Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi American Renaissance, Carbon Monoxide Deaths

The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV, and the hosts connect this specific model to a real-world incident involving carbon monoxide. They mention a used older Ford Explorer idling with the air conditioning on, which is relevant because carbon monoxide can build up when exhaust gases enter the cabin.

Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when carbon monoxide gas—an odorless exhaust byproduct—builds up in an enclosed space and is inhaled. It prevents the blood from carrying oxygen effectively, which can lead to death quickly.

Exhaust refers to the engine’s waste gases leaving the vehicle through the exhaust system. In the context of this segment, exhaust is important because carbon monoxide can enter the cabin if exhaust routing or sealing is compromised.

Bolt holes are openings drilled into a vehicle’s structure so parts can be bolted on. Here, the host says police-cage installation requires drilling through the floor, which can affect how exhaust gases and cabin air are sealed.

A cage in the back refers to a partition/metal enclosure installed in police vehicles to protect officers and restrain prisoners. Installing it can require structural modifications (like drilling), which may influence cabin sealing and airflow paths.

CO emissions means how much carbon monoxide a vehicle produces. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up inside a car if exhaust leaks, leading to poisoning even without obvious warning signs.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars powered primarily by electric motors and batteries rather than gasoline combustion. The episode ties this to consumer concerns and how public perception is shifting.

In EV discussions, range is the estimated distance a fully charged battery can drive before needing recharging. The host says range is no longer the top consumer concern, implying other issues are now more prominent.

A “110 jack” here refers to a standard household 120V outlet used to charge an electric car. It’s typically slower than dedicated home charging equipment, so it’s best for topping up rather than fully recharging quickly.

The Alpine A110 is a compact sports car known for its lightweight, agile driving character. In the episode, it’s mentioned in a practical way—specifically about having a “110 jack” in a parking spot to plug in PHEVs or electric cars. That ties the car into a broader discussion about charging and daily logistics rather than performance details.

PHEVs are plug-in hybrid electric vehicles—cars that combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a battery you can recharge by plugging in. They can benefit from home charging, but they don’t rely on the battery as completely as a full EV.

Level one charging is charging an EV from a standard 120V household outlet. It’s considered a temporary or backup option because it can take a long time to replenish the battery, especially from a low state of charge.

Level two charging uses a dedicated home or garage charger (typically 240V) to deliver much higher power than Level one. That’s why it can refill the battery in hours and is the practical choice for overnight charging.

“Meaningfully discharged” means the battery is at a low enough state of charge that charging time becomes noticeably longer. In practice, how empty the battery is strongly affects whether Level one can take days versus whether Level two can finish overnight.

The Ford F-150 PowerBoost is a hybrid version of the Ford F-150 pickup that pairs a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with an electric motor for extra assist. The “PowerBoost” setup is designed to improve real-world acceleration and towing feel by letting you tap both the engine and electric boost.

A hybrid version uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to move the vehicle. In this case, the electric system can provide “boost” to supplement the engine during acceleration and certain driving conditions.

Ford’s EcoBoost engine family refers to turbocharged gasoline engines that use forced induction to make more power from a smaller displacement. The “3.5 liter EcoBoost” is the specific engine used in the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid system described here.

Electric boost is when an electric motor adds extra torque to help the engine, typically during acceleration or low-speed load. In a hybrid pickup, it can make the truck respond more quickly than the gas engine alone.

Bed outlets are built-in power receptacles in a pickup’s cargo area, allowing you to run tools or charge devices without needing an external generator. The mention of “220 outlets” suggests a high-capacity, integrated power feature tied to the hybrid system.

The GMC Sierra is one of the major full-size pickup rivals to the Ford F-150. The hosts mention that the Sierra is expected to get brand new versions of the hybrid-style setup “very soon,” signaling more electrified powertrains across the segment.

The Chevrolet Silverado is another key full-size pickup competitor in the same “big truck” market as the Ford F-150. The discussion suggests upcoming new Silverado versions will adopt similar electrified/hybrid approaches.

“Hybrid era” refers to the current industry shift where automakers are increasingly adding hybrid powertrains to mainstream models—especially trucks and SUVs—to cut fuel use while avoiding a full move to battery-electric drivetrains. It’s a transitional phase driven by emissions rules and consumer demand for better efficiency.

