When Design Ages Well And Power Stays Loud
About this episode
The In Wheel Time Podcast dives into a detailed review of the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and Dodge Durango, highlighting their design, performance, and features. The Mazda CX-5, despite being an older model, remains popular for its stylish looks and peppy turbocharged engine. The hosts discuss its interior quality, handling, and competitive pricing against rivals like the Honda CR-V. The Dodge Durango review emphasizes its powerful V8 engine, spacious interior, and unique styling, while comparing it to other SUVs in the market. The episode also touches on battery brands, ranking them from worst to best.
Continuing with our End of Year showcase...
Two SUVs, two philosophies, one clear question: what do you actually want from your daily driver? We put the 2025 Mazda CX-5 under the microscope to see why a design from 2017 still pulls buyers, then swing to the Dodge Durango’s 5.7 Hemi to explore how old-school power and modern tech can coexist in a three-row hauler. Along the way, we zoom in on steering feel, ride character, real-world fuel economy, towing confidence, and the pricing sweet spots that make these choices more interesting than a simple spec-sheet duel.
The CX-5 shows why restraint pays off: a clean exterior, a driver-first cabin, and a turbo four that makes a six-speed feel current. Yes, the infotainment system is dated, and second-row space isn’t class-leading, but the steering and chassis deliver a sports-sedan vibe that crossovers rarely match. We line it up against the CX-50, Honda CR-V, and Kia Sportage to map where style, value, and dynamics diverge—and where Mazda still wins on feel.
Then we climb into the Durango 20th Anniversary AWD and let the Hemi do the talking. With 360 hp, an eight-speed, stout towing capacity, and Uconnect 5, it’s a family rig that can tow the toys and still entertain on the highway. We unpack drive modes, run-flat manners, seat configurations, audio upgrades, and where it lands between midsize convenience and full-size presence. If you’re cross-shopping Telluride, CX-90, or Tahoe, you’ll get a clear sense of how the Durango threads the needle on performance and price.
To cap it off, we rank car batteries from worst to best—EverStart to Optima—dig into cold cranking amps, warranty realities, and why heat crushes lifespan. You’ll learn how to pick the right group size, when to step up in CCA, and the simple receipt trick that saves you money. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s shopping for an SUV or a battery upgrade, and tell us: are you team precision CX-5 or team Hemi Durango? Your take might be the tie-breaker.
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Mazda Cx5
"I had a chance to drive the Mazda CX-5 for 2025. This car was built in Hiroshima, Japan."
The Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV that is fun to drive and looks good. The 2025 version comes in different versions, or trims, so you can choose one that fits your needs.
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV known for its stylish design and engaging driving dynamics. The 2025 model continues to build on these strengths with various trim levels to cater to different preferences.
trim levels
"Available trim levels, 2.5S, 2.5S Select. 2.5S Preferred, 2.5S Carbon Edition, 2.5 Premium Plus, 2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium, 2.5 Turbo Signature."
Trim levels are different versions of the same car that have various features. For example, one version might have more luxury options than another.
Trim levels refer to the different versions of a car model that come with varying features and options. Each trim level can offer different equipment, styling, and performance characteristics.
Monroney
"But that's what the Monroney said. This is a 5-passenger small SUV."
The Monroney is a sticker on new cars that shows important details like the price and features of the car. It's named after a U.S. senator who helped make it a law.
The Monroney label is a sticker that is required by law to be placed on new cars sold in the United States. It provides important information about the vehicle, including its price, fuel economy, and standard features.
Mazda Cx50
"But it is still for sale. And its replacement is the CX-50. Duh. What we've got on the screen right there, that's a nice car that any family could use to drive around town."
The Mazda CX-50 is a family-friendly SUV that is easy to drive around town. It's a newer model that replaces an older vehicle from Mazda.
The Mazda CX-50 is a compact SUV designed for families, offering versatility and comfort for urban driving. It serves as a replacement for one of Mazda's older models, reflecting the brand's shift towards more modern designs and features.
Jeep Cherokee
"It's kind of like for years and years and years. Jeep had the wonderful Jeep Grand Cherokee. They made no changes to it."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a type of SUV that can handle rough terrain and is also comfortable for everyday driving. It's been around for a long time and is well-liked by many people.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV known for its off-road capability and luxury features. It has been a popular choice among consumers since its introduction in the early 1990s.
