Hi, I'm John Davis and this is MotorWeek !

Join us where "Road Test" turns "rodeo" with an all-electric pony, the Ford Mustang Mach-E... Stephanie Hart with car financing finesse... Audra Fordin has our cars new and old rolling right on "Your Drive!"

Then, it's our turn in the new Jeep Cherokee... So, come drive with us, next!

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JOHN: It was with much controversy that the Mustang Mach-E EV bolted into showrooms back in 2021.

But despite all the naysayers, they zipped off the lots, and last year was still the 4th bestselling EV in the U.S., outselling the F-150 Lightning by a wide margin.

Well, the Mach-E is back for 2026 with updates designed to keep it riding high.

♪ ♪ Last year, not only did the Ford Mustang Mach-E outsell the F-150 Lightning, but it also outsold the traditional Mustang Coupe.

Sorry haters, this battery-powered Mustang SUV seems here to stay.

Though, as it gallops through the 2026 model year, and EV incentives are long gone, like most of the automotive industry, there are more questions than answers right now.

With rear-drive standard and dual-motor all-wheel-drive optional, there are five different power options ranging from 264 horsepower to 480.

Our Premium-trimmed eAWD is rated at 370 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.

There's also a choice of batteries; the standard range 73 kilowatt hour battery delivers up to 240 miles, with the extended range 88 kilowatt hour battery rating a nice round 300 miles.

Our driving loop with the extended range battery came in almost right on the money, on pace for 297 miles.

Our test car showcases the available Sport Appearance package, which arrived in 2025 and adds the GT's front fascia, unique black wheels, black trim and painted brake calipers.

Functional improvements inside include swapping out the console dial shifter for one mounted on the column, and upgrading the graphics in the instrument cluster.

Safety systems have been upgraded over the years, but unfortunately Ford has oddly dialed back some standard content, now making you pay extra for things like accessing the storage space under the hood, though you can now do so with a button on the key fob.

At our Mason Dixon test track, there was a nice punch of power right from the get-go, with plenty of grip.

We consistently hit 60 in 4.5 seconds, though well shy of the 3.5 second runs we got in the GT Performance Edition back in 2021.

But, unlike the GT Performance, power delivery stayed strong the whole way down the track.

We finished the quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds at 100 miles per hour, and this Mustang felt like it wanted to keep on galloping.

There was very little wind or road noise; just some subtle amounts of EV motor whine.

Most of the time when you're driving the Mach-E, it does feel more like an SUV than a car, but that wasn't the case on our handling course.

In "unbridled" mode, instant response from the tight steering and very little body roll had us feeling like were in a slammed sport sedan.

Like the best traditional Mustang, there was no noticeable understeer or oversteer, just lots of feedback and a willingness to be pushed very hard before triggering the stability systems.

There was also lots of feedback, and a nice firm pedal, in our panic braking runs; smoothly stopping us from 60 in 112 feet with only moderate amounts of nosedive.

(car whooshing by) The Mustang had only been on sale for 16 years before MotorWeek went on the air, and in our first season we got right to it with a comparison of a 5.0 liter GT and a Chevrolet Camaro Z-28, the first of many duels over the years.

At the time, the Mustang was the fastest American made car, but we gave the Camaro the edge when it came to handling, ultimately calling it a draw.

Ford has always sprinkled plenty of special editions into the Mustang lineup over the years, and that carries over here in 2026 with the return of a California Special.

Building on the Mach-E GT, it adds 20 inch carbonized gray wheels, Rave Blue pony emblem, and special graphics on the hood that pay homage to the California coastline; plus, unique navy ActiveX upholstery inside.

Mach-E pricing starts very reasonably at $39,840; our Premium with all-wheel-drive and the extended range battery going for just over $50,000.

EV development has seen a rapid pace in the 5 years since the Mach-E went on sale.

Still, if you're not willing to trade-in driving enjoyment just to have a gas free lifestyle, the 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E deserves a serious look.

Our Drivers' Choice Award "Best of the Year" winner half a decade ago, continues to be one of the top all-around EVs on the market today at any price.

♪ ♪ JOHN: Let's be honest: New cars are expensive.

Add in high interest rates and it's no wonder the average payment for a new vehicle is now over $700 a month.

Those sky-high payments make it a real stretch for many people to buy a new car.

But, our Stephanie Hart is here with auto financing tips to help you make that new car dream come true.

♪ ♪ STEPHANIE HART: Given our current economic environment, a solid strategy is crucial in order to help you secure a good car loan.

