podcast talks about how some newer Challenger versions are slower than other high-performance versions, with exceptions like the SRT and Hellcat. It’s basically a performance comparison within the Challenger lineup.

Term

inline six

"But at the end of the day, the numbers are better. It just doesn't go quite as well. They call it the whoosh bee. I think they just need to work on a better exhaust because BMW is really the only one that has a decent exhaust sound with their inline six."

An inline six is an engine with six cylinders lined up in a row. It’s often praised for being smooth and having good pull at lower speeds.

Car

BMW B58

"There's something about it. Like the B58 is a stupendous motor. I mean, but you look at it, they're getting what, 550 horsepower out of the hurricane. Oh, yeah. BMW is getting 382."

The BMW B58 is a specific BMW engine (a turbo inline-six). People like it because it makes strong power and tends to feel really well matched to the car’s driving setup.

Term

horsepower

"I mean, but you look at it, they're getting what, 550 horsepower out of the hurricane. Oh, yeah. BMW is getting 382. But yeah, the sound of a B58 is tough to beat."

Horsepower is a way to describe how much power an engine makes. Higher horsepower usually means the engine can push the car harder, especially at higher speeds.

Car

Dodge Charger

"And I even like the charger. I've driven both versions now, the RT and the the Scat Pack. And I think it's a great car."

The Charger RT is a higher-performance version of the Dodge Charger. The host is comparing how it drives and sounds versus the even stronger Scat Pack.

Car

BMW M3

"...ound bad. But it definitely doesn't sound like an M3 or an M340i. They just need some extra tuning."

The BMW M3 is a sporty, high-performance BMW sedan. People talk about it a lot because it’s designed to feel fast and sound distinctive. The episode mentions it because they’re comparing how something sounds to what an M3 should sound like.

Term

digital augmentation

"Maybe they also need to go down the BMW rabbit hole of a little bit of digital augmentation on the sound."

It means the car uses software to change the sound you hear. Sometimes it’s done with speakers so the engine sounds more exciting than it really does.

Term

V8 soundtrack over a V6

"Not, not Ford, where they're playing a V8 soundtrack over a V6. That's wrong."

They’re complaining that the car sounds like it has a bigger engine than it really does. It’s like fake engine noise that doesn’t match the actual engine.

Term

V6 over the four cylinder

"Or an infinity doing a V6 over the four cylinder. Yeah."

They’re saying the car’s noise is made to sound like a V6, but the engine is actually a smaller four-cylinder. That can make the sound feel fake or off.

Car

Jeep Gladiator

"So last week we thought it was going to be smaller, smaller than a gladiator. It is not. It looks like it's actually going to be about the same length as a gladiator"

The Jeep Gladiator is Jeep’s pickup truck. It has a cab for passengers and a separate cargo bed in the back. Here, they’re using it as a size reference for the new scrambler’s layout.

Term

two door four seat

"Wait, it's a two door, but there's rear seats. Yes. Two door four seat."

“Two door four seat” means there are only two doors to get in, but it can still seat four people. It usually also means the back seat area may be a bit tight compared with a four-door setup.

Term

jump seats

"You know, so I don't understand that one, but it, what it sounds like is that we have some more jump seats in the back."

Jump seats are smaller back seats meant for occasional riders. They’re usually not as roomy or comfortable as the main front seats or a full-size rear bench.

Topic

Easter Jeep Safari

"Cause I literally on Easter Jeep Safari doesn't sound like it's any shorter though."

Easter Jeep Safari is a yearly Jeep off-road event where people show off new Jeep ideas and gear. They’re referencing it to talk about what kind of vehicle setup they saw or expected.

Term

break over

"So the break over is probably going to be the same... No, no, but maybe the wheelbase can be."

Break-over angle is how well a vehicle can go over a hump without the bottom scraping. A higher break-over angle usually means better clearance over bumps.

Term

approach

"So the break over is probably going to be the same... that's the one thing where a gladiator just cannot cause it has the same approach as a wrangler."

Approach angle is how well a vehicle can drive up a steep obstacle without scraping the front. A bigger approach angle usually means less chance of hitting the bumper or bottom.

