From Turbo Zoom To Stow‑And‑Go: Our Seats Got Whiplash

In Wheel Time Podcast: Your Go-To Automotive Talk Show

Content provided by In Wheel Time Podcast | Automotive talk with Don Armstrong, Michael Marrs, and Jeff Dziekan, In Wheel Time Podcast | Automotive talk with Don Armstrong, Michael Marrs, and Jeff Dziekan. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by In Wheel Time Podcast | Automotive talk with Don Armstrong, Michael Marrs, and Jeff Dziekan, In Wheel Time Podcast | Automotive talk with Don Armstrong, Michael Marrs, and Jeff Dziekan or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

13d ago 11:40

MP3•Episode home

Two family haulers, two very different promises. We put the 2025 Mazda CX-90 and the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica through their paces to find out whether driving joy or everyday ease should lead your next purchase. If you’ve ever stood in a dealer lot torn between a sleek three-row SUV and a minivan that just works, this head-to-head is your shortcut to clarity.
We start with the CX-90’s immediate curb appeal: balanced lines, tasteful chrome, and those painted arch moldings that make it feel premium without shouting. On the road, Mazda’s 3.3-liter turbo lights up with 340 hp and 369 lb-ft, backed by an eight-speed that helps it feel quick and composed. Our long loop returned an impressive 26.7 mpg. Still, there are caveats. A fussy start-stop system and a first-to-second shift that nags in traffic chip away at an otherwise athletic package. And the infotainment? It’s still behind the best, which matters when carpool chaos hits and you just need things to work.
Then we slide into the Chrysler Pacifica, a minivan with real presence. The laid-back windshield and blacked-out pillars deliver clean lines, while sliding doors and a generous liftgate make every errand easier. Inside, practical storage and durable, comfortable seating keep the cabin tidy. Top trims add surprising luxury, and dual sunroofs brighten both rows. The V6 and nine-speed won’t win stoplight sprints, but they deliver the right blend of power, quiet, and stability. The ace up its sleeve is Stow ’n Go: seats that vanish to create a flat, low cargo floor, then reappear when duty calls. Add competitive pricing and AWD, and you get a family machine that solves problems before they start.
Looking for a driver’s SUV with real power and premium vibes? The CX-90 makes every commute feel special. Need maximum flexibility, painless loading, and trip-ready storage on demand? The Pacifica proves why the minivan still reigns for real life. If this helped narrow your shortlist, share the episode with a friend, hit follow, and drop a review with the one feature you can’t live without.

Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!

The Lupe' Tortilla Restaurants
Lupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas
Gulf Coast Auto Shield
Paint protection, tint, and more!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
---- -----
Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time?
In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy!
Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.
----- -----
Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.
In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:
Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.
Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTime
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/
https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltime
https://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTime
For more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at
[email protected]

Chapters

1. Mazda CX-90 First Impressions (00:00:00)

2. Exterior Design And Details (00:00:25)

3. Interior Layout And Cargo Limits (00:01:32)

4. Infotainment Frustrations And Verdict (00:02:00)

5. Powertrain Specs And Real MPG (00:02:19)

6. Start-Stop And Transmission Quirks (00:02:44)

7. Pricing And Competitor Landscape (00:03:07)

8. Small Turbos And Longevity Concerns (00:03:37)

9. Chrysler Pacifica Overview And Trims (00:05:57)

10. Exterior And Interior Highlights (00:06:46)

11. Powertrain, Efficiency, And Ride (00:08:04)

12. Pricing, Value, And Stow‑And‑Go Perks (00:09:12)

1582 episodes

#Sports #Lifestyle #Auto #Pickup Trucks #Luxury Cars #New Vehicles #Automotive Industry #Car Talk #Car Reviews #Jeff Dziekan #Michael Marrs #In Wheel Time Podcast | Automotive talk with Don Armstrong #Automotive #Vehicle #Muscle Car #The Wheel of Time #Auto Talk