I discussed the situation with Bankrate's Senior Economic Analyst Mark Hamrick.

MARK HAMRICK: It could be in the coming years that interest rates will be higher for longer, but perhaps not as high as they are right now.

In some cases, financial institutions are going to be a little more stingy with the money they're lending because they're worried about whether people can make good on those payments.

We have seen lending tightening over the last year or so.

STEPHANIE: But don't panic, deals are out there.

You just have to be prepared before you can capitalize on them.

After all, buying a car is the second largest purchase you're going to make behind buying a home.

So, before you walk into a dealer showroom like this one, you'll want to make sure you have done your homework.

First, create a budget.

Second, have savings for a down payment.

Lastly, make sure you know your credit score.

The higher it is the lower interest rate you will qualify for and the more money you will save.

If you've checked off all of those boxes, then you're ready to shop around for the best auto loan.

Start by contacting credit unions, banks, and dealerships.

Find out what you qualify for, compare rates and learn about what you really can afford.

At MECU credit union in Baltimore, Maryland, auto loans topped the charts as its number one loan product in 2023.

As you may know, a credit union is a not-for-profit financial organization that's owned by members, not shareholders, so profits are returned to members in the form of lower fees, better rates and service.

ADRIAN JOHNSON: We offer financial wellness, financial literacy, financial education.

We have certified financial counselors who will help our members for free- budgeting, savings, improving their credit score.

So, that's been a big plus.

STEPHANIE: And keep in mind, getting a pre-approval letter from a credit union or bank will always save you money during the auto finance process.

KEITH GROSSNICKLE: We actually love that because that is an enlightened consumer who's prepared.

And we work with them to help get the best rates for them.

Sometimes, we can actually do better than what they're already pre-approved for, and if not, we're ready to put the deal together the way they want.

STEPHANIE: And remember, you can typically get a lower interest rate on a new car than you can on a used car because the risk of loss to the bank is lower.

KEITH: The factory uses what is called a subvented rate.

That's where they actually pass the savings through to a consumer.

Instead of in the form of a rebate, they do it in the form of a lower interest rate.

STEPHANIE: Whether, you choose to finance through a dealership, credit union or bank, don't rush into anything.

And remember, the life of the loan is important.

Auto loans with payments of five years or longer have become increasingly common and should be avoided.

MARK: In the early part of the purchasing process, you may be underwater.

Being underwater on a car payment means that what you owe is more than the value of the car.

And guess what?

If you're in an accident and let's say it's totaled, you could really be on the hook if you don't have gap coverage that can make sure that you're reimbursed for the total cost of the car.

STEPHANIE: Even though high sticker prices, combined with high interest rates, have increased the debt-to-income ratio of most borrowers compared to previous years, making it more difficult for some people to qualify for loans, sound financing is still possible if you've done all your homework first.

♪ ♪ (beeps of phone) LISA BARROW: Car phones... They used to be just for the rich, but now cellular technology is changing that, making them more appealing to more people.

Today's owners of cellular car phones are buying, selling, divesting and merging, or just plain talking on the road.

Even rescue vehicles may soon switch to this mode of communication.

CHRISTOPHER BUCK: So basically, you can get a phone in your car purchase price, about $1,200.

LISA BARROW: There are many brands, but only three types, beginning with the mobile car phone, the type that stays in your car.

The second type of phone is a transportable unit; it goes where you go.

The third phone is the much smaller portable model.

It's compact enough to fit in a briefcase but much more expensive.

JOHN: Finding your center is good advice for staying grounded and for keeping your car rolling right.

If you have anxieties regarding the latter, follow this checklist from Audra Fordin on this week's "Your Drive!"

(car engine starts up) AUDRA FORDIN: Have you ever felt like your car is pulling to one side, or your steering wheel is shaking like it's had too much coffee?

That's your car trying to tell you something- and it's not just being dramatic.

Today, we're diving into three key players in your tire's performance-- wheel alignment, tire rotation, and wheel balancing-- that keep you rolling smooth and straight.

A wheel alignment isn't just about your wheels pointing forward.

It's about the angles your tires hit the road: The camber and caster, and the toe.

When these are off, your car might pull to one side, your tires wear unevenly, or your steering feels off-center.

Think of it like your spine: If you're out of alignment, the rest of your body starts compensating and wearing down.

Wheel alignment machines take your car through a full-body posture check, like a chiropractor but for your suspension.

In just minutes, the system scans and shows exactly where you're off.

A properly aligned car means better handling, longer tire life and safer driving.

If you hit a pothole or a curb, get it checked!

That one bump can throw off your entire alignment.