A V8 engine is an internal-combustion engine with eight cylinders arranged in a “V” layout. Because it has eight cylinders, it typically produces strong low- and mid-range torque and smooth power, which is why manufacturers often use it for performance-oriented models.

A mild hybrid system uses a small electric motor and battery to assist the gas engine, but it can’t typically drive the car on electricity alone. Removing it means the vehicle loses that extra efficiency help (like start/stop assist and some regenerative braking benefits).

The Toyota GR Corolla is a hot hatch built by Toyota’s GR performance division, aimed at rally-inspired driving. It’s especially notable for bringing serious all-wheel-drive capability and a manual-transmission option to the compact segment.

The Lucid Air is a luxury electric sedan built around high-efficiency electric power and long-range capability. It’s notable because Lucid positions it as a performance-and-range EV, not just a commuter EV.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is a luxury sedan known for its ultra-quiet ride and high-end comfort, powered by a large V12 engine. In enthusiast circles, it’s often mentioned as the “grown-up” alternative to more performance-focused Rolls-Royces.

The Ford Bronco is a modern off-road SUV known for its rugged, trail-focused design and strong aftermarket support. It’s often compared within the “go-anywhere” SUV world because it’s built to handle rough terrain, not just look the part.

The Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is a mid-size pickup built for off-road use, with ZR2-specific suspension and tougher hardware than a standard Colorado. It’s the kind of truck enthusiasts pick when they want real trail capability without stepping up to a full-size truck.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the brand’s flagship luxury sedan, known for top-tier ride comfort and refinement. In the early-2000s example the host mentions, it had a base V8 and was described as extremely smooth and quiet, which is a big part of the S-Class appeal.

The Land Rover Defender is a modern take on the classic Defender off-road SUV, designed to combine rugged capability with everyday usability. The host specifically praises its space usage and says they’d like the six-cylinder engine, highlighting how the newer Defender is meant to be practical as well as capable.

The Porsche 911 is a rear-engine sports car icon, and it’s often used as a benchmark for what a “proper” sports car feels like. Here, the host specifically mentions driving a 911 with a manual transmission, which highlights the 911’s continued availability of driver-focused setups.

The Mazda3 is Mazda’s compact car, and the host describes it as a favorite for everyday driving. She’s using it as an example of the kind of “Mazda feel” she likes when comparing to the CX-5.

The Mazda Miata (often called the MX-5) is Mazda’s lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster known for being fun to drive—especially with a manual transmission. In this segment, the host brings it up to explain her personal bias toward Mazda’s driver-focused cars.

A manual transmission is a gearbox controlled by a driver using a clutch pedal and gear shifter. The host mentions it to highlight the Miata’s “driver’s car” appeal, contrasting it with how she feels the CX-5 doesn’t match her expectations.

A rotary dial is a round control knob used to operate an infotainment system (and sometimes climate settings). The host argues that these controls can be hard to learn quickly, especially when you only have the vehicle for a short test window.

The Mazda CX-90 is a larger three-row crossover SUV designed to expand Mazda’s family-vehicle lineup. The episode mentions it in a comparison about “attention to detail,” specifically calling out “cool reverse” features, suggesting thoughtful design elements in the driving experience. It’s referenced as a benchmark for how Mazda’s newer SUVs feel and function.

The Mazda CX-70 is a crossover SUV positioned between Mazda’s smaller and larger offerings, and it’s discussed alongside the CX-90 and CX-50. In the episode, it’s mentioned because the vehicles share a similar “attention to detail” approach, including features that make reversing easier or more intuitive. That’s why it’s brought up: to describe the feel and usability of Mazda’s recent SUV designs.

A turbocharged engine uses a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders, allowing the engine to make more power without necessarily increasing engine size. Here, the host says the Mazda CX-5 is no longer available with this setup, which is a meaningful spec/positioning change.

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover known for its driver-focused feel and Mazda’s interior/infotainment layout. In this segment, the host specifically discusses the CX-5’s rotary-dial interface, which is being removed on the newer CX-50. That change matters because the dial is part of how you interact with infotainment and vehicle functions.