Jeep Grand
"...ears and years and years. Jeep had the wonderful Jeep Grand Cherokee. They made no changes to it."
turbocharged
"2.5 liter turbocharged four-cylinder, that turns out a perfectly matched 227 horsepower..."
Turbocharging helps engines produce more power by forcing extra air into the combustion chamber. This means a smaller engine can perform like a larger one without using more fuel.
Turbocharging is a technology that uses a turbine-driven forced induction system to increase an engine's efficiency and power output. It allows smaller engines to produce more power without significantly increasing fuel consumption.
horsepower
"...turns out a perfectly matched 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque."
Horsepower measures how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means a car can go faster or accelerate quicker.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. It indicates how quickly work can be done, which in automotive terms translates to how fast a vehicle can accelerate.
torque
"...227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque."
Torque is the force that helps a car start moving and accelerate. Higher torque means better performance when starting from a stop or carrying heavy loads.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which is crucial for determining how quickly a vehicle can accelerate from a stop. It is especially important for tasks like towing and hauling.
automatic transmission
"It has a six-speed automatic transmission."
An automatic transmission shifts gears for you, making it easier to drive because you don't have to worry about changing gears manually.
An automatic transmission automatically changes the gear ratios as the vehicle moves, allowing the driver to focus on steering and acceleration without needing to manually shift gears.
CVT
"Because everybody's either going to the CVT or a 10-speed."
A CVT is a type of automatic transmission that can change gears smoothly without any noticeable shifts, which helps the car accelerate more evenly.
A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is a type of automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of effective gear ratios, providing smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency.
miles per gallon
"I got 24.2 miles per gallon, over 454.8 miles. What I liked about it, the peppy motor."
Miles per gallon tells you how many miles a car can drive using one gallon of gas. Higher numbers mean better fuel efficiency, which saves you money on gas.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of how far a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. It's an important metric for assessing fuel efficiency and can vary between city and highway driving conditions.
Mazda Miata
"...esign altogether. But they play off of the Mazda Miata CX-5. What is it?"
The Mazda Miata is a small, two-seat car that is really fun to drive. It's known for being light and sporty, which makes it great for people who love driving. Many people like it because it's not too expensive and still gives you that exciting feeling of being in a sports car.
The Mazda Miata is a lightweight two-seater sports car known for its engaging driving experience and classic roadster design. Since its introduction in 1989, it has gained a reputation for being fun to drive, affordable, and reliable, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts. Its significance lies in its ability to deliver a pure driving experience without the high price tag often associated with sports cars.
Mazda MX-5
"But they play off of the Mazda Miata CX-5. What is it? No, MX-5, sorry. That's the Mazda Miata."
The Mazda MX-5 is a small, sporty car that is fun to drive. It's known for being light and easy to handle, making it popular among people who enjoy driving.
The Mazda MX-5, also known as the Miata, is a lightweight two-seat sports car known for its agile handling and fun driving experience. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is often praised for its affordability and performance.
base trim price
"All right, let's talk about the price. Base trim price, $40,760. That's the base."
The base trim price is the lowest price you can pay for a car without adding any extra features. It's like the starting point for the car's cost.
The base trim price refers to the starting price of a vehicle without any additional options or packages. This price typically includes the standard features of the car but does not account for any upgrades or customizations.
as tested price
"That's the base. As tested, $42,750. That's still not bad."
The as tested price is how much the car costs after adding all the extra features and options. It's the total amount you would pay for that specific version of the car.
The as tested price is the final price of a vehicle after all options, packages, and additional features have been added. This price reflects what the buyer would actually pay for the car as it was configured during testing or review.
Honda Crv
"Another competitor, the Honda CR-V, $30,100. Or the Kia Sportage, $27,190."
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that is known for being reliable and having a lot of space inside, which is great for families.
The Honda CR-V is a popular compact SUV known for its spacious interior, reliability, and fuel efficiency, making it a favorite among families.
Kia Sportage
"Or the Kia Sportage, $27,190. They're all in there."
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that looks good and has a comfortable inside, with many technology features that people like.
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that offers a stylish design, a comfortable interior, and a range of tech features, appealing to a broad audience.
O'Reilly Auto Parts
"as well as O'Reilly auto parts, allowing folks who want to maintain the OEM parts on their vehicles to access replacement batteries almost anywhere. That's why O'Reilly has it."
O'Reilly Auto Parts is a store where you can buy car parts and accessories. They sell things like batteries that you need to keep your car running well.
O'Reilly Auto Parts is a retail chain that specializes in automotive parts and accessories. They provide a wide range of products, including batteries, which are essential for vehicle maintenance.