Term

locking fronts and rears and a center

"anybody that thinks the wrangler is like, you know, God's gift to off-roading. Yes, it does have locking fronts and rears and a center, et cetera."

A locking differential helps the wheels keep turning together when traction is uneven. With front, rear, and a center lock, the vehicle can stay moving even if one axle or wheel is slipping.

Car

Toyota RAV4 Limited

"A RAV4 limited is going to be $44,895. And we also had a Cherokee limited with an MSRP of around $449, I think. So basically $45,000."

The Toyota RAV4 Limited is a higher trim level of the RAV4. The host is comparing its sticker price to what people typically pay in practice.

Term

MSRP discount

"And Jeep's average MSRP discount, depending on the model, runs between 3% and 15%. With Cherokee running around 10%. So you're going to be getting almost five grand off your Cherokee."

An MSRP discount is how much cheaper the car is compared to its sticker price. The host is using those discount percentages to estimate what a Cherokee Limited might cost in real life.

Concept

compare MSRP to MSRP

"Is it fair to compare MSRP to MSRP because that theoretically changes less frequently?"

The host is questioning whether it’s fair to compare cars using MSRP-to-MSRP, since MSRP is just a published starting point. The underlying idea is that shoppers should consider how discounts and transaction prices differ, not only the sticker price.

Term

discounts

"Or is it fairer to use a 12 month average on discounts when we're talking about comparisons? Because bottom line is there's probably no one that is going to pay full price for a Jeep Cherokee in the US."

Here, “discounts” means how much cheaper the dealer sells the car compared to the sticker price. They’re discussing whether you should compare cars using recent discounts or an average over time.

Term

plug in hybrid

"And if you want to plug in hybrid, it looks like those are going for 5% to 8% over MSRP. It does look like though the RAV4 limited is a nicer equipped vehicle though than this Cherokee limited that I'm in though."

A plug-in hybrid is a car that uses both a gas engine and an electric motor, and you can charge it by plugging it in. The hosts are saying those versions cost more than the regular versions.

Term

360 camera

"Because I think this RAV4 limited has ventilated seats, would have a 360 camera, would have some things that we don't have. I'm not sure if it would have a panoramic roof or if you would have to add that."

A 360 camera gives you a view around the car, often like a bird’s-eye picture. It helps with parking and tight spots, and the hosts are using it to compare features.

Term

panoramic roof

"I'm not sure if it would have a panoramic roof or if you would have to add that. It has a wood. It looks like it would."

A panoramic roof is a big glass section on the roof that lets in more light. The hosts are checking whether that feature is included on the RAV4 they’re comparing.

Term

head up color display

"You can add a head up color display for $600. So for about the same money, you're getting a lot more because there is. Well, it's not about the same money."

A head-up display shows important info on the windshield, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road. They’re saying it’s an option that can raise the car’s price.

Term

panoramic moon roof

"So if I price that out here, you could add heated seats, but no panoramic moon roof... because you'd have to add the panoramic moon roof, which would get you more expensive than the Jeep."

A panoramic moon roof is a big glass roof section that lets more light into the cabin. In this segment, they’re saying you may have to pay for it to unlock other safety features, which makes the deal less attractive.

Term

traffic jam assist

"For about $40,000, you'd be getting an XLE with the driver assistance package, which has the traffic jam assist... So you would have no front cross traffic alert, no lane change assist, no traffic jam assist..."

Traffic jam assist is a safety feature meant to help when traffic is moving slowly. It can help the car keep speed and help with steering, but the host says you may not get it unless you pay for the right options.

Term

front cross traffic alert

"So you would have no front cross traffic alert, no lane change assist, no traffic jam assist, no driver monitor..."

Front cross traffic alert is a warning system for when another car might be crossing your path. The host is saying you might not get this feature unless you choose more expensive options.

Term

driver monitor

"So you would have no front cross traffic alert, no lane change assist, no traffic jam assist, no driver monitor, because you'd have to add the panoramic moon roof..."

A driver monitor watches whether you seem attentive while driving. The host is saying you might not get that system unless you choose the higher-priced options.