Now, tires naturally don't wear evenly.

The front tires, well, they handle your turning, and the back tires, they follow; and depending on whether your car is front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, each tire has a different job.

Rotating your tires, moving them from front to back and side to side, evens out wear and extends tire life.

It also gives us a chance to inspect your tires, your suspension, your front end, and catch early signs of damage.

A general rule is to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, or at every oil change.

It's simple, it's quick and saves you money.

Skipping tire rotation can cost you up to 25 percent of your tire life.

That's like buying four pairs of shoes and only wearing two of them.

Now, let's talk about wheel balancing because, just like you wouldn't run a marathon in wobbly shoes, you don't want to drive on tires that are out of balance.

Every tire and wheel has tiny weight differences, even when brand new.

Balancing evens this out by adding small weights so the tire spins smoothly.

Without it, you'll feel vibrations, your steering may shimmy and your tires can wear out fast.

Feeling vibrations at 60 to 70 miles per hour could be a balance issue- get it checked before it damages your suspension.

So, remember... Wheel alignments keep you straight and steady, rotation keeps your tread even, and wheel balancing keeps your ride smooth and your parts happy.

And that keeps money in your pocket!

If you have any questions or comments, reach out to us right here at MotorWeek .

JOHN: Let's head inside and rejoin Stephanie Hart for all the latest MotorNews.

♪ ♪ STEPHANIE HART: From family cars to muscle machines, August has been a busy month for new products.

We'll start with Volkswagen's new Atlas Cross Sport.

Like before, the Cross Sport is a sportier-looking version of the Atlas SUV, ditching the 3rd row in favor of a slanted roofline.

It's also about 5.0 inches shorter overall.

Otherwise, the Atlas Cross Sport is similar to its 3-row sibling, from its trendy interior to its turbocharged powertrain.

Looking to cash in on a different trend, Nissan is expanding their Rock Creek off-road sub-brand to the subcompact Kicks crossover.

This package adds special accents, roof rails and cross bars, and unique wheels.

Nissan has also programmed an "off-road" drive mode and hill descent control.

Based on the SV grade, the Rock Creek adds a heated steering wheel and heated front seats, and special TrailorFit upholstery, topping the range at about $30,000.

Dodge is once again capturing the performance spotlight by reviving the Charger Super Bee for 2027.

The new Super Bee is the quickest internal-combustion SIXPACK Charger yet.

With 600 horsepower, Dodge estimates a 3.6 second 0-60 time.

The Super Bee's high-output 3.0 liter inline-6 has been uprated with larger turbochargers and additional cooling; the chassis sees bigger brakes, grippy tires and updated suspension.

And from Ford, we have two varying pieces of news.

We now know their upcoming electric pickup truck will be called the Ford Fathom.

It's said to start under $30,000, with more passenger volume than a Toyota RAV4.

No official photography yet; stay tuned for more details.

And the Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible was just unveiled.

It's Ford's highest performance convertible Mustang yet.

It has retained the SC's 795 horsepower and its supercharged 5.2 liter V8.

However, the convertible's suspension has been tuned for more comfort.

And that's it for this week's MotorNews.

JOHN: Let's hang out with the team for another round of QuickSpins!

♪ ♪ JESSICA RAY: This week, our summer road trip leads us to California for a QuickSpin in the 2027 Kia Seltos.

This 2nd gen Seltos is bigger than before, and as you've probably noticed already, looks like a scaled-down Telluride.

Not a bad play on their part and executed quite nicely too.

Equally well-executed is the powertrain, with a choice between the standard 147 horsepower naturally aspirated 2.0 liter I4 or a 1.6 liter turbo-4 with 190 horsepower.

We spent most of our drivetime in an X-Line SX with the 1.6 liter and the biggest takeaway was that the new Seltos doesn't necessarily feel bigger, but it does feel more substantial, more like an SUV when it comes to the ride and less like a car.

Later this year, a Hybrid arrives with electric motors boosting output as well as powering the rear wheels with a new electronic all-wheel-drive setup.

Interior layout and tech are consistent with recent Kia's, featuring an available all-encompassing 30 inch display with climate control panel in between the gauge display and infotainment touchscreen.

Interior room is up for rear seat passengers as well as in the cargo area.

Available now, the 2027 Kia Seltos starts around $25,000.

And we'll have more QuickSpins, soon.

JOHN: Something's been missing from the Jeep portfolio.

Well actually, it's two things: One, a Cherokee, and two, a non-plug-in hybrid option.

