Then Benjamin reviews the significantly redesigned and upgraded 2026 Toyota bZ, and has many things to say about it, both positive and negative! Is the bump in power and range really noticable? What about all of the bZs rivals? Benjamin shares his thoughts and more. Thanks for listening!

Links:

• Benjamin's new comic book, Dead Air #3, hits Kickstarter April 28 — Click the link to sign up to be notified when the campaign goes live! It gives us a big boost on Kickstarter, too.
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Then Sami chimes in with his review of the 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport. Armed with a six-speed manual transmission and little else, Sami wonders aloud, whats the big deal with the Taco? He discusses its impressive fuel economy, and its unimpressive stick-shift but comes to a lukewarm conclusion.

Finally our hosts tackle a listener question about the Audi five-cylinder turbocharged engine. Thanks for listening!

Links:

• Like what you hear? Tip us at Ko-Fi — Send a dollar our way using Ko-Fi to help support the Unnamed Automotive Podcast.
• Benjamin's new comic book, Dead Air #3, hits Kickstarter April 28 — Click the link to sign up to be notified when the campaign goes live! It gives us a big boost on Kickstarter, too.

Then the guys talk about a few important news topics that came up, including the death of the Dodge Hornet, the arrival and cancellation of the new Chevy Bolt, and the arrival of new Chinese EVs on Canadian roads. Finally the show wraps up with an important reader question.

We hope you enjoyed listening this episode as much as we loved recording it!

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Then Benjamin has a quick review of the 2026 BMW M340 xDrive 50 Jahre Edition, a special edition of the podcast favorite 3 Series. With fancy equipment and a great powertrain, Benjamin has mostly positive things to say about the new 3, except for its choice of winter rubber.

Finally, the guys discuss some wild news from Stellantis regarding its PHEV vehicles, which gets them thinking about invisible vehicles (or the ones that have wandered off to "the island of misfit cars") 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 Sami flies of the country to test out the 2026 Audi Q3 in Scotland. Armed with a new design, new infotainment system, new gear selector and new headlights, Sami is eager to talk about what makes this compact crossover so special, and what his reservations are about this whole class of small luxury vehicles.

Finally, Benjamin finally reveals the latest addition to his garage. 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 the show turns towards plug-in hybrids, as Benjamin and Sami quickly discuss the 2025 Toyota Prius PHEV. Formerly crowned as car of the year, the guys pinpoint what makes this Prius special compared to previous ones, and whether this plug-in variant is one of the best commuter cars on the market. Thanks for listening!

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Then Sami reviews the 2025 Macan 4 EV, which boasts tons of range and plentiful performance, leaving our host to ask "what else do you want?" It turns out, a cheaper MSRP, nicer interior and a reason for two charge ports would be the answer to that question.

Finally, Benjamin shares some barely coherent thoughts on the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia. Dismissed by Sami as something that is barely more than a Toyota Camry, Benjamin shows up to defend the Signia's honour, while completely ignoring its price and performance. Sometimes vibes is all you need.

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Then Sami jumps into an honest-to-goodness, high-performance Toyota, with the GR Corolla. Yes, it's designed by Toyota, developed by Toyota and made by them too, but in this episode, Sami gets to try out the automatic version of this rally-oriented hot hatch. The conversation drifts its way through the typical hot-hatch territory, as the guys talk about some of their favorites in the segment. Thanks for listening!

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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!

Links:

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Then Sami shares his thoughts on the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, which changes the older FJ formula to something less capable and less luxurious than Americans are used to. Beyond that, Sami points out the difficult to swallow pricing of the new Land Cruiser and how it stacks up against other rugged SUVs.

Then the guys talk about the quality and pricing of cars following the COVID Pandemic, and whether consumers can head into a dealership and get a good deal right now. Thanks for listening!

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Then Benjamin shares his thoughts on the 2025 BMW 330i xDrive , which recieved a hefty set of upgrades this year. Benjamin seems quite enamored with the new German Sport Sedan, and has plenty to say about it's performance, and interior, but is the tech and pricing up to snuff? Thanks for listening!

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Then Benjamin brings up the smaller, more affordable 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid AWD, which delivers solid fuel efficiency, but is lacking other positive distinguishing factors, especially compared to other options in this segment. He also chimes in with some impressions about the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV.