Term

lane change assist

"So you would have no front cross traffic alert, no lane change assist, no traffic jam assist, no driver monitor..."

Lane change assist helps the car check blind spots when you’re changing lanes. The host is saying that at this price, that help may not be included.

Term

heated steering wheel

"You would also get heated seats and heated steering wheel, but no ventilated seats and all wheel drive there."

A heated steering wheel warms the wheel so your hands feel less cold. They’re using it as an example of what you do get at a certain price versus what you don’t.

Term

soft techs

"You would also get heated seats and heated steering wheel, but no ventilated seats and all wheel drive there. You would also get soft techs, not leather."

“Soft techs” sounds like a type of seat material option. They’re comparing it to leather to show what kind of upholstery you get for the money.

Term

floor mats

"And you would not get floor mats and you'd get more reliable thing."

Floor mats protect the carpet in the driver and passenger footwells. The host is pointing out that you might not even get them included at the price being discussed.

Term

MSRPs

"Because if you don't talk average discounts on GM cars, Ford cars, Nissan's, Mazda's, and Stalantis vehicles, and you're trying to compare those MSRPs to Honda and Toyota,"

MSRP is the price number on the window sticker. The host is saying it’s not always the real price you’ll pay, because discounts and deals can change the outcome.

Car

Kia Telluride

"Hyundai and Kia are actually some of the higher, or closer to MSRP brands lately, Palisade, Telluride, it was also looking like Kia,"

The Kia Telluride is a three-row SUV meant for families. The point in this segment is that some Tellurides have been priced closer to the sticker price (MSRP) than shoppers might assume.

Car

Hyundai Palisade

"Hyundai and Kia are actually some of the higher, or closer to MSRP brands lately, Palisade, Telluride, it was also looking like Kia,"

The Hyundai Palisade is a family SUV with three rows. The hosts mention it here because some of these popular models have been selling closer to the sticker price (MSRP) than you might expect.

Car

Kia Sportage

"Kia K5, Sportage, Seltos are also selling above MSRP at the moment."

The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV. The hosts mention it because some Sportages have been priced higher than the sticker price (MSRP) recently.

Car

Kia Seltos

"Kia K5, Sportage, Seltos are also selling above MSRP at the moment."

The Kia Seltos is a smaller SUV. The episode notes that Seltos has also been selling above the sticker price (MSRP) in some places.

Car

Kia K5

"Kia K5, Sportage, Seltos are also selling above MSRP at the moment."

The Kia K5 is a midsize sedan, and its mention here is about how certain models can be priced above MSRP depending on demand. The hosts use it to illustrate that “deal” comparisons can be misleading if you ignore local pricing.

Term

residual value

"Because that discount might be washed by the residual value... resale value is based off of MSRP, not actual transaction price."

Residual value is what the car is expected to be worth later. The hosts are saying that even if you get a discount now, the numbers used for resale/lease expectations can be based on the sticker price (MSRP), not what you actually paid.

Car

Chevrolet Tahoe

"So this is generally why, when you look at vehicles like Grand Cherokee, or Tahoe,"

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a large family SUV. The episode brings it up to show that resale expectations can be based on the sticker price (MSRP), not just the discount you got.

Term

dealer installed accessories

"A lot of this has to do with dealer installed accessories that are put on it that don't factor into this calculation. So your average transaction price gets inflated, and then when you then resell it later,"

Dealer installed accessories are extras added by the dealership—like racks or cosmetic packages. The host’s point is that even if they make the car cost more upfront, you usually don’t get that money back when you sell.

Term

roof racks

"you're getting pennies on the dollar for your roof racks, and your gas tanks, and your this, and your that, and your whatever, and your graphics packages,"

Roof racks are the bars or mounts on top of a car used to carry gear. The host is saying that extras like this often don’t add much resale value later.

Term

graphics packages

"and your whatever, and your graphics packages, and yada, yada, yada that were added to the vehicle."

Graphics packages are things like decals or stripes added to the car’s look. The host’s point is that style add-ons often don’t sell for much money when you resell the vehicle.