Well, 2026 sees the end of both of these omissions with a brand-new Cherokee that showcases Jeep's new hybrid powertrain.

That's a lot to sort through, but we've got just the crew to do it!

♪ ♪ GREG: When we say this 2026 Cherokee is Jeep's first hybrid, we're talking in the strictly traditional hybrid sense, not a plug-in like the 4xe, which Jeep has actually now phased out of their lineup.

This Cherokee is working with an all-new hybrid system built around Stellantis Europe's 1.6 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder.

It's partnered with a pair of electric motors that make up the variable transmission to produce 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque.

It will operate on battery power alone at speeds up to 62 miles per hour, but a very small 1.0 kilowatt hour battery means it can't do it for long.

Jeep's Active Drive 1 is standard and has the ability to operate strictly in front-wheel-drive, or send as much as 50 percent of power to the rear wheels.

Selec-Terrain has settings for Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Auto; but off-roading is not really a priority for this particular Cherokee.

The hybrid delivers Government Fuel Economy Ratings of 39 city, 35 highway, and 37 combined; our average was just a little below that at 34.4 miles per gallon of Regular.

JESSICA RAY: Despite modest power numbers, the Cherokee makes good use of what it has, responding quickly to throttle inputs.

It is a very noisy setup, especially when you start it up, but it does get quieter as things settle down.

Transitions between engine and battery power are relatively seamless and are really only noticed by what feels like a very subtle shift of a transmission.

At the test track, there was plenty of torque off the line to get us to 60 in 7.5 seconds and through the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at 89 miles per hour.

There's a lot of momentum here at launch.

The engine comes on very quickly; you can tell it's working hard.

And different from a typical CVT, there is plenty of power throughout the entire quarter mile.

Between the all-wheel-drive sending varying amounts of power to the rear wheels, and that power coming from two different sources, there was a lot going on when it came to evaluating handling.

But, despite some inconsistencies in feel, it all came together quite nicely.

Through our cone course, there's really not much steering feel, and when pushed hard enough, you do get a fair amount of oversteer.

But the Jeep Cherokee is actually pretty maneuverable, and I never feel like the body roll is out of control and things feel pretty stable.

In our braking runs, stops averaged a good 110 feet with solid pedal feel, very little fade and no drama.

GREG: The last Cherokee, which ended its run in 2023, didn't exactly stop people in their tracks when it came to style.

And while it wasn't realistic to make a new Cherokee as square as the original XJ, designers did add some subtle nods to it, and we think Jeep fans will like it.

It's much bigger than the last Cherokee; taller, wider, and about 5.0 inches longer, but ground clearance is down slightly, coming in right at 8.0 inches.

The interior is comfortable and well outfitted regardless of trim, but there are a few quirks.

This steering wheel looks and feels huge, and the controls down here on the console are very similar to other Stellantis offerings, namely the Dodge Charger.

Jeep has also gone with electronic door switches both on the outside and inside, though there is also a manual release inside as long as you're in the front row.

Rather than plopping a mega-screen up here, Jeep keeps this one integrated into the dash; it's still a good size, though, at 12.3 inches.

Uconnect 5 looks great and works well, but the haptics on either side of the screen and down here for climate are not our favorite.

Laredo trim is just one step up from base and comes with upgraded cloth upholstery, heated seats, and plenty of charge ports, but the cargo area is the big deal in the Cherokee, literally, with a great 33.6 cubic-feet worth of space for gear.

And that seemed to be the priority for Jeep as there's actually less second room leg room than before, but there is more hip and shoulder room, and that helps it feel less claustrophobic back here.

Laredo pricing starts at $39,995, 3-grand over a base offering, the top Overland coming in $44,995.

So, Jeep has pulled the plug on the 4xe for now, but don't think of this 2026 Cherokee as a step backward, rather a leap forward, as its turbo hybrid powertrain is making better fuel efficiency more attainable for the Jeep faithful.

It looks like efficiency is the new Jeep thing.

Well, that's our show, I hope you enjoyed it.

Now, for more MotorWeek , including daily news updates, podcasts, and even complete episodes, cruise on over to PBS.ORG/MOTORWEEK.

And I hope you'll join us next time for the end of season 45, starring the tough Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison and the practical Kia Sportage.

Until then, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

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MotorWeek is proudly sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper, a nationwide network of stores and shops providing major brand auto and truck parts, and service from coast to coast, and in your local community.

Learn more at AutoValue.Com and BumperToBumper.Com.

We're Tire Rack.

We test tires, then share our results.

We stock over a million tires.

We offer multiple installation options.

We do this because we believe tires matter.

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