Toyota Recall Expands, Jeep 4xe Issues, and New U.S. Truck Tariffs Explained
About this episode
Recent recalls from Toyota and Jeep dominate the discussion, with Toyota recalling over 127,000 vehicles due to potential engine issues and Jeep addressing fire risks in 320,065 Plug-In Hybrid SUVs. The episode also highlights Dodge's reintroduction of the Heritage B5 Blue paint and Toyota's innovative hydrogen power showcase at SEMA. Additionally, new U.S. tariffs on imported trucks could impact pricing. Reviews of the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sahara and Toyota Land Cruiser provide insights into their off-road capabilities and modern features.
In this Week 1 episode, we break down the biggest U.S. automotive news stories affecting buyers right now — including major Toyota and Jeep recalls, a new truck tariff that could impact prices, and what automakers are signaling heading into 2026.
Here’s what we cover:
A Toyota recall impacting Tundra, Lexus LX, and Lexus GX gas models
A Jeep Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe recall tied to battery fire risk
Mopar bringing muscle-car heritage back with new performance offerings
Toyota showcasing hydrogen power and multi-powertrain strategy at SEMA
A new 25% tariff on imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks — and why it matters
Toyota Engine Recall - https://youtu.be/BXIgoyWDEnE?si=TceKFZK_3P8LmPRz
My take on the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sahara - https://youtu.be/FRJcf7rTbtI
and 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser - https://youtu.be/bCDnsPGYxSs
What I’m driving now: 2025 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Premium
Up next: 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Nightshade Hybrid
No hype. No noise. Just the facts — and what they mean for real-world buyers.
Subscribe to Weekly Wheelhouse for weekly U.S. automotive news, recalls, pricing changes, and industry updates — all in plain English.
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Jeep Wrangler
"...ices. Plus, I'll wrap up with my take on the Jeep Wrangler Sahara and the Toyota Land Cruiser. So let's get ..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough and stylish SUV that can drive on rough roads and trails. People love it because it can go almost anywhere, making it great for outdoor adventures.
The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and exceptional off-road capabilities. It has a loyal following due to its versatility and ability to handle challenging terrains, making it a popular choice for adventure enthusiasts.
Toyota Land
"... with my take on the Jeep Wrangler Sahara and the Toyota Land Cruiser. So let's get started. First, we're going..."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a big, strong SUV that is very comfortable and can drive on tough roads. It's known for lasting a long time and being very dependable.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV renowned for its durability, luxury, and off-road prowess. It's often discussed for its long-standing reputation as a reliable vehicle that can handle both city driving and rugged terrain.
Lexus LX
"covering the model years of 2022 to 2024 Toyota Tundras, 2022 to 2024 Lexus LX..."
The Lexus LX is a fancy SUV that is good for driving on rough roads but also has a lot of nice features inside. It's a luxury vehicle.
The Lexus LX is a luxury SUV that combines off-road capability with high-end features and comfort. It's known for its powerful performance and premium interior.
Lexus GX
"covering the model years of 2022 to 2024 Toyota Tundras, 2022 to 2024 Lexus LX, and the 2024 Lexus GX."
The Lexus GX is a mid-sized luxury SUV that can handle rough terrain while also being very comfortable and nice inside.
The Lexus GX is a midsize luxury SUV that offers a blend of off-road capability and luxury features. It's built on a truck platform, making it rugged yet comfortable.
Toyota Tundra
"Toyota announced a U.S. recall of approximately 127,000 conventional gas vehicles covering the model years of 2022 to 2024 Toyota Tundras..."
The Toyota Tundra is a big truck that people use for work or to drive off-road. It's known for being tough and reliable.
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capability. It has been a popular choice for both work and recreational use.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
"there's 228,221 Jeep Wrangler 4xE's from the date ranges of 2020 to 2025..."
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a special version of the Wrangler that can use both gas and electricity to drive, making it better for the environment.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid version of the iconic Wrangler, combining traditional off-road capabilities with electric power for improved efficiency.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
"and 91,844 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE's from the date range of 2022 to 2026."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a fancy SUV that can run on both gas and electricity, making it more eco-friendly.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a plug-in hybrid SUV that offers a combination of luxury, off-road capability, and electric driving options.
thermal runaway
"the cause is high voltage battery pack cells may have separator damage leading to a potential thermal runaway or a fire risk."