Car

Nissan Rogue

"We looked at Nissan Rogue versus RAV4, and Honda Pilot versus Grand Cherokee. If we looked at these vehicles, and compared their resale value five years on,"

The Nissan Rogue is a popular SUV. The hosts are using it as an example to compare how much money you might lose (or keep) after about five years compared with a similar Toyota.

Term

resale value

"If we looked at these vehicles, and compared their resale value five years on, versus their average transaction price at the origination,"

Resale value is how much a vehicle is worth when you sell it later, typically after a set period like five years. In this segment, the hosts compare resale value five years later against the vehicle’s average transaction price when it was bought to estimate depreciation.

Car

Honda Pilot

"We looked at Nissan Rogue versus RAV4, and Honda Pilot versus Grand Cherokee. If we looked at these vehicles, and compared their resale value five years on,"

The Honda Pilot is a popular family SUV. The hosts are using it to compare how much value it tends to keep over time compared with another SUV.

Term

average transaction price

"versus their average transaction price at the origination, the difference was only a few percent off."

Average transaction price means the typical real-world price people pay when they buy the car. The hosts use it as the starting point to compare against what the car sells for later.

Car

Toyota Tacoma

"So like these shoppers going in for another truck, they're expecting the deal, discount, which is why I was actually surprised by this, Tundra and Tacoma are currently averaging around 10% off MSRP for the last year."

The Toyota Tacoma is a popular pickup truck. The point in this segment is that Toyota has been offering discounts on it, so the sticker price (MSRP) doesn’t tell the whole story.

Car

Toyota Tundra

"So like these shoppers going in for another truck, they're expecting the deal, discount, which is why I was actually surprised by this, Tundra and Tacoma are currently averaging around 10% off MSRP for the last year."

The Toyota Tundra is a big pickup truck. The hosts are talking about how Toyota may be offering discounts, so the price you see on the sticker (MSRP) isn’t always what people end up paying.

Concept

incentives

"Yeah, it seems like Toyota's incentive spend on their trucks has gradually been increasing over time, as Toyota has turned into the new General Motors."

Incentives are deals from the manufacturer that lower what you pay for a car. They can show up as rebates or financing offers, and they’re why the final price can be less than the sticker price.

Concept

generational change

"I will say that this is a big change in the generational, you know, like from one to the next, right? So this Tacoma is the one that's all turbo or hybrid, and that's weird."

A generational change is when a model is redesigned or significantly updated for the next model generation (new powertrains, styling, tech, and tuning). The hosts argue Toyota’s incentive behavior may be tied to how buyers react when a truck’s setup changes from one generation to the next.

Term

market share

"And for Tundra, I think it's totally really trying hard to gain market share from the Americans... So Tundra has... more cash on the hood effectively than Tacoma for a while."

Market share is how much of the truck-buying market a brand is winning. In this episode, they’re using it to talk about Toyota trying to sell more Tundras compared with competitors and even compared with its own Tacoma.

Term

oiling issue

"those are also having failures. So it sounds like it's an oiling issue. Like there isn't enough oil flow to critical parts of the engine. Not great."

An oiling issue means the engine may not be getting enough oil where it needs it. If oil flow is inadequate, important moving parts can wear out faster or get damaged. That’s why the host thinks the problem is lubrication-related rather than just turbo-related.

Concept

standardized that

"So I have to go back to the discussion about leg room... we need to fix the game so that we have standardized that. And that's what I've always hated about... car sales is whenever you drive by dealership and it says sale, I go on what there's not a fixed price on any item here."

The hosts are arguing for standardized pricing/terms so shoppers can compare deals fairly. They criticize how car sales pricing can be presented as “on sale” without a fixed baseline price, making it harder to evaluate what’s actually being discounted.

Car

Chrysler Pacifica

"But I would also argue that generally speaking, if you go to a Chrysler dealer, you're going to get a very similar price on a Pacifica as well. And that Pacifica's price is generally going to be further from MSRP"

They mention the Chrysler Pacifica to make the point that some cars tend to be discounted more than others. The idea is that sticker price (MSRP) doesn’t tell the whole story.

Term

transaction data

"That's, that's the thing though, is that we actually have the transaction data from places like Cox and from IC cars and a number of other outlets there."

