Then Sami reviews the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas. After testing so many three-row crossovers lately, Sami turns his attention to the German family-friendly ride, which has been thoroughly refreshed in recent years. However, one glaring red flag spoils Sami's recommendation of the Atlas; can you guess what it is?

Finally, the show shares some important and interesting news about Honda's deep-in-development EVs, which are now cancelled. Sami and Benjamin discuss what this means for the EV market in the US and the automotive industry as a whole. Thanks for listening!

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Then Benjamin chimes in with his winter-weather review of the 2026 Toyota Camry. Available with all-wheel-drive and a hybrid powertrain, the Camry is a mainstay of Toyotas lineup, but has it recieved less attention from the automaker with each passing generation?

Finally the show ends with a quick discussion of our hosts favourite and least favourite cars they've driven this year. Thanks for listening and have a great start to your year!

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Then Benjamin reviews the 2026 Honda Odyssey, which he pilots through a pair of hefty snowstorms. Though it lacks the all-wheel-drive and versatile seats of the Pacifica, he has more than few reasons to recommend this mighty minivan.

Finally, Benjamin regales us with a tale of a near-death experience that he almost forgot about until reminded by Sami and a Facebook memory. Thanks for listening!!

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Then Sami shares his thoughts on the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport, a rugged looking SUV with the same bones as the Pilot, but with fewer seats. While it looks tough and offers a few handy features that are useful off-road, Sami claims this isn't a true all-terrain SUV comparable to the likes of the Wrangler, 4Runner, Bronco and others. Then the guys wonder what's in the water at all the automaker HQs that make them so off-road-trim happy.

The show finishes up by tackling a tough, Miata-minded question from a listener. Thanks for listening!

Links:

• Benjamin's new comic book, Model Un is on Kickstarter October 7! — When aliens mistake a high school Model UN club for the rulers of the Earth, the fate of the planet rests in the hands of '90s teens. Sign up for the Kickstarter preview page at the above link!
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Then Sami climbs into the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid, and comes away unimpressed. Yet another off-roading cosplaying trim arrives on the street with minimal real upgrades to capability and it sends out hosts into disassociation mode. What does Honda think its doing? Listen to find out!

Links:

• Benjamin's new comic book, Model Un is on Kickstarter October 7! — When aliens mistake a high school Model UN club for the rulers of the Earth, the fate of the planet rests in the hands of '90s teens. Sign up for the Kickstarter preview page at the above link!
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Then the guys turn their focus to the 2026 Honda HR-V. Using Sami's previous experience as background information on his tester, Benjamin starts off thinking the Honda subcompact is pretty solid, but after spending more time with it, he wonders if there's a worse choice in the segment. Thanks for listening!

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Then Benjamn shares his thoughts on the 2025 Cadillac CT5 - the entry-level model to boot! A tweener sedan with a high-tech cabin, the CT5 is likely missing on many buyers short-lists, but Ben says it may have earned a spot among those checking out smaller and less featured European options.

Finally, our guys talk about the new Slate EV, a bare-bones $25,000 EV pickup a ton of customizability. Is this what people want? Let us know through our contact form or reach out to us on social media!

See Sami's Review of the 2025 Honda Odyssey at AutoTrader.ca

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Then Sami tries his hardest to not talk about the 2025 Honda HR-V, by first discussing the history of the Fit subcompact, and the era of Honda when it wasn't afraid of doing things it's own way. The new HR-V is lacking any personality, while being worse than many of its rivals in key specs like fuel economy and pricing. Sami asks what's the point?

The guys finish up by discussing lease-friendly EVs to answer a listener question.

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Then Benjamin finally gets his chance to drive the 2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport. A three-row crossover with some off-roading capabilities, the Pilot feels like it should be more interesting to drive and live with than other three-rows like the Highlander, Telluride and Palisade, but Benjamin points out that there are a few things that stop it from being a standout.

Finally, the show closes up on checkup on Fisker, and an interesting law that means that Chase is sending Fisker Ocean buyers to Rivian dealerships. Thanks for listening!

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Then Benjamin brightens up the discussion by bringing up the 2025 Honda Civic Sedan Hybrid, which uses much of the same running gear, but somehow whiffed on its infotainment system. Benjamin investigates as to whether he's the problem here, or if Honda has a wider software issue to resolve. Thanks for listening!