Motorcraft
"Here's the point with Motorcraft. The benefit is that the decision was made that Ford knows what battery goes in each car."
Motorcraft is a brand that makes car parts for Ford vehicles. They create parts that are made to fit perfectly in Ford cars, so they work well and last longer.
Motorcraft is a brand of automotive parts and accessories manufactured by Ford. It is known for producing OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts that are specifically designed for Ford vehicles, ensuring compatibility and reliability.
Ford Ranger
"As an example, the battery for a 1996 Ford Ranger, whatever it is, small vehicle,"
The Ford Ranger is a small pickup truck made by Ford. The 1996 model is one of the earlier versions and is known for being practical and reliable for everyday use.
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck that has been popular for its versatility and reliability. The 1996 model is part of the first generation of Rangers, known for its smaller size and efficient performance.
AC Delco
"The next one on this is a GM brand. It's an AC Delco available from third party retailers and directly from GM. The AC Delco batteries come in a variety of group sizes and performance ratings..."
AC Delco is a brand that makes car parts and batteries, especially for General Motors cars. They are trusted by GM to provide quality products.
AC Delco is a brand owned by General Motors that produces automotive parts, including batteries. They are known for providing reliable components specifically designed for GM vehicles.
Absorbent Glass Mat
"And again, the Absorbent Glass Mat is a fiber. They're fiber layers between the positive and negative plates in the battery."
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) is a special kind of car battery that holds its liquid in glass fibers, making it safer and longer-lasting. It's often used in newer cars because it's more reliable and doesn't need much maintenance.
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) is a type of lead-acid battery technology that uses fiberglass mats to absorb and hold the electrolyte, making the battery more durable and resistant to vibration. AGM batteries are commonly used in modern vehicles due to their reliability and maintenance-free nature.
Chevrolet Corvette
"And the Corvette went to an AGM battery in production. Is that what they have now?"
The Corvette is a fast sports car made by Chevrolet. It's famous for its sleek design and powerful performance, and it's been around for many years with different versions.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful engines and distinctive design. It has undergone several generations of development since its introduction in 1953, making it a staple in American automotive culture.
Bosch
"The number six on this list is a Bosch. Bosch lands in the middle of this ranking for a good reason. They're a brand that provides a dependable, well-regarded battery at a good price."
Bosch is a company that makes parts for cars, like batteries. They are known for making good quality products that many people trust.
Bosch is a well-known German engineering and technology company that produces a variety of automotive components, including batteries. They are recognized for their quality and reliability in the automotive industry.
anti-gravity battery
"...A recent addition to the car battery market is anti-gravity batteries. Their niche isn't in providing the most power like competitors, but providing a greener solution to automotive power with lithium ion batteries."
An anti-gravity battery is a new kind of car battery that is lighter and better for the environment than regular batteries. It helps power cars without using as much energy or resources.
An anti-gravity battery is a type of battery designed to be lightweight and environmentally friendly, often utilizing advanced technology to provide power without the weight of traditional batteries. They are part of a growing trend towards greener automotive solutions.
lithium ion batteries
"...providing a greener solution to automotive power with lithium ion batteries."
Lithium ion batteries are a type of battery that can be recharged and are used in many electric cars and gadgets. They are popular because they can store a lot of energy in a small space and last a long time.
Lithium ion batteries are rechargeable batteries commonly used in electric vehicles and portable electronics due to their high energy density and efficiency. They are known for their ability to hold a charge for a long time and have become the standard in modern battery technology.
cold cranking amps
"Well, you got to remember in a battery that measurement is called cold cranking amps. So it's the ability of the battery to create power at a certain low temperature, that cold cranking amps."
Cold cranking amps tell you how well a car battery can start an engine when it's really cold outside. The higher the number, the better the battery can perform in low temperatures.
Cold cranking amps (CCA) is a measurement of a battery's ability to start an engine in cold temperatures. It indicates how much current the battery can deliver at 0°F (-18°C) for 30 seconds while maintaining a voltage of at least 7.2 volts.
XS Power
"Number four on my list is XS Power, XS. XS Power is a newer automotive battery brand."
XS Power is a brand that makes batteries for cars, especially for those that need a lot of power, like race cars or custom vehicles. They focus on creating batteries that are stronger than regular ones.
XS Power is a newer automotive battery brand known for producing high-performance batteries that cater to enthusiasts and competition vehicles. Their products are designed to provide more power and reliability than standard batteries.