Transaction data means real-world deal records—actual sale prices. Instead of guessing from the sticker price, it shows what people really paid.

Company

Cox

"That's, that's the thing though, is that we actually have the transaction data from places like Cox and from IC cars and a number of other outlets there."

Cox is mentioned as a source of sales/price data. The point is that they’re using real deal numbers—what people actually paid—rather than relying only on sticker prices.

Company

IC cars

"That's, that's the thing though, is that we actually have the transaction data from places like Cox and from IC cars and a number of other outlets there."

They’re citing another data source (IC cars) that tracks actual sales prices. The goal is to compare real “deal” pricing to MSRP using evidence, not just opinions.

Term

out-the-door

"Cox, you know, always reports every quarter on, on average transaction price for major brands and major models. So we can see what people are actually paying out the door"

The “out-the-door” price is the full total you pay at the end of the deal. It includes the car price plus the extra costs like taxes and fees, so it’s closer to what you’ll actually hand over.

Car

Chevrolet Corvette

"...nterested in one car versus, you know, that, that Corvette that's on the lot that we're like, move that one ..."

The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car made by Chevrolet. It’s designed to be quick and fun to drive. The podcast mentions it because it’s one of the cars someone might be comparing while shopping.

Term

mark up

"They're the largest Toyota dealer in, in the US and they advertise that they never mark up anything. So they have, I think I don't remember if it's exactly fixed price or they just guarantee no markup,"

A dealer markup is when the dealership charges extra money on top of the normal price. The host is saying some dealers do this, while Longo Toyota claims it doesn’t.

Car

RAV4 Prime

"but that's the place where if you want to be on a waiting list for a RAV4 Prime, [3102.7s] which they're now calling whatever the heck they're calling, plug in, you know, [3107.3s] it ditch the prime."

The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a RAV4 that you can plug in to charge. The host is talking about how hard it can be to find one at the normal price, and how some dealers may sell it at sticker price while others add extra markup.

Concept

waiting list

"but that's the place where if you want to be on a waiting list for a RAV4 Prime, [3102.7s] which they're now calling whatever the heck they're calling, plug in, you know,"

A waiting list is how dealers handle cars that are in short supply. If a model is hard to get, you may have to join a list and wait your turn.

Concept

out of region

"they are one of the automakers notorious for certain regions will not let you buy from if you're in like a certain region, especially the Southeast region that I'm in, like you cannot buy from like out of region, like the dealers,"

“Out of region” means you’re trying to buy from a dealer that’s not in your local sales area. The host is saying the rules between dealers and Toyota can sometimes limit shipping or sales across regions.

Concept

importer

"that's because Toyota has a different importer in, in different regions of the US. They're, they're the weird one, but you can still go."

Here, “importer” means the regional organization that handles getting cars into your part of the country. The host is saying those regional rules can affect whether a dealer can sell or ship a car to you.

Car

Tucson Hybrid

"...to their second closest Hyundai dealer to get the Tucson hybrid because the one that they went closest to didn't ..."

The Tucson is a compact SUV. In the podcast, someone is trying to find the Tucson hybrid, but the nearest dealer didn’t have the right one. So they went to another dealer to get the version they wanted.

Car

Kia Forte

"...a friend who went to a Kia dealer, one of the Kia Forte coupe back in the day and one of the, just, just,..."

The Kia Forte is a compact car. The podcast mentions the Forte coupe from earlier years, meaning a version with a different body style than the standard sedan. It’s brought up as part of a conversation about the model’s past lineup.

Car

Honda Civic

"...resting with the stick, right? The, the not quite civic SI alternative. And, and they were told, Oh God, ..."

The Honda Civic is a common, practical compact car. Some versions are made to feel more sporty than the basic model. The episode brings it up as a comparison point for a car that’s close to, but not exactly, the Civic’s sport trim.

Term

tow hitch

"You can't get a tow hitch with a GR Sport. Just throwing it out there."

A tow hitch is the part on the back of a car that lets you attach a trailer. The hosts are saying the GR Sport trim may not let you add one, which limits real-world usefulness.

