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

Join us as we quietly hit the trails in Jeep's Grand Cherokee 4xe... Then, it's the full sidewall story on "Your Drive..." Next, how to protect your car and its parts from theft... And we'll get down to work and play in Chevrolet's updated Silverado...

So, come drive with us, next!

Closed Captioning provided by Maryland Public Television.

♪ ♪ ANNOUNCER: MotorWeek : television's original automotive magazine.

Brought to you by... ANNOUNCER: For more than 30 years Lucas Oil products has helped people tackle mechanical problems in the automotive, marine, and industrial fields.

From our original four core products... Lucas Oil has developed over 400 custom products to help both professionals and do it yourselfers.

To learn more visit Lucasoil.com.

Lucas oil, keep that engine alive!

TireRack.Com is proud to support MotorWeek .

First, there was the wheel.

Then, the tire.

"We'll call it TireRack."

Forty years later, we're not slowing down.

JOHN: It's hard to think of a brand that embraces tradition more than Jeep.

But that doesn't mean they're stuck in the past.

Indeed, Jeep is in the process of electrifying every one of their models; the latest being this Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe.

So, let's see what the 4xe adds to an iconic 4x4!

♪ ♪ The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is electric, but not all electric.

It's a plug-in hybrid or PHEV.

A very sensible approach to electrification in our view, rather than going all-in and forcing faithful followers to adapt their lifestyle to a revolutionary business strategy.

Moreover, most of the powertrain specs of this 5-passenger standard wheelbase Grand Cherokee have commonality with the Wrangler 4xe, we tested last year.

Except the 17.3 kilowatt hour battery.

It ekes out a little more EV range; 25 miles compared to the Wrangler's 22.

The 2.0 liter I4 turbo engine, twin electric motors, and 8-speed automatic work together to deliver the same 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque; 4-wheel-drive is of course standard.

So, it's no Trackhawk, but that 470 pound-feet of torque is 80 more than the GC's optional V8, so off to our Mason Dixon test track to try it out.

We saved some battery power, and the 4xe put it to good use.

There is a nice surge of spirit at launch that had us hitting 60 in just 5.3 seconds.

About halfway down the track, you can feel the electric influence lessen, and the turbo engine really takes over, delivering great mid-range power.

Shifts from the automatic are very smooth and quick, with our best quarter-mile pass taking 13.9 seconds at 102 miles per hour.

Once, the battery drains, there's noticeably less umph off the line.

As in the Wrangler, all battery and EV hardware is packaged well out of harm's way, so there's no loss of off-road capability.

Our Overland tester, however, had more of a pampered lifestyle in mind.

It came equipped with a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather seats with both front and rear heat, and heated steering wheel.

A luxury tech group adds wireless charging, digital rearview mirror, 4-zone climate, rear sunshades, and massaging seats.

While, an advanced protech group delivers active driving assist, night vision, and navigation maps in the driver display.

And no matter how many times you see it, the available interactive front passenger display looks impressive, and gives the person riding shotgun something to amuse them.

Now, unlike the Wrangler 4xe, where driving around with no engine noise seemed to amplify other sounds and reinforce its rough edges; here in the Grand Cherokee 4xe, the powertrain silence seems to fit right in with its more refined nature.

Given its size, the 4xe Grand Cherokee felt solid and willing through our handling course.

Steering was light, but accurate, and there was only moderate body roll.

The 4xe felt solid and stable in panic braking runs too, but also very heavy.

Stops from 60 stretched out to a longish 129 feet.

There are indicators of the 4xe's plug-in status, an additional access door in the driver's side front fender for the charger port and small amounts of blue trim.

But otherwise, you'd be hard pressed to tell it's different from just about every other 5th gen Grand Cherokee.

Eighteen inch wheels are standard.

A black finished roof is optional.

Active grille shutters and front fender aero treatments are in place to maximize fuel efficiency.

Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 56 Combined MPGe for gas and electric, 23-Combined strictly on the gasoline engine.

We averaged 22 miles per gallon of Regular in Hybrid mode with no charging.

The 4xe is available in most of the Grand Cherokee's trim levels including Trailhawk, starting with Limited at $61,660, and working up to Summit Reserve for a lofty $78,870.

Our Overland tester resides in the still high middle-ground at $69,675.

Right now, the 4xe treatment is not available on the 3-Row Grand Cherokee L. Yes, those prices are steep, but unfortunately aren't out of line for a luxury-minded off-roader these days.

And the 5th generation Grand Cherokee has certainly attained a new level of luxury, sophistication, technology, and practicality.