Odyssey
"So Odyssey is number three. Never heard of them."
Odyssey is a brand that makes batteries for cars. They are known for being powerful and lasting a long time, which is great for cars that need a lot of electricity.
Odyssey is a brand of high-performance batteries, often used in automotive applications. They are known for their deep-cycle capabilities and long service life, making them popular among enthusiasts and for vehicles with high electrical demands.
DieHard
"It's a diehard. Not the movie, Mike. Not the movie. It used to be the Sears brand."
DieHard is a brand of car batteries that used to be sold by the Sears department store. They are known for being dependable and are often used in vehicles.
DieHard is a brand of automotive batteries that was originally sold by Sears. Known for their reliability, DieHard batteries have been a popular choice among car owners for many years.
Advanced Auto Parts
"...after Sears sold the brand to Advanced Auto Parts back in 2019."
Advanced Auto Parts is a store where you can buy car parts and accessories, including batteries. They now own the Diehard battery brand after buying it from Sears.
Advanced Auto Parts is a retailer of automotive parts and accessories, including batteries. They acquired the Diehard brand from Sears, continuing to offer these batteries to customers.
Clarios
"...the battery was still manufactured by Clarios. So you can get this."
Clarios makes batteries that power cars. They are a big company that produces batteries for many different brands, including Diehard, which is a well-known name.
Clarios is a leading manufacturer of automotive batteries, known for producing batteries for various brands, including Diehard. They focus on advanced battery technologies for both conventional and electric vehicles.
Optima
"That makes Optima."
Optima is a brand of car batteries that are known for being very strong and long-lasting. They're often used in cars that need extra power.
Optima is a brand of high-performance automotive batteries known for their durability and reliability, often used in performance and off-road vehicles.
Dodge Durango
"Let's do the Dodge Durango review, Mr. Mars had a chance to drive that. And I was really surprised when the 2025 Dodge Durango showed up in the driveway."
The Dodge Durango is a type of SUV that offers a lot of space for passengers and cargo. The 2025 version has new features and improvements compared to earlier models.
The Dodge Durango is a mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior and strong performance capabilities. The 2025 model continues the Durango's legacy with updated features and technology.
Dodge Hellcat
"...first thing you think of it is, oh, it's a Hellcat. No, it's not."
The Dodge Hellcat is a very powerful car made by Dodge. It has a big engine that makes it go really fast, and it's popular among car enthusiasts for racing and performance.
The Dodge Hellcat is a high-performance variant of the Dodge Charger and Challenger, known for its powerful supercharged V8 engine that produces over 700 horsepower. It's celebrated for its impressive acceleration and track capabilities.
5.7 liter V8 Hemi
"The 5.7 liter V8 Hemi. Now, this is not the Hellcat, although the Hellcat's still available for 25."
The 5.7 liter V8 Hemi is a powerful engine made by Chrysler. Its unique shape helps it run more efficiently and is used in many of their cars and trucks.
The 5.7 liter V8 Hemi is a type of engine produced by Chrysler, known for its hemispherical combustion chamber design which allows for better airflow and efficiency. It's commonly found in various Dodge and Chrysler vehicles.
Mazda Cx90
"...5 versus the Durango at $43,590. Well, the Mazda CX90 at $37,845. However, if you step up and look at ..."
The Mazda CX-90 is a medium-sized SUV that is designed to be comfortable and stylish. It has a lot of nice features inside and is fun to drive, which makes it stand out from other SUVs. People like it because it feels more luxurious while still being practical for everyday use.
The Mazda CX-90 is a midsize SUV that combines luxury features with the brand's signature driving dynamics. Launched as part of Mazda's expanding SUV lineup, it aims to compete with other premium SUVs by offering a stylish design, advanced technology, and a comfortable interior. Its significance lies in Mazda's effort to elevate its brand presence in the competitive SUV market.
Chevrolet Tahoe
"...ook at the little bit other side of it, the Chevy Tahoe and consider it a standard vehicle, standard siz..."
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a big SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff, making it great for families or trips. It's known for being strong and able to tow heavy things, which is useful if you have boats or trailers. Many people like it because it has a lot of space and is comfortable to drive.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that offers a spacious interior, strong towing capabilities, and a powerful engine lineup. It's popular among families and those needing a versatile vehicle for both everyday use and outdoor adventures. The Tahoe is often discussed for its blend of comfort, utility, and performance, making it a staple in the SUV market.
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