Term

manual transmission

"You can't get a tow hitch with a GR Sport. Just throwing it out there. You can't get a manual transmission either."

A manual transmission is the kind of car where you use a clutch pedal and a stick shift to choose gears. The hosts are pointing out that you can’t get that option on the GR Sport trim.

Car

Toyota Camry

"You can't get a manual transmission either. It's not like Camry is the most, you know, jaw-droppingly gorgeous and fun thing on this earth, but they sell 300,000 of them a year..."

The Toyota Camry is a very common family sedan. The hosts are saying people buy it because it fits normal life needs, not because it’s the most exciting car to drive.

Car

Jeep Cherokee

"Here's my question, Alex. Forester hybrid or Cherokee? [3517.7s] I would probably buy the Cherokee because it is a little bit bigger in the backseat. ... [3551.8s] The Cherokee, I'm bummed by some different things..."

The Jeep Cherokee is an SUV, and in this discussion it’s being judged on how well it works for passengers—especially in the back seat. The host also points out which comfort features it doesn’t have (like ventilated seats and seat memory) compared with what they want.

Car

Subaru Forester hybrid

"Here's my question, Alex. Forester hybrid or Cherokee? [3517.7s] I would probably buy the Cherokee because it is a little bit bigger in the backseat."

The Subaru Forester is an SUV that’s usually built for everyday practicality. Here, the host is comparing the hybrid version to a Jeep Cherokee to see which one fits better and feels nicer in the back seat.

Term

four-way lumbar support

"I'm really sad that there's no [3557.3s] ventilated seats we're all in agreement on. Four-way lumbar support for the driver is missing."

Four-way lumbar support is an adjustable lower-back support system that can move in multiple directions to better match different body shapes. The host says the driver’s four-way lumbar support is missing.

Term

seat memory

"You can tell that there's going to be a model with seat memory for the driver, which does not exist [3567.2s] yet because there's a weird panel that's blank on the driver's door..."

Seat memory lets you save your preferred seat position. When you get in later, the seat can move back to where you like it.

Term

electronic door release

"The door handles suck in all of these cars. Like you pull it and it like kind of doesn't always [3579.5s] open. That's the electronic door release."

An electronic door release means the door latch is controlled electronically when you pull the handle. The host is saying the door doesn’t always respond the way it should.

Car

Toyota Venza

"But I would rather [3596.0s] that there was something in the midsize. If Toyota brought back a Venza, a real actual [3601.9s] in between two row thing..."

The Toyota Venza is a Toyota crossover that sits in the “in-between” size range. The host is basically saying they want Toyota to reintroduce that kind of middle-size option.

Car

Toyota Crown

"...ry day and twice on Sunday. No, it's not. Because Crown Signia is not actually any bigger on the inside t..."

The Toyota Crown is a Toyota sedan that’s meant to feel more upscale than a basic model. The podcast mentions it because they’re comparing how much space it has inside, especially versus a related model called the Crown Signia. That’s important if you care about comfort for passengers.

Car

Toyota Crown Signia

"Crown Signia actually has barely, barely more leg room than RAV4. ... So when the driver's seat is at that, that 40 inch, 41 inch position, you actually get half an inch less ... in Crown Signia than RAV4. ... Crown Signia, if I'm looking ... It has less cargo room than RAV4 by a reasonable amount, 10 cubic, actually 12 cubic feet less because of the roof line, the roof line and the cargo area."

The Toyota Crown Signia is a Toyota crossover. The hosts say it may look roomier, but when you compare real measurements and cargo space, it can actually be similar—or worse—than a Toyota RAV4.

Car

Lexus ES

"whole future, Alex, is the Lexus ES. That's just what it comes down to. If you want nothing but ridiculous amounts of rear passenger volume, that's it."

The Lexus ES is a comfortable Lexus sedan that’s meant to feel roomy in the back seat. In this discussion, they’re comparing how much rear space it has and how the back-seat “upgrade” options are priced.

Term

rebadged Camry

"what do you feel about the Lexus ES going from the discount entry level rebadged Camry to now Lexus' flagship sedan?"

This means the Lexus ES is closely related to the Toyota Camry. It’s like the same basic car underneath, but Lexus sells it with its own look and features.