Finally the guys answer some listener questions about Chinese automakers taking over certain markets. Thanks for listening everyone, we'll see you in the new year!

Links:

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Then Benjamin climbs into the cab of a 2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited Hybrid, and put it through its paces doing truck stuff. Loaded with tons of power from its i-Force Max drivetrain, the new Hybrid Taco is among the punchiest mid-size trucks on the market, but this model may be plagued by some first year issues and bugs. Thanks for listening!

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Then the guys take a quick tangent to discuss suing NASCAR for anti competitive behaviour. Where is the formerly accessible sport heading? Be sure to get in touch and let us know what you think! Thanks for listening!

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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 Benjamin chimes in with his experience in the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, something that he says channels a little bit of the old Ford Flex. It may look boxy, but its far from conservative, featuring a fuel efficient drivetrain and unique interior flourishes. It stands out, even in a fairly niche crowd. Thanks for listening!

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Then the conversation shifts to the recently announced 2025 Ram 1500 RHO, which gets the look of the outgoing TRX but with a smaller engine. That news is followed up with the reveal of the 2025 Mercedes Benz G 580 With EQ Technology, an all-electric version of the beloved G-Wagon, and maybe the best looking EV at Mercedes. Then the guys chat about Ford's EV woes and their new strategy of making smaller, more affordable cars. Who'd've thunk it? Thanks for listening!

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Then our hosts get dirty discussing the recently revealed 2025 Toyota 4Runner, which has finally recieved a significant redesign after being untouched for so long. While that's good news, the guys can't help but bring up the new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, and how this news affects its standing in the Toyota truck lineup.

Finally, the guys bring up some news from Up North about the banning of cars with Level 3 hands-free driving systems. Thanks for listening, be sure to head to our website or get in touch with us if you have any questions or feedback!

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Then Sami gets his three-row on by talking about not just one, but two family oriented crossovers. The discussion starts with the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which seems to be the default three-row for families looking to grow from their RAV4. Then the guys go on to talk about Sami's recently tested 2024 Subaru Ascent, and how the brand has recieved a lot of credit for its steady approach to the market. Thanks for listening!!

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• BMW i5 M60 Is No Conversion Car, But It Might Convert You — Perhaps more so than any of its luxury peers, BMW’s approach to electrification has been to design vehicles that would fit into its lineup regardless of whether they were burning hydrocarbons or scarfing down electrons. Building on earlier outlier efforts like the i3, a modern BMW EV eschews the drastic wind-tunnel concessions made by rivals like the Mercedes-Benz EQ series, retaining an instantly-identifiable profile that is in some cases polarizing, and in others lifted directly from the internal combustion side of the showroom.

Then Sami gets curious about all the award hype going on for the 2024 Toyota Prius AWD and checks it out himself. With more power, extroverted styling and a 'normal' looking cabin, the Toyota hybrid feels completely removed from the original example that came out nearly 25 years ago - but is it for the better?

Finally Benjamin takes the rear-wheel-drive 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 for a spin in the snow to see if the big battery and evenly distrubuted weight make for a confident drive in slippery conditions. Then he finds out a harsh truth about EVs in cold weather... Thanks for listening, and be sure to check in next week!

Links:

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• Check Out Benjamin's New Comic Book On Kickstarter: Dead Air Issue #1-2 — Dead Air Issue #1-2 is LIVE on Kickstarter!

Then the guys bring on Thomas Hundal from The Autopian to discuss his recent drive of the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition. While a $50k Corolla sounds like a crazy idea, Thomas has a few arguments in its favor, without going overboard praising Toyota as some kind of Enthusiast Haven.

Finally, Thomas shares the details on one of his latest published features, discussing the Honda Civic Tour, which saw the Japanese automaker splash fancy and unique graphics on a bunch of cars for the latest and greatest (at the time) bands. This list of participating bands include Maroon 5, The Black Eyed Peas, Panic! At The Disco and Blink-182 though some cars have the works, while others are barely changed. Thanks everyone for listening!