Infotainment is the combined system for a car’s information and entertainment, typically including the touchscreen, navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. The host’s point is that as more infotainment functionality is added, a simple rotary knob may not be enough for all the control needs. That’s why the interface changes between CX-5 and CX-50.

The Mitsubishi Outlander is Mitsubishi’s compact crossover SUV. In this segment, it’s positioned as competing with other popular crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, which helps explain why it matters in the mainstream SUV market.

The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV that’s popular for practical everyday use. It’s often discussed alongside other mainstream crossovers because it competes in the same general space for buyers who want space, efficiency, and easy ownership. In the podcast context, it’s used to frame a comparison about what’s available in that segment.

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV and one of the most common choices in its segment. The episode mentions it in the same “pool” as the Honda CR-V, framing them as direct alternatives for buyers shopping this size and purpose. It’s also referenced with a note that you “can’t get a RAV4,” suggesting availability or demand is part of the discussion.

Jeremy Barnes is the guest being brought onto the show in this segment. Since he’s introduced right after the hosts discuss Mitsubishi and the Outlander, he’s likely the source for the “news there” they’re about to cover.

A mild hybrid powertrain uses a small electric motor and battery to assist the engine, but it typically can’t drive the car purely on electricity for long distances. It’s mainly used to improve efficiency during acceleration and reduce engine load.

A normally aspirated engine draws air in without a turbocharger or supercharger. Compared with forced induction, it generally relies more on engine size and revs for power rather than boosting intake air pressure.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, and it can be charged from an external power source. That typically enables a meaningful electric-only driving range before the gas engine takes over.

Yamaha is a well-known audio brand, and in this context it’s being used to describe the infotainment/sound system fitted to the Outlander plug-in hybrid. The mention is essentially about premium audio hardware rather than powertrain tech.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback is described here as a new battery-electric vehicle (BEV), meaning it’s powered primarily by an electric motor and a traction battery. The segment also links its platform/engineering direction to the Nissan Leaf, implying shared EV design principles.

A battery electric vehicle (BEV) runs on electricity stored in a battery pack and uses an electric motor(s) for propulsion. Unlike hybrids, it typically doesn’t have a gasoline engine for normal driving.

The Nissan Leaf is an established mainstream battery-electric vehicle that’s often used as a reference point for EV design and packaging. Here, Mitsubishi says the Eclipse Sportback is based heavily on the Leaf, suggesting similar EV underpinnings.

“True four-wheel drive” typically means a drivetrain designed to send power to all four wheels with hardware intended for low-traction conditions. In contrast to many crossovers that use part-time or electronically managed AWD, true 4WD is usually associated with more capable off-road systems.

A crossover class is a vehicle category that blends car-like unibody construction with SUV styling and ride height. They’re often marketed as easier to live with than traditional body-on-frame SUVs, but they may not have the same off-road hardware as true four-wheel-drive systems.

The hosts discuss Mitsubishi’s “2030 plan,” including doubling the number of vehicles in its lineup/showroom. This is a strategic topic about product cadence and how the brand intends to broaden its model range.

The Mitsubishi Mirage is a small, budget-focused subcompact sold by Mitsubishi. In this segment, the host is talking about how few are left in the country, which frames it as a low-volume, end-of-run product rather than a current core model.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is Mitsubishi’s smaller SUV offering, positioned here as the entry vehicle. The segment uses its starting price to explain Mitsubishi’s current strategy: focusing on SUVs and keeping them relatively affordable.

This segment explains Mitsubishi’s current U.S. lineup situation: Mirage is essentially gone, and the brand is now “all SUVs.” It also frames the strategy around multiple SUV models under $30,000 and discusses how that affects Mitsubishi’s market position.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a compact SUV that Mitsubishi is selling in the same “under $30k” price band as its other SUVs. In this segment, it’s part of a lineup pitch showing how Mitsubishi is competing on affordability.

The Nissan Rogue is a mainstream crossover that’s being compared here to the Mitsubishi Outlander to illustrate how “sister” vehicles can share some underlying engineering. The host highlights differences in where they’re built, body panels, and even how the all-wheel-drive system logic works.