Now, this 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe adds a new level of efficiency, making it an even smarter midsize SUV choice.

♪ ♪ JOHN: The US is seeing the highest number of car thefts since 2008.

Nearly half a million vehicles taken in the first half of 2022 alone-for a loss of some 4.5 billion dollars!

If that's not bad enough, robbers are even sawing valuable parts right off the cars and reselling them on the black market.

Stephanie Harts show us the vehicles and the parts, thieves are targeting, and how you can keep yourself from becoming a victim.

♪ ♪ STEPHANIE HART: Let's take a look at the top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles for 2021... Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, GMC Sierra, Nissan Altima, Honda CR-V, Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee, Toyota Corolla.

These models attract thieves because they're popular and available.

In most cases, the stolen vehicles are shipped overseas and resold.

Or stripped, here in the U.S., for their used, but still valuable parts.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports a 35 percent increase in used car values, over the last two years, due to supply chain issues and inflation.

As a result, auto thefts are up substantially.

Some of the most expensive parts like catalytic converters are being stolen and resold at alarming rates.

The crime has increased 1,215 percent since 2019.

Michael Ledoux with Carfax crawls under a Ford F-150 to put it into perspective for us.

MICHAEL LEDOUX: A catalytic converter is a device on a vehicle and in this case we have two catalytic converters that is used to reduce the harmful gases in a vehicles emissions system through precious metals.

They're metals such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum.

So that the emissions coming out of the vehicle through the exhaust system you see here is not as harmful to the environment and those precious metals are extremely valuable.

STEPHANIE: Driven by the idea of fast cash, watch how a thief steals this catalytic converter.

CARFAX data shows the cars most likely to have their catalytic converters stolen are the Toyota Prius model years 2001 to 2021, the Ford F-Series model years 1985-2021, and the Honda Accord model years 1989-2020.

You will easily know if your car's catalytic converter has been stolen by the extra loud exhaust sound.

STEPHANIE: Does car insurance cover this type of theft?

MICHAEL: It really depends on what type of car insurance you have.

Typically, if you don't have comprehensive insurance it's not covered and a lot of folks on older model vehicles don't have comprehensive therefore they're going to bear the cost which could be quite expensive.

STEPHANIE: A tailgate like this one is a popular stolen part... Michael tell me why?

MICHAEL: Stephanie, because they're universal they're easy to take off a vehicle and this will fit any ford product, so there's resale on the after-market for them sometimes these tailgates are an upward of a thousand dollars they contain valuable backup cameras and they're relatively easy to move.

STEPHANIE: And greed is driving the bad guys to steal cars in particular cities.

Especially, keep an eye out, if you live in Denver, Colorado.

There's been a 155 percent increase in car thefts.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has experienced a 106 percent increase and in Austin, Texas there's been a 64 percent increase in auto thefts.

You can take some simple steps to reduce the chances your car will be a target.

Use common sense, roll up your windows, lock your doors, and take the keys.

Park in well-lit areas and when possible, areas staffed by security.

Park personal vehicles in a garage.

If that's not possible, consider installing motion sensor security lights in your driveway.

It may make some thieves think twice about stealing your vehicle.

And make sure your auto policy is up-to-date.

JOHN: Have you ever taken a look at your tire's sidewall?

It tells an important story.

But all the numbers and codes can be confusing.

So, in this week's "Your Drive," Audra Fordin deciphers the real sidewall story.

♪ ♪ AUDRA FORDIN: Tires come in all different sizes.

Whether, you have a small ten or a big twenty, bicycle tires, motorcycle tires, if you're riding on rubber, eventually they're going to wear down, break down, and need to be replaced, as that tread gets thinner.

Take a look at the sidewall of your tire...

It's like a storybook.

You think it's written in hieroglyphics, but actually there's great, important information molded into the sidewall of the tire.

The tire size is on the sidewall of the tire, and you can the tire size and pressure on the sticker on the driver side door jamb.

Also, molded into the sidewall of the tire is a DOT stamp.

It's got four digits on it, and that represents when the tire was born.

Did you know your tire has a birthdate?

This tire represents 11-18, which means it is born the eleventh week of 2018.

Also, on the sidewall of the tire, you can see it's the thinnest part of the tire, which means if there's any bulges, cracks, or tears, that would mess with the tire's integrity, making it a prime candidate for a blowout.

So, be mindful when you're looking at your tires, if you see any wrinkles or crinkles in there, you want to go to the shop to have it replaced.