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Then Sami finds a solution for families on the go with a tight budget. While many may seek out something like the 2025 Honda Pilot, the new Hyundai Santa Fe may be everything families are looking for, especially in the affordable hybrid guise. Sporting 231 horsepower and 36 mpg combined, the Santa Fe feels like a better crossover than its price tag indicates. So whats the catch?

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Then Sami chimes in with a review of TWO Honda Civics. First up is the manual-only 2025 Civic Si, which gets a few mild updates this year to ensure no one forgets about this sport-compact staple. Sami has a lot to say about whether the Si is still worth talking about these days, and if it's gone too far from the usual gameplan of being a cheap fun car. Then he discusses the 2025 Civic Hatchback Hybrid, which has plenty of torque along with incredibly low fuel consumption, making it a jack of all trades. But it does carry a steep price tag in some regions, which turns him off entirely.

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Then Benjamin shares his thoughts on the recently refreshed 2024 Cadillac XT4, a luxury compact crossover with an eye catching price tag. But Benjamin notes that his tester had a few issues that may have soured his entire experience.

The guys wrap up with Toyota and how many cars they sell compared to how many are actually good. They also mention the brands dipping reliability scores, and whether Toyota is cashing in on the reputation they built over the years. It's an enlightening conversation that gets into the heads of our hosts, so don't miss it! Thanks for listening.

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Then Sami continues his three-row review extravaganza with his take on the 2024 Honda Pilot TrailSport. Having undergone a thorough redesign last year, is the new Pilot a solid choice in this segment? What are its strengths and weaknesses in one of the most competitive arenas in this industry? Sami reveals his thoughts on these concerns and more!

Then the guys answer a unique listener question, involving two totally different cars, but with similar family-friendly goals. Thanks for listening!

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Then Benjamin talks about the 2023 Honda Passport Elite, and how it fits in the grand scheme of things as a mid-sized off-roader, especially compared to the rugged looking Trailsport model. Should buyers just get an Elite and kit it out? What's out there for Honda enthusiasts looking to get off road? Benjamin shares all, and also asks whats going on with the Passports future.

Then the guys share some recent listener feedback before signing off. Thanks for listening!

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Then Sami chimes in about how he's been moving and going through the process with two distinctly different trucks. First he says some things about the 2033 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition, and then compares those thoughts to the 2023 Toyota Tundra SR5. Hear how these rides helped and hindered his move.

Then Ben had a chance encounter with the owner of the only (known) Brazilian Dodge Charger in North America. Hear what makes this such a cool find and how it came to find a home right outside of Montreal. Thanks for listening and chime in next week!

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Additionally, Sami brought out the 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for much needed context. His tester was the charming Woodlands edition, with a tree-themed cabin and campy features. Hear how the Toyota fares on the market after many years on the market, and if its still a leader.

If you liked what you hear, don't hesitate to review and rate us on your favorite podcatcher. Thanks!

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Then Sami jumps into action to talk about the recently updated 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid. As large sedans lose their fun factor, Sami seems convinced that the Accord is managing the transition to comfy, family vehicle, with impressive fuel efficiency. At just over $30k this Honda should work for a lot of people, but time will tell if it maintains its popularity in this Crossover-crazy world.

Speaking of crazy, if you were worried about something, would being forced to go into an escape room help? Don't miss our wacky news analysis coming straight from VW's recently concerned employees. Listen, rate, subscribe and do all that fun stuff!

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Then Benjamin brings up the 2023 Subaru Legacy XT, also known as the sedan counterpart of the popular and instantly recognizable Subaru Outback. Benjamin's time in the Legacy brought out many existential questions like 'is this car good?' 'why does this car matter?' and 'who is buying this car?' which could only be worked through on this week's episode of the podcast. Be sure to listen and chime in later.

Finally, the guys talk about armored and bullet-proof vehicles, , what's involved in building them, and who needs such a service. Be sure to listen, review, subscribe and reach out to us on social media or our website.