Thermal runaway happens when a battery gets too hot and can catch fire. It's dangerous and something to be careful about in electric cars.
Thermal runaway is a condition where a battery overheats and can lead to a fire or explosion. It is a significant safety concern in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Jeep Grand
"... from the date ranges of 2020 to 2025, and 91,844 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE's from the date range of 2022 to 202..."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a roomy SUV that feels nice inside and can also handle rough roads. It's a good choice for families who want comfort and some adventure.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV that combines luxury with off-road capability. It's often highlighted for its spacious interior and advanced technology features, making it a versatile choice for families and adventure seekers alike.
Dodge Durango
"Dodge is reintroducing the Heritage B5 Blue paint option for the 2026 Durango model line."
The Dodge Durango is a medium-sized SUV that has a lot of space inside and is powerful, making it good for families and towing.
The Dodge Durango is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and powerful engine options. The 2026 model continues to offer a blend of performance and utility.
restomod
"including modernized supercharged 6.2 liter and 7 liter Hemi engines built for emission compliant restomods."
A restomod is an old car that has been fixed up and updated with new parts to make it run better while still looking like the original.
A restomod is a classic car that has been restored and modified with modern components, such as engines and technology, to improve performance and comfort while retaining its classic appearance.
Mopar
"Mopar's direct connection program unveiled a revamped crate engine catalog including modernized supercharged 6.2 liter and 7 liter Hemi engines built for emission compliant restomods."
Mopar is a company that makes parts and accessories for cars made by Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. They help improve car performance.
Mopar is the parts and service division of Stellantis, known for providing performance parts and accessories for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles.
hydrogen fuel cell
"Toyota showcased an unprecedented group of powertrain tech including gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric vehicles, and a hydrogen fuel cell concept. The headliner was the Tacoma H2 Overland concept..."
A hydrogen fuel cell uses hydrogen to create electricity, which powers the vehicle. It’s a cleaner option than gasoline because it only produces water as waste.
A hydrogen fuel cell is a device that converts hydrogen gas into electricity, which can then power an electric motor. This technology is seen as a clean alternative to traditional gasoline engines, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct.
Toyota Tacoma
"...hydrogen fuel cell concept. The headliner was the Tacoma H2 Overland concept, a hydrogen electric powertra..."
The Toyota Tacoma is a smaller pickup truck that is tough and can be used for work or fun. It's popular because it's reliable and can handle rough conditions.
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capabilities. It's frequently discussed for its reliability and versatility, making it a favorite among truck enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
Toyota 4Runner
"First out of Toyota, they announced that the 2026 Toyota 4Runner is entering its second year of production on the new redesign..."
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner is a type of SUV that has been updated for the new model year. It’s built for off-road driving and has a tough look.
The 2026 Toyota 4Runner is an SUV that is entering its second year of production with a new redesign. It is known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design.
iForce Max 2.4L Turbo Hybrid
"the top trims of the 4Runner still use the iForce Max 2.4L Turbo Hybrid with about 326hp and 465lb-ft of torque. The trail hunter version that I mentioned just a minute ago..."
The iForce Max 2.4L Turbo Hybrid is a type of engine from Toyota that uses both gas and electricity to run better and save fuel.
The iForce Max 2.4L Turbo Hybrid is a powertrain option from Toyota that combines a turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and performance.
suspension lift
"the trail hunter version that I mentioned just a minute ago is built for serious off-roaders that it has a suspension lift and skid plates..."
A suspension lift makes a vehicle higher off the ground, which helps it drive better on rough terrain.
A suspension lift is a modification that raises a vehicle's suspension system, allowing for greater ground clearance and improved off-road capability.
Toyota Crown
"We had another press release from Toyota. This one is on the 2026 Toyota Crown Signia. They're going to be offering two-tone paint choices..."
The 2026 Toyota Crown Signia is a fancy car that comes with new color choices and a hybrid engine that helps it drive smoothly.
The 2026 Toyota Crown Signia is a luxury sedan that offers modern features such as two-tone paint options and a hybrid all-wheel drive system for improved performance and efficiency.
Toyota Highlander
"...e system. The Sigma sits between the RAV4 and the Highlander and kind of targets those drivers who want a seda..."
The Toyota Highlander is a family-friendly SUV that has a lot of room for passengers and cargo. It's a good choice for those who need space and want a safe vehicle.