You also see, on the sidewall of the tire, it mentions what I call the "Ts..." The temperature, the treadwear, and the traction.

The higher the temperature, the higher the traction, the higher the treadwear...that all means you have a great tire that can withstand all different kind of weather changes.

In addition to that, on the sidewall it also says what model tire that is.. meaning is your tire good for mud and snow?

Is it better in the winter, or is it better in the summer?

Another thing you can do with your tires when you're all finished with them and it's time to move them on to the next life, from the cradle to the coffin you can do recycling.

There're so many upcycling things like making mats, wheel chocks, playgrounds.. they're using it for streets.

So, cement and paper companies use tires to burn for fuel because it's hotter and cleaner than coal, which means.. make sure you recycle your tires.

Questions or comments?

Reach out to us, right here at MotorWeek .

JOHN: From tracking to tailgating, we're up for anything on this week's QuickSpins!

♪ ♪ GREG CARLOSS: The 992 generation of 911 GT3 is already incredible, but Porsche decided they could do even better.

Enter: the 911 GT3RS.

The RS is about aerodynamics, starting with a 40 percent larger rear wing.

The drag reduction system, or DRS to you Formula 1 fans, can adjust the wing a full 34-degrees in just a third of a second, and an airbrake system kicks in for greater stopping power.

There's more active aero up front, enhanced wheel arch ventilation, and a large central radiator beneath the bonnet, all underscored by a fully-encased underbody.

All the air manipulation adds up to 1900 pounds of downforce.

Planted, though anything but "down to Earth" when we ran a few adrenaline-pumping laps at England's iconic Silverstone Circuit.

DAVE SCRIVENER: Going out for our first hot laps in the 911 GT3RS here at Silverstone.

Porsche chose this track to showcase the phenomenal downforce the GT3RS creates.

As compared to the GT3, Porsche worked the aerodynamics as well as the thermodynamics of this car, channeling the hot radiator air to the outsides and away from the cool air engine intake.

We have active aero front and rear.

The wing is always adjusting for max downforce or top speed depending upon the G load in the car and driver input.

GREG: Now, the GT3RS is a little punchier over the standard GT3, up to 518 horsepower sent to the rear wheels.

That's derived from the 4.0 liter naturally-aspirated flat-6, revving out to 9000 RPM through the 7-speed PDK gearbox.

There are three drive modes, including a track mode for suspension rebound and compression adjustment, as well as rear differential lock rate.

Agility is further amped up thorough weight reduction, like the lighter glass and carbon fiber body panels.

At this point we've lost track of how many laps we've run in Porsche's 911 series, but this GT3RS has left us wanting even more.

And when that day comes, we'll be sure to bring you along for the ride.

♪ ♪ JESSICA RAY: The CX-9 is Mazda's flagship 3-row midsize utility, and 2022 saw a big enhancement across the lineup.

Like, the CX-5 we recently tested, the CX-9 adds standard i-Activ all-wheel-drive this time around.

Unchanged is the CX-9's single powertrain, a 2.5 liter Turbo 4-cylinder.

It rates 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas; 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular grade.

The drive was quiet and smooth, partially thanks to the 6-speed automatic.

The suspension was a little loftier than we expected, but still agile and very comfortable.

It drove a tad smaller than it was, making for calming commutes.

And we were more than happy to spend time in our Signature-grade model.

This is the highest trim available, packing Nappa leather seating in the first-two rows.

The second-row captain's chairs did kick total occupancy down from seven to six, but the heated surfaces and useful center console made for a plush passenger experience.

A new mid-grade Touring Plus trim adds ventilated front seats and a memory driver's seat, a frameless rearview mirror, and gloss black elements on the outside.

Second row captain's chairs can be equipped as a no-cost option, total starting price around $43,000.

Classy as the Signature trim may be, we were pleased with the CX-9's standard amenities.

That includes the 10-and-a-quarter-inch infotainment screen, smartphone integration, and three-zone climate control.

The rear liftgate opens up to 14.4 cubic-feet of storage, expandable to 38.2 and 71.2 cubic-feet with the third, and second rows folded respectively.

Our Signature's price starts just under $50,000, but an entry CX-9 Sport starts near $40,000.

Even at its entry level, the 2022 Mazda CX-9 covers a lot of ground in the segment.

And we'll have more QuickSpins, soon!

JOHN: The world of full-size pickup trucks has always been a highly competitive one, but never more so than now.

Not only are the big-3 trying to outdo one another, but Toyota and Nissan have upped their games in order to carve out a bigger slice of the segment for themselves.