Links:

• So You Want to Buy an Armored Car? — Americans of all stripes, from wealthy executives to blue-collar preppers, are increasingly interested in these tactical vehicles, so we got the lowdown from a leading manufacturer
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Then Sami gets his fun captured by the CabinWatch camera found in the 2023 Honda Odyssey, which has lost its killer suction-related app but gained a few other weird gimmicks. With 280 VTEC ponies on tap, this minivan is a screamer, or at least its passengers were certainly making some noise! Hear how practical this minivan is and why minivans aren't getting so much love these days.

If you enjoyed this weeks episode be sure to subscribe and review us using your favorite podcast client. Thanks for listening!

Links:

• Volkswagen's Anti-Baby "Routan Boom" Ads Are Better Left Forgotten — Despite being crushed by a cavalcade of indifference, the Volkswagen Routan did manage to bring us something that the Grand Caravan never achieved. We're referring, of course, to the "Routan Boom," perhaps the most unhinged advertising campaign of the of its time, and certainly the strangest bit of celebrity fertility shaming Brooke Shields ever committed to film.
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Right off the bat, Sami starts the episode by describing the all-new, totally different, completely redesigned 2023 Honda Pilot, much to Benjamin's skepticism. Sami jumps into the three-row crossover and its off-road TrailSport trim, and tells you all the ways Honda has made this family friendly vehicle more competitive and exciting. Plus they talk about Christian Slater a bit, and Benjamin admits Sami was right about one piece of obscure car history.

Then Benjamin chimes in to explain his time in the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport P400 SE. All new for this year, the Range Rover Sport has a lot of ground to make up in this cutthroat segment, and Benjamin has a lot of thoughts about how the European brand manages. While referencing the Defender he drove recently, Benjamin even forgets all about other pure-SUV brands like Jeep, so now we can point and laugh at him (but in a friendly way!)

If you loved, or even liked this weeks episode, why not subscribe, or even review it? The guys love hearing from listeners so be sure to chime in on social media or on the Unnamed Automotive Podcast website.

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Then Benjamin chimes in with his experience of the 2023 Honda CR-V, a car that's been thoroughly redesigned and updated, but doesn't look or feel like it has. Benjamin compares the CR-V experience to a variety of drinkable, seemingly innocuous liquids, in order to make a point that Sami struggles to make work in an audio format.

The guys then talk about their favorite rides this year. Don't forget to subscribe, review and tip our hosts on Ko-Fi, we can't wait to go for another 300 episodes!

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Then Benjamin chimes in about his experience in the all-electric 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4Matic, which features a roof-hinged rear cargo area, making it a hatchback, or sportback, or notchback, or something other than a sedan. With 350 miles of range, and plenty of power, this green flagshipalso happens to look almost completely anonymous. Still, it features a ride worthy of the 'S' letter, and Benjamin goes on to note several highlights and lowlights about the many features and gadgets in this six-figure ride.

Don't miss next weeks episode by subscribing, and be sure to check in with the guys on social media.

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Then the pair dive into a conversation about the new 2022 Kia EV6, an all-electric car that's mechanically similar to the Hyundai IONIQ 5, but with different styling and, somehow, more range. Benjamin describes his experience in vivid detail and explains why the EV6 nets 20 more miles on the EPA test cycle, along with the car's fatal flaw. You'll definitely want to hear whether or not you should pick one up over the similar IONIQ.

Then the two talk about some news that's been burning through automotive circles. Cadillac has been caught trying to get buyers of its new Lyriq EV to sign an NDA, which caught the attention of NHTSA, which relies on owner information and reports to determine safety concerns. Then the guys talk about the weird new Toyota Crown, which sports a body style that defies convenvention, along with why you would ever design a car that offered FWD, RWD, and AWD in the same package.

All that and more inside jokes and pure car talk can be found in this week's episode, so be sure to listen! Also consider sending us a review, or some feedback, since we love to hear from our listeners!

Links:

• Review: The 2022 Kia EV6 Electric SUV Aims Straight At The Gas Free Family — There's something to be said for the future looking like the present.
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Then Sami jumps into the 2022 Kia Telluride, a former darling of the automotive media. The Kia had also seen new rivals in the form of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the Nissan Pathfinder. Can it still keep up? Should shoppers wait for the newly announced 2023 model? Sami jumps into each of those questions with reckless abandon and little time to think, so be ready for off-the-cuff answers.