“Super All-Wheel Control” (S-AWC) is Mitsubishi’s branded all-wheel-drive system. It uses computer-controlled logic to manage traction and stability, including torque vectoring via brake intervention rather than relying on a traditional center differential.

A differential is the mechanical component that allows driven wheels on an axle to rotate at different speeds, such as when cornering. In this segment, the host contrasts a differential-based approach with a brake-based approach that uses brakes to control wheel spin.

The Mitsubishi Cordia is a late-1970s/1980s Mitsubishi coupe that helped define the brand’s early U.S. presence. It’s remembered by enthusiasts as a sporty, tech-forward import from an era when Mitsubishi was trying to build a performance image.

“EV thing” is the speaker’s casual reference to Mitsubishi’s period of focusing on electric vehicles. In context, it’s used to contrast Mitsubishi’s earlier sporty-tech identity with a later electrification effort.

The Mitsubishi Pajero (also known as the Montero in some markets) is a long-running SUV that’s strongly associated with Mitsubishi’s global identity. The speaker says Mitsubishi’s leadership announced it would return globally, and they’re not yet sure about bringing it back to the U.S.

The Mitsubishi Montero is the name used for the same SUV family as the Pajero in certain markets. The speaker references both names to explain that Mitsubishi plans a global return, but they can’t confirm U.S. availability yet.

“Mitsubishi motor's-ness” is an internal branding phrase the speaker says Mitsubishi uses to define what the company stands for. They describe it as something created so marketing can build ads around a clear identity.

All-wheel drive (AWD) systems send power to more than one axle, typically the front and rear, to improve traction and control. In this context, the host is describing how AWD helps the car follow the driver’s steering inputs more precisely.

The World Rally Championship (WRC) is a top-level global rally racing series run on loose surfaces like gravel, dirt, and snow. It’s a proving ground for drivetrains and handling tech like AWD because the grip changes constantly.

The Dakar Rally is an extreme off-road endurance event known for sand, dunes, and long navigation stages. The host is using it as a credibility marker for durability and capability in harsh conditions.

The Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck known for off-road and work-oriented capability. It’s frequently discussed in the same breath as other tough, trail-capable vehicles because it’s built to handle rough roads and demanding use. In the podcast, it’s referenced while talking about how deep a vehicle can go in water and still perform safely.

Wading depth is the maximum water depth a vehicle can drive through without causing water to enter critical components. It’s often used to describe off-road capability for SUVs and trucks that can handle deep puddles or flooded trails.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Smartback is described here as a new EV, tying the “Eclipse” name to an electric vehicle. The host’s point is branding strategy: using the same name across different body styles and electrified powertrains.

“Off-highway” describes vehicles and use-cases that go beyond normal paved-road driving, often emphasizing ruggedness and traction for dirt, gravel, and rough terrain. In this segment, it’s used to explain Mitsubishi’s near-term positioning as more adventure- and terrain-capable rather than sporty.

“Nomenclature” here means Mitsubishi’s naming system for vehicle models—how names like Eclipse fit into the brand’s lineup. The host is arguing that the Eclipse name has brand recognition, so it’s useful even if the product direction changes.

The compact crossover segment refers to the market category of smaller, SUV-like vehicles built on car-based platforms (crossovers) rather than traditional body-on-frame trucks. It’s a major sales category, and the hosts discuss how it’s trending toward more upscale interiors and pricing.

SEL is a trim level designation used by Mitsubishi on the Outlander, typically indicating a higher equipment package than the base trims. In this discussion, the SEL is specifically tied to a more premium-feeling interior and features.

The Nissan Pathfinder is a larger Nissan crossover/SUV mentioned as another step in Nissan’s lineup above the Rogue. Here it’s not the focus technically—it's referenced to explain brand hierarchy and model roles.

The Nissan Murano is a Nissan crossover SUV mentioned as part of the brand’s lineup above the Rogue. In this segment it’s used only to illustrate how Mitsubishi’s Outlander sits in its own hierarchy relative to Nissan’s different crossover models.

Infinity (likely referring to Infiniti) is Nissan’s luxury brand in the U.S. The speaker uses it to describe how Nissan’s lineup moves from mainstream models (like Rogue) up toward luxury positioning.