All that to say, after 3-years on the market, the 4th generation Chevrolet Silverado is arriving with some timely updates to keep the bowtie ridin' high!

♪ ♪ When it comes to pickup truck lifecycles, 3-years is certainly not a long time.

But, with the full-size truck segment as competitive as it is, it's the perfect amount of time to spice things up; keeping your brand at top of mind when your faithful feel it's time for a new truck.

So, for 2022, the Chevrolet Silverado gets a comprehensive suite of updates.

Indeed, all 1500 Silverado's add a new front fascia that drops the headlights a little lower towards the ground, while also updating the daytime running lights.

As before, regular, double, and crew cabs are available, plus long, standard, or short bed lengths.

The bed is still made of high-strength steel with 12-tie downs, and available power operating tailgate or trick multiflex tailgate.

But it's inside where the biggest changes take place.

The interior is essentially all-new, and that includes a 13.4 inch touchscreen for LT trim and above; plus, new colors to choose from and upgraded materials.

The dash itself replaces the chunky segmented vibe with a more flowing horizontal design, and the center console takes on a more functional role, including housing a new electronic shifter for the transmission.

All the changes not only look better but provide a more spacious feel; and there are more thoughtful storage spaces up front, including behind the infotainment screen, as well as in the rear seat area too.

Crew cab means, plenty of room for rear seat passengers to stretch out, as well as lots of cargo flexibility.

Also, new for '22, is a clear and info-packed 12 inch digital instrument cluster.

High Country trim adds open pore wood trim, custom-stitched and perforated leather seating, and stainless steel accents.

You can go further with an add-on premium package for a sunroof, all-weather floor liners, and 22-aluminum wheels; and technology package which adds a head-up display, rear camera mirror, and adaptive cruise control.

Silverado buyers can now even add GM's well-regarded Super Cruise semi-autonomous hands-free driving assistance.

Four-wheel-drive is available of course, as are a wide range of drive modes, and integrated trailer brake controls.

Engine choices are unchanged but updated.

A 2.7 liter turbo I4, a 3.0 liter I6 Duramax Diesel with 460 pound-feet of torque, and two V8's, the 355 horsepower 5.3 liter and 420 horsepower 6.2 liter.

The 2.7 liter got the most attention with a 20 percent boost in torque to 430 pound-feet.

But, our High Country was sporting the 6.2 liter V8 and its 460 pound-feet of torque.

Its 10-speed automatic is shared by all except for the 4-cylinder which works with an 8-speed.

At our test track, there wasn't much of a hole shot coming off the line, but once this 4X4 got rolling, you could really feel the power pour on, hitting 60 in 6.5 seconds.

That power delivery stayed smooth and consistent from there until the end of the quarter-mile; with a nice V8 rumble and smooth shifts from the transmission.

Our best time was 14.8 seconds at 96 miles per hour.

No matter which drive mode we used through our handling course, the Silverado's extremely light steering made for a disconnected feel.

It also made this big truck feel even bigger than it really is, prompting us to keep our speeds low, so that neither understeer or oversteer ever was a problem.

While, you can get in a Silverado for as little as just over $40,000, most truck buyers are spending a lot more than that these days.

Our High Country tester starts at $65,095, cruising over $70,000 with options.

Now, even with these updates, it is unlikely that Silverado will pose much of a threat to the F-150 in sales numbers.

Those days are gone.

However, they are striving to put Ram in their rearview mirror.

So, keeping current fans happy, while swaying new prospects, is clearly the priority here.

With a vastly upgraded interior, better tech, and improved style, this 2022 Chevrolet Silverado certainly should do that and more.

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...

When we charge ahead with two German brands, electrified luxury in the BMW iX and high octane thrills in the Porsche Cayman GT4 RS.

Until then, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

ANNOUNCER: To learn more about MotorWeek , television's original automotive magazine, visit To order a DVD of this program, call... MotorWeek has been brought to you by... For more than 30 years Lucas Oil products has helped people tackle mechanical problems in the automotive, marine, and industrial fields.

From our original four core products... Lucas Oil has developed over 400 custom products to help both professionals and do it yourselfers.

To learn more visit Lucasoil.com.

Lucas oil, keep that engine alive.

TireRack.Com is proud to support MotorWeek .

First, there was the wheel.

Then, the tire.

"We'll call it Tire Rack."

Forty years later, we're not slowing down.

♪ ♪ This program was produced by Maryland Public Television, which is solely responsible for its content.

(car engine revving) ♪ ♪ You're watching PBS.