Finally the two talk automotive news and Apples automotive dashboard design that's a part of iOS16, before Benjamin shares an update on his Datsun. Hear it all right here and be sure to subscribe to hear all the latest episodes throughout the summer.

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Sami then chimes in with his recent experience in two compact hatchbacks. A dying breed, the 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback and the Canada-only 2022 Kia Forte5 GT are both available with manual transmissions. Sami seems to think the hatchback styling of these cars stray too close to the sedan variants, and that cars like these are slowly losing their relevance to crossovers.

Finally, the duo discuss high-performanc driving techniques and how they apply to driving in the snow.

Listen now to get the whole scoop, and don't forget to subscribe and review.

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Sami gets his hands on the accessible and impressive 2022 Honda Civic, a "compact" car that's as long as a not-so-old Honda Accord. The pair wonder if compact cars are gone for good while Sami explains the major differences between this Civic and the previous generation.

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The pair wrap things up with a look at the new (off-road) Ford Explorer Timberline and the redesigned 2022 Honda Civic.

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Links:

• The Book of The Honda S2000 — Author and historian Brian Long has created the definitive history of the Honda S2000, 'sister' car to the legendary Acura NSX. With a 9000rpm redline, bullet-quick gear changes, space-age digital dash, and Honda’s legendary built quality – not to mention appearances in games such as Grand Theft Auto – the S2000 was a hot ticket, and a car that’s just as sought-after today as during its 10 year production run. ISBN: 978-1-787112-14-8

Benjamin spends a week with the 2020 Honda Civic Si Coupe, a sporty compact that's among the last of its breed - and a car that is discontinued at the end of this year. How does the Si stack up against the dwindling crop of two-door offerings at the $25,000 mark?

The pair wrap things up by running through the five greatest driving video games from the 1980s, expressing their consternation over Toyota's sudden power bump for the 2021 Supra, and then answering a listener question about the Mini Cooper S transmission.

Links:

• Code 45 - Benjamin's graphic novel! — The Kickstarter campaign for Benjamin's graphic novel, Code 45, starts March 3! Click the link to find out more.

Links:

• 2018 Lexus IS vs Acura TLX Comparison — AWD, V6 sedans are tough to come by these days.

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• 2018 Lexus LC 500 First Drive: Surrender To All This Relentless Beauty — The all-new 2018 Lexus LC coupe makes a compelling argument for automakers to do it their own way rather than simply trace the familiar lines on a map already worn down by the competition. It also proves that sometimes ignoring the prevailing winds makes for a more interesting journey for driver and brand alike.
• 2018 Lexus LC 500 First Drive: Ground-breaking luxury coupe lets Lexus find its soul — The 2018 Lexus LC is an act of bravery. Not only did Lexus take the unusual and difficult step of birthing a street car that hews almost perfectly to the gorgeous, yet production-challenging lines of the LF-LC concept that preceded it, but it also chose to ignore prevailing winds – or are those forced induction vortices? – that have come to define the drivetrains found in top-tier luxury coupes. That the Lexus LC is a stunning design achievement is obvious to anyone with a pair of eyes. That it also waves a big, five-liter middle finger in the direction of its would-be German rivals is in a way both a more and a less-subtle statement.

Links:

• 2018 Kia Stinger Review: Bow To The Unexpected — Korean automaker's first foray into high performance headwaters proves that big cars, and big ideas, can still shake up the industry.

Links:

• 2018 Hyundai Accent Review and First Drive — It’s a symptom of the universe that the slow death of small cars in the United States is heralded by perhaps the best crop of safe, efficient, and affordable compact and subcompact vehicles to have ever been available to budget-conscious buyers.
• Honda Civic Type R vs Subaru WRX STI vs VW Golf R vs Ford Focus RS: Sport Compact Comparison — Spend any time in the 2017 Honda Civic Type R and you’ll quickly realize that it’s probably the best sport compact car money can buy.

Links:

• 2017 Audi R8 Spyder review for SlashGear — Asphalt-scraping, bone-jarring suspension setups, blind spots the size of a refrigerator, and the constant danger of reckless drivers zooming from two lanes over to snap a photo while hanging inches off the bumper are hazards anyone who elects to daily drive their six-figure sports car regularly face.