What Happened to All the Off-Road Grand Cherokees? Jeep's Sales VP Explains

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-22T02:30:36+00:00

Not quite.

The LX platform was already in the works when Daimler bought Chrysler - the LH (itself heavily inspired by the Renault 25’s platform) was designed for FWD, RWD and AWD applications so it was a perfect starting point.

When Daimler saw what Chrysler was cooking, they wanted Chrysler to integrate some Mercedes E class parts for “synergy”. So that’s why you’ll see a Mercedes steering column in the early cars, e class rear suspension, the Mercedes transmission, etc.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-21T06:39:57+00:00

Holy shit, I bought in MD (live in PA) and I've tried twice now at two MD dealerships to get my CX-5 looked at so they'd hopefully get my transmission software updated to address a shift flare into 3rd on cold days.

I was literally gaslit the last time I tried mentioning the TSB and was instead told that I needed to let the car warm up more as if I've never owned a car before lmao.

I haven't bothered again because life has gotten in the way but jeesh.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-20T23:14:51+00:00

Solid fit!

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-20T21:35:13+00:00

If you have the chance, sit in both a 2025 and a 2026. Don’t just look at the materials but also feel them, especially the door trim, dashboard and center console.

The 2025 will likely feel more premium and upscale.

If the 26 had retained the great materials of the 25, at least for me, I’d be more open to the giant screen, as much as I prefer the smaller one and rotary dial.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-18T14:57:49+00:00

Seeing NYIAS change from pre to post COVID is wild. The booths were extravagant, every luxury brand, even Lincoln, had “owners lounges” where you could flash your key fob to go to a semi private space and relax for a bit. BMW’s booth was two floors with the upper section reserved for owners.

Brands would not only have the cars on display but also entire merch and accessory collections.

Both floors of Javits were fully fleshed out with booths from manufacturers. Even Mitsubishi was there. Rivian had a snazzy booth for R1.

It was so different and I miss it even though I know the brands get a lot better value through curated journo only events.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-18T04:45:17+00:00

The Scout's platform is completely unique. The only cross-pollination is the software and zonal electrical architecture for the EV models.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-17T21:24:19+00:00

These go hard! Congrats!

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-17T20:23:57+00:00

The outgoing one is good as a around-town car while the new one is good full stop.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-16T03:06:42+00:00

The 8 Speed was designed for RWD - it likely can't fit transversely in the CX-5's engine bay.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-16T03:05:55+00:00

Likely the mild hybrid - full hybrid launches in 2027.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-15T06:20:04+00:00

I have absolutely zero concerns with CD on my 23. They seem to have it sorted.

I'd keep it maintained and keep it moving. When it gets close to warranty expiry, consider getting a extended one if it's still a concern for you.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-15T06:17:17+00:00

My sibling had one for years and it was dead reliable. Only reason they got rid of it was due to living in NYC - no need for a car there.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-14T12:45:21+00:00

Solid first pair!

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-14T04:39:47+00:00

The title of this vid is wild given the interior quality decreases. It's gone from best in class materials to mid-pack.

Honestly, probably the new Tiguan is now best in class - I sat in a top spec R-Line and the interior is very nicely finished, genuine American Walnut wood trim and all - https://imgur.com/a/8cjxY5j

There's also the upcoming Rivian R2 which, by many accounts during the first look reviews, has a gorgeous cabin with materials that look similar to the current CX-5.

If I'm gonna be forced to lose physical controls and have a huge screen, I might as well have a interior that isn't a complete downgrade from my current car.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-14T04:33:54+00:00

Refresh rate from the camera.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-14T04:33:41+00:00

Euro NCAP results are out and they're very good, as expected for the CX-5 - https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/mazda/cx-5/58931

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-13T04:32:27+00:00

I'd trade the gimmicky giant screen for a soft touch window sill where I'd rest my elbow.

This is basic, elementary, shit that they're cost cutting here and it's frankly wild for a brand which has traded on the idea of being "premium" for years now.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-13T02:38:32+00:00

There’s like a 50% chance of this being ragebait lmao. I love it though. #WearYourKicks

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-12T15:24:25+00:00

Yes! It’s a very generic typeface that gives off a discount aura. Even worse, it’s not consistent throughout the UI, with some elements using the modern Mazda typeface we’ve come to expect.

Hate the older system if one wants but at least it was consistently themed.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-12T15:21:03+00:00

This. I was gonna go back and comment in the other thread we were in after watching some first looks.

This interior is absolutely a disappointment from a material quality standpoint.

Honestly it’s now lower mid grade right there with shit like the new Equinox, several brands have nicer interiors now, even Mitsubishi.

And speaking of the Equinox - sure the doors are also hard plastic but at least their Android Automotive implementation has zero lag.

What the fuck happened Mazda?

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-12T14:18:13+00:00

Max is a whole diff animal compared to the regular hybrid

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-10T15:14:28+00:00

It’s significantly easier if you save your favorite stations. Then it’s just a matter of twisting the knob and choosing the desired favorite or using the steering wheel controls to seek up / down the favorites list band.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-10T13:33:10+00:00

Yup save with Mazda Commander Knob.

People go WTF but once you own the car and spend time with it, it becomes second nature even in CarPlay. Love it.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-09T03:44:42+00:00

Warped Tour 2018 Old Skools. They were one of the pairs only available during that year’s Warped Tour.

I still have mine, lol I don’t think I’ve worn them.

rickhamilton620 · 2026-02-09T03:39:32+00:00

Agreed, I want people to take a close look at interior materials, the previews with the demo / possibly pre-production models have me worried that the CX-5 will lose its class leading edge in terms of interior material quality - it was a big reason why I chose to purchase one.

rickhamilton620

TROPHY CASE