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that offers a blend of comfort, space, and advanced safety features. It's popular among families for its three-row seating and reliability.
Mitsubishi Sigma
"...he same smooth hybrid all-wheel drive system. The Sigma sits between the RAV4 and the Highlander and kind..."
The Mitsubishi Sigma is a midsize SUV that is designed to be friendly to the environment. It has some special features that make it different from other SUVs.
The Mitsubishi Sigma is a lesser-known midsize SUV that has been designed to compete in the crowded SUV market. Its unique features and hybrid capabilities make it an interesting option for eco-conscious buyers.
Toyota RAV4
"...ll-wheel drive system. The Sigma sits between the RAV4 and the Highlander and kind of targets those driv..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that is very popular because it has a lot of space and is good on gas. It's a great choice for people who need a reliable vehicle for daily driving.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has become one of the best-selling vehicles in its class due to its reliability, spaciousness, and fuel efficiency. It's often discussed for its practicality and versatility for everyday use.
2026 Lexus RZ
"The next one is from Lexus on the 2026 Lexus RZ. Lexus refreshed the RZ electric SUV with access to the Tesla Supercharger Network."
The 2026 Lexus RZ is an electric SUV that has been updated to use Tesla's charging stations, making it easier to charge when on the go.
The 2026 Lexus RZ is an electric SUV that has been refreshed to provide access to the Tesla Supercharger Network, enhancing its charging capabilities.
driver assistance tech
"You get a quicker DC fast charging and a new 12.3 inch infotainment screen and buyers also get upgraded driver assistance tech and a more comfortable interior."
Driver assistance tech includes features in cars that help drivers stay safe and make driving easier, like warning you if you're drifting out of your lane.
Driver assistance tech refers to various technologies in vehicles designed to enhance safety and ease of driving, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
DC fast charging
"You get a quicker DC fast charging and a new 12.3 inch infotainment screen and buyers also get upgraded driver assistance tech and a more comfortable interior."
DC fast charging is a way to charge electric cars quickly, so you can get back on the road faster, especially during long trips.
DC fast charging is a method of charging electric vehicles that allows for much quicker charging times compared to standard AC charging, making it convenient for long-distance travel.
infotainment screen
"You get a quicker DC fast charging and a new 12.3 inch infotainment screen and buyers also get upgraded driver assistance tech and a more comfortable interior."
An infotainment screen is a screen in the car that shows things like music, maps, and other information to help you while driving.
An infotainment screen is a display in a vehicle that provides entertainment, navigation, and vehicle information, integrating various functions for the driver and passengers.
Subaru Outback
"The Outback and Forester led the charge keeping Subaru's all-wheel drive reputation strong."
The Subaru Outback is a type of car that is good for both everyday driving and off-road adventures, like camping or hiking.
The Subaru Outback is a crossover SUV that combines the features of a station wagon with off-road capability, making it a popular choice for adventure-seekers.
electric SUV
"Top sellers were the Telluride, Sportage and the new EV9 electric SUV."
An electric SUV is a type of SUV that runs on electricity instead of gas, which can be better for the environment and cheaper to drive.
An electric SUV is a sport utility vehicle that runs entirely on electricity, offering benefits such as lower emissions and potentially lower operating costs compared to traditional gasoline-powered SUVs.
Kia Sportage
"...ongest year ever. Top sellers were the Telluride, Sportage and the new EV9 electric SUV. Kia credits its mix..."
The Kia Sportage is a small SUV that is comfortable and has a lot of features for the price. It's a good choice for people looking for a reliable and stylish vehicle.
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that offers a good mix of features, comfort, and value. It's often discussed for its modern design and generous warranty, making it an attractive option for buyers.
Kia EV9
"Top sellers were the Telluride, Sportage and the new EV9 electric SUV."
The Kia EV9 is a new electric SUV from Kia, which means it runs on electricity instead of gasoline, making it more environmentally friendly.
The Kia EV9 is an all-electric SUV that represents Kia's commitment to electric mobility, offering modern design and advanced technology features.
Honda Accord
"...d about 115,000 vehicles in October with the CR-V Accord and the Civic leading the pack. Acura sales rose ..."
The Honda Accord is a comfortable car that is good on gas and has a lot of space inside. Many people like it because it's dependable and easy to drive.
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. It has been a popular choice for families and commuters for decades due to its balance of comfort and performance.
