Unnamed Automotive Podcast

Episode 257: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV, 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, Guest Stephen Elmer

January 16th, 2022  |  49 mins 29 secs

avalanche, chevrolet, corolla, corolla cross, ev, grand cherokee, grand cherokee l, grand wagoneer, jeep, silverado, silverado ev, stephen elmer, toyota

Sami and Benjamin flaunt their social circle by bringing in Truck King's Stephen Elmer for this week's recording. The trio first discuss the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, which is Jeeps third new 3-row crossover after the Grand Wagoneer and less-grand 'Wagoneer.'

Steve then brings up his interests and concerns about the future of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV. Is an all-electric work truck a good or bad idea? How about one that weighs 7,000 lbs?

Finally the guys force Sami to talk about the new 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, and find out if its a worthy addition to the crowded subcompact crossover segment, or just another humdrum product. Listen right here!

Episode 256: 2022 Ford Maverick, 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, 2022 BMW X3 M40i, Guest Chad Kirchner, Listener Questions

January 9th, 2022  |  54 mins 22 secs

bmw, chad kirchner, ev, ev pulse, ford, hyundai, ioniq 5, m40i, maverick, x3

It's the first episode of 2022! First off, Benjamin, Sami and guest Chad Kirchner of EVPulse discuss the new 2022 Ford Maverick. Is this affordable trucklet worth all the hype? Can one really DIY themselves a bike rack? Is a 4.5-foot bed actually useful? They answer all those questions and then somehow dig up more.

Chad talks a big game about the all-new 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5, which may be one of the best EVs on the market, and potentially the answer to one of our latest listener questions. It even has reclining seats! Finally Benjamin discusses his experiences with a 2022 BMW X3 M40i which packs a nice six-cylinder but a somewhat harsh suspension.

Episode 255: 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, Best Cars Of The Year 2022 Edition

December 26th, 2021  |  46 mins

car of the year, nissan, pathfinder

In their final episode of 2021, Benjamin and Sami talk about the new 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, and whether it actually returns to the rugged form of its past generations or if Nissan's hype machine has gone into overdrive for this family-oriented SUV. Benjamin cycles through the convoluted history of the Pathinder, before comparing his experience with it to the main rivals in the 3-row class.

The pair also discuss their favorite cars of 2021, and even spill the details about their picks of the year. Thanks to everyone for listening to another year full of cars and fun!

Episode 254: 2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak, 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, Forbidden Fruit Kei Cars, BMW M Book Review, Listener Questions

December 19th, 2021  |  59 mins 3 secs

bmw, book review, bronco, escape, ev, ford, jeep, phev, plug-in hybrid, wildtrak, wrangler

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast dives right into one of the most hyped debuts of the year: the 2021 Ford Bronco. Benjamin shares his experiences of driving the Wildtrak version of the new off-road SUV, and wonders if Ford has nailed this Wrangler competitor yet missed the modern sport-utility target in the process.

Sami then brings up the new 2021 Ford Escape Plug In Hybrid, a vehicle with 37 miles of electric range that squeezes between the Hyundai Tucson PHEV and Toyota RAV4 Prime. Is that 'good enough' for Ford, or does the Escape manage to one-up its competition in any significant way? Then there's a new segment about forbidden fruit Kei cars, followed by a BMW M book review and a listener question. There's lots to like this week, so be sure to reach out and send your questions and comments to our hosts.

Episode 253: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Pickup, 2022 Genesis GV70 2.5, Performance Driving Tips, Listener Emails

December 12th, 2021  |  54 mins 5 secs

ford, genesis, gv70, hyundai, maverick, santa cruz

This week, Benjamin proclaims "I dunno, I think this is my car of the year" about the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Is that a joke? Or some kind of prank? You'll have to listen to find out. Plus you'll get to hear Sami chanting "Utes Not Coupes" which is a catchphrase that's sure to take the nation by storm.

After his well of slogans runs dry, Sami decides to talk about his own potential car of the year, the 2022 Genesis GV70. This time he sampled the more affordable yet still packed 2.5T equipped model, providing a more rounded impression of the luxury crossover.

