Zeekr Test Drive
Zeekr Test Drive

Whether you drive a car, need a car, or just occasionally bum a ride with friends, you’’ve come to the right place. Join Jill and Tom as they break down everything that’’s going on in the auto world. New-car reviews, shopping tips, driving green, electric cars, classic cars, and plenty of great guests. This is the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast. – Zeekr Test Drive

Episode: 309

Broadcast date: January 12, 2026

Guest: Robert Colangelo

Jeep 4Xe is Dead, Zeekr Test Drive, The Real Power Grid Problem

 

(Show Notes)

News

Jill is back in the co-host seat this week for a topic-packed episode. Tom opens the show asking if $61,000 seems like a lot for a Hyundai—any Hyundai. The hosts discuss the Korean maker’s luxury/value equation, and note that Tom’s test car, a 2026 Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid is, without question, a luxury vehicle. Listen in for more of the conversation.

Tom goes on to share his frustration with Stellantis for killing all of Jeep’s “4Xe” plug-in hybrids, along with the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Listen in for some crankiness.

Still in the first segment, Jill details her CES Chinese-car adventure. Jill was able to take short drives in a number of luxury electric Zeekr models (a division of Volvo’s parent company Geely) and came away very impressed. Her quick takes on these vehicles are worth a listen. Are these premium EVs coming to the U.S? here’s the scoop.

In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by friend of show and sustainability expert Robert Colangelo. Robert addresses the fallacy that EVs are a threat to the U.S. electric grid, and details the real power-consumption challenges that lay ahead for the country. It’s a great conversation you don’t want to miss.

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Dodge?” quiz.

The Car Stuff Podcast is broadcast live every Monday at 3:00 PM CT on the TalkZone Radio Network

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Discussed this week

General Motors Companion Brands 

Hyundai news and reviews

Tiago Castro

Jeep 4Xe

Geely

Meet Robert Colangelo

Dodge

 

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The Crew

To advertise on the Car Stuff Podcast call Andy Lieb: 847-291-7414

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