Honda Civic
"... vehicles in October with the CR-V Accord and the Civic leading the pack. Acura sales rose 12% driven by ..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that is great on gas and fun to drive. It's a favorite for many people because it's reliable and easy to park.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has gained a reputation for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and sporty design. It's often discussed for its versatility, making it a popular choice among young drivers and families alike.
Acura ZDX
"Acura sales rose 12% driven by the MDX and ZDX hybrids."
The Acura ZDX is a luxury SUV that has a sporty look and offers many comfort features, making it appealing to buyers who want something stylish.
The Acura ZDX is a luxury crossover SUV that combines sporty design with premium features, aimed at buyers looking for a stylish and comfortable ride.
Acura MDX
"...ding the pack. Acura sales rose 12% driven by the MDX and ZDX hybrids. Executives say steady hybrid dem..."
The Acura MDX is a fancy SUV that has a lot of space and nice features. It's a good option for families who want something comfortable and stylish.
The Acura MDX is a luxury midsize SUV known for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and strong performance. It's often highlighted for its blend of comfort and practicality, making it a popular choice for families.
Lexus
"Toyota's bringing back icons Lexus is fixing EV charging and brands like Kia and Honda are proving that hybrids and family SUVs still run this market."
Lexus is a luxury brand that is part of Toyota, making high-end cars that are known for their comfort and advanced features.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, known for its premium cars that focus on comfort, quality, and advanced technology.
Ford Bronco
"...the road. It's not quite to the level of the Ford Bronco on the road, but it is better than it ever has be..."
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that can go off-road and is designed for adventure. People love it because it looks cool and can handle rough trails.
The Ford Bronco is a classic SUV that has been revived for modern times, known for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities. It's often discussed for its nostalgic appeal and competitive features against other off-road vehicles.
Mazda Cx5
"Now for what I'm driving right now and reviewing for off the shelf rides. That is the 2025 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Premium. It has a 2.5 liter turbo engine with 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel."
The Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV that looks nice and is fun to drive. It's a great option for people who want a stylish vehicle that feels good on the road.
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV known for its stylish design and engaging driving dynamics. It stands out in its class for its upscale interior and sporty handling.
horsepower
"It has a 2.5 liter turbo engine with 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel."
Horsepower is a way to measure how strong an engine is. The more horsepower an engine has, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power output of an engine. It reflects how much work the engine can perform over time, influencing the vehicle's speed and acceleration.
pound-feet of torque
"It has a 2.5 liter turbo engine with 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel."
Pound-feet of torque tells you how much force an engine can use to turn things. More torque means better acceleration and the ability to pull heavier loads.
Pound-feet of torque is a measure of rotational force produced by an engine. It indicates how much twisting force the engine generates, which is crucial for acceleration and towing capacity.
turbo engine
"It has a 2.5 liter turbo engine with 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel."
A turbo engine is a type of engine that uses a special device called a turbocharger to make it more powerful. It helps the engine run better and use less fuel.
A turbo engine uses a turbocharger to increase the engine's efficiency and power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This allows for better performance without significantly increasing engine size.
all-wheel drive
"Now all of the CX-5 comes standard with all-wheel drive."
All-wheel drive means that power goes to all four wheels of the car, which helps it grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that distributes power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously. This enhances traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Hybrid Max setup
"The powertrain is the Hybrid Max setup. So it's still a 2.4 liter turbo with electric motors, 362 horsepower and 400 pound feet of torque."
The Hybrid Max setup is a system that uses both a gas engine and electric motors to make the car more powerful and efficient.
The Hybrid Max setup refers to Toyota's hybrid powertrain technology that combines a traditional gasoline engine with electric motors to enhance performance and efficiency.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
"Seven seat layout possible and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. So this one is all about space, style and efficiency."
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is a collection of safety tools in Toyota cars that help prevent accidents. It includes things like alerts for when you might be drifting out of your lane or if you're getting too close to another vehicle.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is a suite of advanced safety features designed to enhance driver and passenger safety. It includes technologies like pre-collision systems, lane departure alerts, and adaptive cruise control.
hybrid power
"So I'll test out Toyota's hybrid power and see how it works out for you and your family."
Hybrid power means the car can use both gas and electricity to run. This helps save fuel and is better for the environment compared to just using gas.
Hybrid power refers to a vehicle's ability to use both a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric motor for propulsion. This combination can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
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