Finally Ben discusses track days, the limits of traction, and how the lessons both teach are relevant year round, especially in the snow. Download and listen up, you won't want to miss this week's energetic episode.

Episode 252: 2022 Volvo XC60 B6, 2021 Toyota Prius Prime

December 5th, 2021  |  34 mins 28 secs

car podcast, car talk, ev, ev podcast, ev talk, phev, plug-in hybrid, prime, prius, prius prime, suv podcast, suv talk, toyota, truck podcast, truck talk, volvo, xc60

While our hosts can sometimes be a bit nit-picky, this week's episode brings real criticism to a pair of disappointing 2022 models. First Sami discusses the 2022 Volvo XC60 B6, which gets a fresh infotainment system, new electrical system and a weird naming scheme for its motors. Then Benjamin gets in the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime, a plug-in version of everyone's favorite hybrid. Despite the not quite freezing temperatures, Benjamin's feeling cold as ICE towards the Japanese PHEV, and has plenty of reasons to be upset. Listen here!

Episode 251: 2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Label, 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, 2022 Nissan Rogue

November 28th, 2021  |  43 mins 46 secs

black badge, ghost, nissan, outback, rogue, rolls-royce, subaru, wilderness

It's a packed show this week with three all new cars to talk about. First Sami discusses his experience with the 2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge, a car with a confusing yet effective identity, and the pair try to decide where 'living a different lifestyle at night' is merely code for 'super-posh murder-ride.' Next up it's Benjamin with the the 2022 Subaru Outback WILDerness, a quirky trim for a once-quirky crossover that is trying to regain that funky car mojo. Finally Sami reveals how worried he is that the new 2022 Nissan Rogue's now standard three cylinder turbocharged engine is misleading shoppers.

Episode 250: 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X, 2022 BMW 2 Series, LA Auto Show, Dolphin-Safe Cars

November 21st, 2021  |  42 mins 41 secs

2 series, 230i, bmw, dolphins, frontier, l.a. auto show, m240i, nissan

Benjamin and Sami have a full week of new car discussions, starting with the 2022 Nissan Frontier, a truckwhose platform has finally caught up with the new drivetrain it received nearly two years ago. The pair discuss whether the Frontier has any chance of competing in this segment, and why it has such insanely heavy steering.

Sami then jumps in to talk about the new 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe, which has gotten larger, wider, and heavier in the name of more power and space. Sami ponders the fate of BMW enthusiasts everywhere, who used to expect a brand with a focus on performance over outright horseppower. Then it's time to talk about the new reveals from the 2022 LA Auto Show, along with their goofy names, weird press releases, and alleged 'dolphin-safe'-ness.

Episode 249: 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, 2022 Kia Carnival, Forza Horizon 5, Hot Wheels Unleashed Video Game

November 14th, 2021  |  43 mins 16 secs

4 series, bmw, carnival, forza, gran coupe, hot wheels, kia, minivan, video games

All those practical enthusiasts waiting on a new luxury car can breathe easy: the 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe has arrived. Sami takes a good look at the quirky and weird hatchback-sport-sedan-thing, and describes the best places for a scorpion to hide out within its funky body design. Then Benjamin chimes in with his raves about the 2022 Kia Carnival, a luxury minivan with 2nd row thrones that recline like a barber chair! Finally Sami talks brand new video games for a quick moment, and how much he loves games that treat enthusiasts and newbies honestly.

Episode 248: 2022 Mini Cooper S 4-Door, 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL-Class, Did O.G. Hummer Have A Chance, Rivian's Toxic Bro Culture

November 7th, 2021  |  45 mins 59 secs

amg, cooper, cooper s, equator, ford, h2, h4, hummer, hx, laura schwab, mercedes-benz, mini, power wagoner, rivian, sexism, sl-class

How good can a four-door 2022 Mini Cooper S really be? Benjamin chats about his experience with the compact hatch and how different it feels compared to the JCW droptop from a few weeks back. Sami then chats about one of his favorite cars of all time, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, and how its legacy is quickly diminishing following the reveal of the new 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL, which now sounds more like a 911 than ever before.

