Unnamed Automotive Podcast

Episode 402: 2025 Mini Countryman SE ALL4 EV, 2025 Honda HR-V, Listener Question

April 13th, 2025  |  51 mins 19 secs

countryman, honda, hr-v, mini

Small crossovers dominate this week's episode in different ways. First up Benjamin reviews the 2025 Mini Cooper Countryman SE All4, an all electric, AWD compact, with plenty of range and equipment. Then Sami checks out the 2025 Honda HR-V, which feels like a thoroughly average crossover from an automaker that used to be capable of much more. The guys wrap things up discussing lease-friendly EVs to answer a listener question.

Episode 384: 2025 Mini Countryman S All4, 2024 Kia Sorento SX X-Line

November 17th, 2024  |  35 mins 46 secs

countryman, countryman s, kia, mini, sorento

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast gets two crossovers in for review, starting with the 2024 MINI Countryman S All4, which is completely redesigned on a new platform and with an all new look. Then the guys discuss the 2024 Kia Sorento, which bills itself as a family car but may not be able to withstand the day-to-day realities of kids. Thanks for listening!

Episode 376: 2025 Mini Cooper S, 2025 Honda Civic Si, 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid

September 22nd, 2024  |  51 mins 33 secs

civic, civic hybrid, civic si, cooper s, honda, mini

This week, the Unnamed Automotive Podcast covers three compact cars. The show starts off with Benjamin reviewing the 2025 Mini Cooper S, which has plenty of charm, but misses the mark with its user experieince. Then Sami discusses the 2025 Honda Civic Si and Honda Civic Hatchback Hybrid to compare and contrast how they drive and feel. Thanks for listening!

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 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 196: 2021 Mini JCW GP, 2021 BMW 440i, 2021 Alpina XB7, 2020 Honda Clarity, Listener Questions

November 1st, 2020  |  50 mins 3 secs

4 series, 440, 500, abarth, alpina, bmw, clarity, fiat, honda, hybrid, jcw, mini, mini gp, movie cars, phev, x7, xb7

Sami hits the track in the 2021 Mini John Cooper Works GP, the new BMW 440i, and the Alpina XB7 SUV, while Benjamin goes gas-free - almost - in the 2020 Honda Clarity, Plus, listener questions!

Episode 159: 2020 Honda Passport, 2020 Toyota Sienna, Best 80s Driving Video Games, Toyota Supra Power Boost, Listener Questions

February 16th, 2020  |  48 mins 43 secs

bmw, cooper, driving games, honda, mini, minivan, nightshade, passport, pilot, sienna, supra, suv, toyota, video games

Sami spends a little more time with the 2020 Honda Passport and asks if it's more than just a shorter Pilot. Benjamin passes a very uncool week with the super useful 2020 Toyota Sienna minivan. The pair then discuss the best 80s driving games, the controversial Toyota Supra power boost, and answer a listener question about the Mini Cooper S.

Episode 142: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

October 20th, 2019  |  45 mins 40 secs

chrysler, fiesta st, ford, ford fiesta st, gle-class, hyundai, hyundai veloster n, mercedes-benz, mini, mini cooper s, minivan, pacifica, pacifica hybrid, suv, veloster n

Benjamin drives the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, which offers minivan buyers a battery-powered alternative. Sami samples to front and back, and side-to-side action of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class SUV. Plus, listener questions!

Episode 139: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2019 Mini Cooper S

September 29th, 2019  |  40 mins 3 secs

cooper, cooper s, gli, golf gti, gti, jetta gli, mini, volkswagen jetta, vw

Benjamin drives the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI and is surprised by his reaction. Sami pilots the 2019 Mini Cooper S and discovers that the brand's plucky character is still alive and kicking.

Episode 79: 2018 Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster, 2018 Mini Cooper, 2018 Mini Cooper Countryman All4 JCW, Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye

July 7th, 2018  |  41 mins 26 secs

aventador, challenger, cooper, countryman, dodge, hellcat, jcw, lamborghini, mini, redeye, srt

The Lamborghini episode! Sami drives the Aventador S roadster and falls completely in love, while Benjamin compares the smallest Mini - the Cooper - to the largest Mini - the Countryman All4 JCW. Will opposites attract? The pair also discuss the latest version of the Dodge Challenger, the Hellcat Redeye.