Term

executive rear seat package

"I don't normally hunt for executive rear seat packages, but considering that you can get an executive rear seat in the ES with somewhere around a $50,000 price tag, kind of seems absurd to me."

An executive rear seat package is an optional bundle that makes the back seats nicer and more adjustable. It’s basically the “premium back seat” upgrade you pay extra for.

Term

single motor

"That's the highest range is the single motor? It is the highest range."

A single-motor EV uses one electric motor to move the car. They’re saying that this affects how the different versions are positioned in the lineup.

Term

luxury package

"even the hybrid, it doesn't have the luxury package. It has premium and premium plus no luxury."

A luxury package is an optional set of upgrades that adds nicer features. In this case, they’re saying the hybrid ES doesn’t include that particular upgrade bundle.

Term

premium plus

"It has premium and premium plus no luxury."

“Premium plus” is a named trim level that usually means “more features than the base.” They’re saying it can still be missing the separate luxury upgrade package.

Car

Lexus LFA

"... because it was the wrong type of product to have LFA sound. But TZ is the right one. Are you kidding m..."

The Lexus LFA is a rare, high-performance supercar made by Lexus. It’s known for having a very special sound and character. The podcast mentions it because they’re talking about which kind of car should match that “LFA sound.”

Term

active sound control

"So they just put a new active sound control on this car. So it used to be the little knobby ... Now it's on the touchscreen. You have low, medium and high."

Active sound control is a feature that changes the car’s sound using the audio system. It can make the engine note seem louder or more “sporty,” depending on the mode you choose.

Term

Sport plus mode

"So what you do is you put it on high, you twist it to sport plus mode and it goes and it kind of, it's supposed to sound like the V eight, I think, but then when you let off, it goes"

Sport Plus mode is a “more aggressive” driving setting. In this case, the host says it also changes the car’s sound, making it louder/more intense when you’re in that mode and changing again when you let off.

Term

V eight

"it kind of, it's supposed to sound like the V eight, I think, but then when you let off, it goes"

A V8 is a type of engine that has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. The host is saying the car’s sound system is trying to imitate the “V8-like” sound.

Term

V six

"I missed the IS with the tiny little V six that they used to have... That was fantastic. I love that little thing... it was like precision, quiet."

A V6 is a type of gasoline engine with six cylinders arranged in a V shape. The host is saying this particular V6 sounded smooth and refined, not rough.

Term

stick

"I wanted to buy one with a stick because I thought that would just be a good car to have, but it was a terrible stick."

“Stick” means the car has a manual transmission where you shift gears yourself. The host is saying the one they tried didn’t feel good to drive.

Term

eight speed

"because they never were able to fit all will drive in the eight speed in this car, which is just hilarious."

“Eight speed” means the car has a transmission with eight different gear ratios. The host is saying the car’s design didn’t allow that transmission to be paired with the AWD option.

Car

Acura ZDX

"We'll see how big it actually is inside or whether I just need to pick up a lightly loved Acura ZDX. Oh, they're great used."

The host is saying they might just buy a used Acura ZDX instead, depending on how much room the EX 60 has. It’s a “wait and see” size-versus-price decision.

Term

battery testing

"So I'd really love to do some battery testing between the IX three."

Battery testing refers to measuring how a battery performs under real charging and driving conditions—such as charging curve shape, sustained power, and how quickly the system can maintain speed. It’s used to compare EVs beyond peak specs.

Term

regen braking

"The Volvo just has kind of normal regen braking. And I promise when you drive the BMW, you'll be impressed by the braking."

Regen braking is when the car slows down and also charges the battery at the same time. You often feel it as a smoother, more “automatic” slowing when you lift off the accelerator.

Term

air suspension

"that the cross country EX 60 is going to have an air suspension and the regular one won't."

Air suspension uses air-filled bags instead of metal springs. It can make the ride softer or raise/lower the car depending on conditions.