The Dodge Durango is a midsize SUV that, according to the host, was originally based on the Mercedes-Benz ML platform. That kind of platform sharing can strongly influence ride/handling fundamentals, and the segment frames this as a reason the Durango “turned out to be fabulous.”

The Mercedes-Benz ML is a Mercedes SUV platform referenced here as the basis for the Dodge Durango. When one automaker uses another’s platform, it often means shared engineering and structural design that can affect how the vehicle feels and performs.

In automotive usage, “architecture” refers to the vehicle’s underlying design—its structure, layout, and major engineering foundations. The host says the Durango’s Mercedes-based architecture was updated, implying changes to the core platform rather than just exterior styling.

The Chrysler Charger is a performance-oriented sedan/coupe that the host lists among the Chrysler LX lineup. The key point in this segment is the claim that these LX cars were based on Mercedes-Benz E-Class parts, tying the Charger’s fundamentals to Mercedes engineering.

The Chrysler Challenger is a muscle-car style model the host includes in the Chrysler LX group. The segment’s main takeaway is that these cars were said to be based on Mercedes-Benz E-Class parts, connecting their underlying engineering to a European donor.

The Dodge Challenger is a muscle car that has been produced in multiple generations, including the Chrysler LX-era lineup referenced in the podcast. It’s brought up because the episode discusses how certain Chrysler LX vehicles share components with other platforms. That makes it relevant to a conversation about engineering relationships across models.

The Dodge Charger is a performance-oriented sedan that has been offered in multiple generations, including the Chrysler LX-era cars referenced in the episode. It’s discussed here as part of a family of vehicles that share underlying components. The host brings it up in the context of how those cars relate to other platforms.

The Dodge Magnum is a wagon-style vehicle that was produced in the Chrysler LX era referenced in the episode. It’s brought up because the host is discussing how those Chrysler LX cars were said to be based on Mercedes-Benz E-Class parts. That makes the Magnum relevant to the conversation about shared components and platform origins.

The Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan that the host groups with other “Chrysler LX” vehicles. The segment claims these cars were based on Mercedes-Benz E-Class parts, highlighting how platform and component sharing can shape driving feel and quality.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a major Mercedes model line used here as a parts and engineering reference. The host claims Chrysler’s LX cars used Mercedes-Benz E-Class parts, implying shared components that can influence ride, refinement, and reliability characteristics.

The Dodge Crossfire is a niche sports coupe the host criticizes for its styling. The segment also ties it to Mercedes engineering by saying it was “like the SLK,” suggesting it shared underpinnings with Mercedes roadster/coupe hardware.

The Mercedes-Benz SLK is a compact Mercedes roadster/coupe platform referenced as the comparison point for the Dodge Crossfire. The host’s point is that the Crossfire was essentially a Mercedes-derived car, with shared engineering concepts similar to the SLK.

A “hoodstrake” is a raised or sculpted ridge on a car’s hood, often used for styling and sometimes to suggest airflow management. The host mentions Chrysler doing “hoodstrake” styling, implying a design trend that affected how cars looked in that era.

The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan designed to carry families and cargo comfortably, with versions that include plug-in hybrid capability. The episode references the “original non-minivan Pacifica” and discusses hood-line details, which suggests a conversation about design changes over time. It’s brought up as an example of how the model’s styling and packaging evolved.

The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car known for strong performance and a long-running reputation as a serious enthusiast vehicle. In the podcast context, it’s referenced as part of a “Corvette quiz,” suggesting the conversation is testing knowledge or highlighting Corvette-related topics. That makes it a quick but notable mention.

The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan, and the 2026 model is being discussed here specifically in terms of its available trim levels. Trim levels (like S, SE, and SEL) are different equipment packages that change what features you get without changing the basic model.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a performance-focused version of the Golf, known for its hot-hatch formula and turbocharged engine. In this segment, the host is talking about the 2026 model year and a specific trim availability tied to Wolfsburg Edition.

“Wolfsburg Edition” is a named equipment/trim package associated with Volkswagen, referencing Wolfsburg, the company’s home base. It typically bundles specific features (and sometimes dealer/market-specific content) and can be offered as a late-model-year “price special” rather than a full new model.