Unnamed Automotive Podcast

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 232: 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Plug-In Hybrid, IROC Porsche Book Review

July 11th, 2021  |  40 mins 48 secs

4xe, book review, ev, iroc, jeep, plug-in hybrid, porsche, wrangler

Benjamin and Sami both drive the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid and try to figure out who this electrified 4x4 is for. Plus: a deep dive into the first year of IROC racing with a Porsche-focused book review.

Episode 228: 2022 Ford Maverick Pickup, 2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2021 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, BMW M3 M4 Book Review

June 13th, 2021  |  53 mins 31 secs

bmw, book review, ford, hybrid, hyundai, lincoln, maverick, navigator, rav4, toyota, tucson

It's a packed episode! We go deep on the 2022 Ford Maverick pickup, revisit an old favorite in the 2021 Lincoln Navigator, and then try to figure out which affordable hybrid SUV is better—the 2021 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid or the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid—before wrapping things up with a BMW M3 and M4 book review.

Episode 224: 2021 Mazda CX-9, 2021 Kia Telluride, 2021 Toyota Highlander, 1970 Maximum Muscle Book Review

May 16th, 2021  |  47 mins 17 secs

1970 maximum muscle, acura, book review, cx-9, highlander, kia, mazda, mdx, telluride, toyota

The 2021 Mazda CX-9 punches well above its weight, according to Benjamin, while Sami strives to pinpoint why the 2021 Toyota Highlander sells so well when much better rivals like the 2021 Kia Telluride are out there. The pair also discuss the book '1970 Maximum Muscle' which deals with the apex of the golden age of muscle cars.

Episode 213: 2022 Acura MDX, 2021 Toyota Venza, Honda S2000 Book Review, First Car Questions Part II

February 28th, 2021  |  41 mins 58 secs

acura, book review, honda, hybrid, mdx, rav4 hybrid, s2000, toyota, venza

Sami is puzzled by Acura's unwillingness to bring it with the 2022 MDX redesign, while Benjamin experiences troubling winter woes with the 2021 Toyota Venza. The pair also review an excellent reference book on the Honda S2000 before answering a listener question about good, fun, and affordable first cars.

Episode 207: 2021 Subaru Crosstrek 2.5, 2021 Toyota Corolla SE Apex Edition, Jaguar Book Review, Benjamin Hates CES

January 17th, 2021  |  47 mins 17 secs

apex edition, book review, cadillac, ces, corolla, crosstrek, jaguar, subaru, toyota, twr

Benjamin drives the mightiest version of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek yet, while Sami downplays the thrills offered by the 2021 Toyota Corolla SE Apex Edition. He then triggers a lengthy rant from Benjamin about both CES and Cadillac's absurd people mover concept, before wrapping things up with a book review about TWR's Le Mans-winning Jaguars.

Episode 184: 2020 Lincoln Aviator SUV, 2020 Nissan Kicks vs. 2020 Hyundai Venue, ZZ Top Book Review

August 9th, 2020  |  45 mins 29 secs

aviator, billy gibbons, book review, explorer, ford, hot rods, hyundai, kicks, lincoln, nissan, venue, zz top

Is the Lincoln Aviator SUV distinctly different from its Ford Explorer Roots? Which small SUV does it better, the 2020 Nissan Kicks or the 2020 Hyundai Venue? And finally, why would you want to read a book about cars written by ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons?

Episode 182: 2020 Ford Explorer ST, 2020 Subaru Legacy XT, Nissan Z Book Review, Listener Questions

July 26th, 2020  |  45 mins 28 secs

book review, datsun, explorer, explorer st, ford, legacy, legacy xt, nissan, polestar, subaru, volvo

Benjamin drives the 2020 Ford Explorer ST that Sami despises. Sami gets to sample the 2020 Subaru Legacy XT. The pair also review a book about the history of the Datsun/Nissan Z, and answer listener questions

Episode 179: 2020 Volvo V60 T5 Cross Country, 2020 Cadillac XT4, Dodge Durango Hellcat, G-Wagen Buyer's Guide

July 5th, 2020  |  40 mins 21 secs

book review, buying guide, cadillac xt4, cross country, crossover, g-class, g-wagen, mercedes-benz, suv, t5, v60, veloce publishing, volvo, wagon

Does it make sense to buy the 2020 Volvo V60 T5 Cross Country when you get more options with the standard V60 wagon instead? Benjamin spends a week with Volvo's faux-crossover to try and find the answer. Sami gets acquainted with the 2020 Cadillac XT4 SUV, and the pair also discuss the new Dodge Durango Hellcat before Benjamin reviews the latest buying guide from Veloce - this time for the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen.

Episode 148: 2020 Porsche Taycan, 2020 Hyundai Venue, 2020 Acura MDX, Ford GT Book Review, Listener Questions

December 1st, 2019  |  46 mins 41 secs

acura, book review, cybertruck, ev, ferrari, ford, hyundai, mdx, porsche, suv, taycan, tesla, venue

Sami drives the all-electric 2020 Porsche Taycan and has a lot to say about the future of the German sports car brand. He also samples the more affordable 2020 Hyundai Venue, which tries its best to Kicks its way into his heart. Benjamin is unimpressed by the 2020 Acura MDX, but has good things to say about his latest book review, which covers the Ford vs. Ferrari clash with the Ford GT40. Also, listener questions!