Car

Volvo XC90

"should have an air suspension. But the time you get up to the tippy tops or should it be like an option box you could select, like you can on an XC 90, you could add it, you know. Yeah. The P 10 and P 12 both have adaptive suspensions and then the P six had a regular"

The Volvo XC90 is a luxury SUV. Air suspension is a feature that can help the ride feel smoother by adjusting how the car sits. The podcast mentions it because they’re discussing whether that feature should be included or chosen as an option.

Term

adaptive suspensions

"Yeah. The P 10 and P 12 both have adaptive suspensions and then the P six had a regular steel spring."

Adaptive suspension means the car can adjust how stiff or soft the ride feels. It uses sensors to react to bumps and driving conditions so you get better comfort and handling.

Term

amplitude reactive dampers

"Yeah. It was steel, but it was a why am I blanking on it where it reacts to the amplitude reactive dampers. That's basically it's a dual valve system."

These dampers change how the suspension responds depending on how much the car is bouncing. Bigger bumps can be controlled differently than small road imperfections.

Term

dual valve system

"That's basically it's a dual valve system. So one for low frequency,"

A dual-valve damper is like having two different settings inside the shock. It helps the car handle both big motions and small bumps more smoothly.

Term

EV

"And what they told me was because they went up to a 22 inch wheel now for, you know, the first time on an EV, but it has like the thickness..."

EV means electric vehicle. It’s a car that runs on electricity from a battery instead of gasoline.

Term

22 inch wheel

"And what they told me was because they went up to a 22 inch wheel now for, you know, the first time on an EV, but it has like the thickness that they would have put on a 21 inch tire."

Wheel size matters for comfort. Bigger wheels usually mean shorter tire sidewalls, which can make bumps feel harsher—unless the tire and suspension are tuned to smooth things out.

Car

Polestar three

"I'm curious to see exactly what the refreshed Polestar three will end up being like with the new motors. Since it is theoretically, theoretically, I'm going to be getting a version of one of the EX 60 batteries..."

Polestar 3 is an all-electric SUV. The host is saying there’s an updated version coming with new power hardware, which can change how it drives.

Term

EX 60 batteries

"Since it is theoretically, theoretically, I'm going to be getting a version of one of the EX 60 batteries because that's what the EX 90 will also be getting is the new, the new battery..."

“EX 60 batteries” refers to a specific battery variant/capacity family the host expects to be used in Polestar models. Battery chemistry and capacity (often described in kWh) can influence range, charging behavior, and sometimes packaging and weight distribution.

Car

Volvo EX90

"new motors. Since it is theoretically, theoretically, I'm going to be getting a version of one of the EX 60 batteries because that's what the EX 90 will also be getting is the new, the new battery, new motors and some of the control tech. But we don't know all the details yet."

The Volvo EX90 is an electric SUV made by Volvo. The podcast talks about it in relation to a newer battery version. That’s important because the battery is what determines things like how far you can drive before charging.

Car

Polestar six

"It's the Polestar six that's going to be the first full spa three car. That'll be the sister car to this as far as I'm aware."

Polestar 6 is a future electric Polestar model. The host is comparing it to other Polestars and talking about shared technology across the lineup.

Car

Polestar five

"Polestar six and five are supposed to be sorry, Polestar seven with lips. Yeah, that's a set. Yeah, it's seven. That's the sister."

Polestar 5 is another upcoming electric Polestar. The host is saying it will share some parts/technology with Polestar 6, even if the naming and lineup logic feels confusing.

Car

Polestar seven

"Polestar six and five are supposed to be sorry, Polestar seven with lips. Yeah, that's a set. Yeah, it's seven."

Polestar 7 is another upcoming electric Polestar. The host is using it to explain how the lineup is connected and why the model numbering feels inconsistent.

Term

Lotus

"But with that, we should end our episode... But with that, we should end our episode. ... five and six are going to be sharing some things somehow theoretically with Lotus."

Lotus is a car company being mentioned as a partner. The host is saying Polestar may share some engineering or platform ideas with Lotus.

Term

aluminum intensive platform

"Yes, because they're going to be using the aluminum, aluminum intensive, whatever platform Yada Yada developed in the UK."

An aluminum-intensive platform means the car’s structure uses lots of aluminum to save weight. That can help the car feel more responsive and use less energy, but it can also change how repairs are done.

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