Benjamin also brings up the Hummer H2 and how the brand could have avoided an untimely death if just a few other automakers jumped into the market of tough, rugged, big, SUVs, a theory that makes Sami sick. Finally, the pair discuss some ugly news over at Rivian, and how the EV startup has some serious concerns about its toxic corporate culture.

Episode 247: 2022 Bentley Flying Spur, 2022 BMW M4 Competition Track Tested, 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe

October 31st, 2021  |  41 mins 27 secs

alpina b8, bentley, bmw, flying spur, gran coupe, m4, m4 competition, m8

After performing some kind of ritualistic sacrifice, Benjamin and Sami find themselves in a pair of wildly exclusive and kind of exotic rides. First off, Benjamin describes his premiere Bentley experience, behind the wheel of the new 2022 Bentley Flying Spur. He even explains how this ultra-luxurious sedan can still manage to feel decent to drive. Sami chimes in with report about the track friendliness of the new 2022 BMW M4 Competition AWD, before describing his time in the 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe.

Episode 246: 2022 Lexus NX, 2022 Toyota Tundra, 2022 Genesis G70 3.3T AWD

October 24th, 2021  |  42 mins 55 secs

ev, g70, genesis, gv70, lexus, nx, toyota, tundra

After hearing the duo fall in love over the 2022 Genesis GV70 in the previous episode, Lexus sent Sami a brand new 2022 Lexus NX Plug In Hybrid to let him know that they can't be counted out just yet. The pair then discuss the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra and dole out the odds on its survival in the hyper competitive pickup truck segment. Finally Benjamin shares all the PG, family friendly details about his road trip to Toronto in the newly refreshed 2022 Genesis G70 sport sedan. Hear the witty banter, uncomfortable silences and all the details right here.

Episode 245: 2022 Ford Bronco, 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2022 Genesis GV70

October 17th, 2021  |  47 mins 46 secs

bronco, ford, genesis, gv70, hyundai, jeep, santa cruz, wrangler

Did you miss us? The duo is back talking about all the cars and trucks you want to hear about. Sami gets a go in the new 2022 Ford Bronco and spills the details on how Ford's fighting the Jeep Wrangler. Then he brings up the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, a unibody pickup that rides like a compact crossover. Finally Ben gives us his take on the 2022 Genesis GV70, and it's weird yet humorous controls.

Episode 244: 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Convertible, 2022 Nissan Sentra vs. 2022 Toyota Corolla, 2022 Toyota Tundra Redesign

October 3rd, 2021  |  42 mins 53 secs

cooper, corolla, jcw, john cooper works, john cooper works convertible, mini, nissan, sentra, toyota, tundra

Benjamin's not done with warm weather as evidenced by his test drive in the 2022 Mini Cooper Convertible John Cooper Works, which is a mouthful of a name attached to a handful of performance goodies. Sami compares the 2022 Nissan Sentra and 2022 Toyota Corolla and somehow ends up talking more about the Elantra and Civic. Then it's time to share enthusiasm and concern for the redesigned 2022 Toyota Tundra.

Episode 243: 2022 Hyundai Elantra N-Line, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban Duramax Diesel

September 26th, 2021  |  43 mins 50 secs

chevrolet, diesel, duramax, elantra, hyundai, n-line, suburban

Sami takes the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N-Line for a spin but wonders if the past thrills of the sport compact car market were an unfortunate casualty of a Thanos infinity gauntlet snap. Benjamin gets a taste of the diesel lifestyle offered by the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, and makes a wild claim about its superiority while simultaneously complaining about its massive bulk.

Episode 242: 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, 2022 Honda Civic

September 19th, 2021  |  42 mins 47 secs

alfa romeo, bmw, c63, civic, giulia, honda, m3, m4, mercedes-amg, quadrifoglio

Benjamin fires up the gnarly sounding 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio to tell a story of line-crossing performance and gorgeous styling. Sami tries out the new 2022 Honda Civic, an Accord-sized compact car that he says feels more refined... but kinda large.