Links:

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• Check Out Benjamin's New Comic Book On Kickstarter: Dead Air Issue #1-2 — Dead Air Issue #1-2 is LIVE on Kickstarter!
• Ranking Honda’s Weird Band-Themed Civic Compacts From Cringe To Awesome — For the better part of 20 years, the Honda Civic Tour intended to put cars kids like in front of music kids like. Some seriously big artists toured under this banner, and most of the time, each headlining artist got a Civic themed after them, which was usually given away in a contest.

Then our hosts dive into a few of the weird and ridiculous ideas that have been revealed at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Biometrics and virtual coaching to AI and of course will.i.am are all present and accounted for so be sure to catch every bit of news and jokes from this week's show. Thanks for listening!

Links:

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Then Benjamin brings up the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, a larger three-row crossover from the Japanese automaker, and one he wonders might kill the non-Grand Highlander altogether. With decent size, fuel efficiency and pricing, the Grand Highlander seems like a winning combination, but Benjamin's experience with the vehicle's safety systems gives him some pauses about recommending it.

Finally, the guys discuss a news story about Kia Canada witholding deliveries of cars this year, before answering a listener's question about electric vehicles. Thanks for listening everyone and have a happy holiday season and wonderful New Years!

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Then Sami discusses the 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport. Having driven the vehicle several years ago at it's debut, Sami is here to report that the Atlas has received significant updates that really bring the crossover into the top tier of the segment. With new packaging, equipment, and a refreshed style, Sami went from lukewarm to red hot on this German offering.

Then the guys answer some questions about Netflix and Samis parenting journey. Thanks for listening!!

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Then Sami brings up the 2024 Kia Carnival, which played dad van duties when his extended family dropped in. With tons of tech, space and cool powered second row seats, the Carnival should be a hit with families, but Sami says the Korean minivan has a fatal flaw which may make it fall out of favor with those looking for a three row superstar. On the other hand, Benjamin's recent moving experience with the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV suggests that you don't need a family to thoroughly test a van, especially one as efficient as this particular hybrid.

Thanks for listening! See you all next week!

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Then Sami brings up the 2023 Ford Escape PHEV, which was recently refreshed with a new look and cabin, but has been overshadowed by the Bronco Sport. Is Ford giving up on its hybrid crossover? Based on Sami's experience, there are a few fatal flaws to the new Escape, and ones that are making it a hard sell compared to its rivals.

Finishing up this weeks podcast is a discussion of annoying audio systems, thanks to dedicated listeners who send us comments and questions! Thanks everyone for listening!

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Then the guys talk about derivative automotive design following the reveal of the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe, which packs a boxy portfolio, a rugged face and a blank rear end. Is the era of unique looking Hyundais a thing of the past? 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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Then Sami jumps into the exotic world of Lamborghini. However this isn't just any Lambo he drove, but the 2024 Huracan Sterrato, an off-road oriented version of the supercar that's never been done before. Boasting meaty all terrain tires, extra ground clearance and a function-over-form approach to its air intake, this thing captured Sami's imagination in a completely unexpected way.

Thanks for listening, don't forget to subscribe and catch next week's episode!

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Then Benjamin takes a tangent to talk about the 2023 Lexus RX 350h, one of the luxury brands most popular products that has recently been redesigned. Is this the same crossover with a new look, or has Lexus introduced any new wrinkles to its best seller?

Finally, the conversation pivots to one about towing with driver assistance, as Benjamin describes his recent experience hauling his track car while piloting a Cadillac Escalade with Super Cruise. And of course, just for fun, the guys talk about some weird BMW news.

Thanks for listening! Don't forget to subscribe, and send us a note through social media or our website!

Links:

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• Check Out Benjamin's New Comic Book On Kickstarter: Dead Air Issue #1 — What if one day a year, every year, you could talk to the dead? It's 90's college radio sci-fi with a soundtrack!

Then Sami chimes in with some sports-car stories of his own, describing his time in the 2024 Jaguar F-Type 75. A celebration of Jaguar's coupe and convertible, this model boasts plenty of power, but carries around the British brands legacy. Our hosts talk about what that means, and how the brand will continue without a two-door in the road map.

Then Benjamin has some news to share about his Grand Wagoneer. Having used it as a tow vehicle for his Datsun, he experiences the ups and downs of using an older vehicle for heavy-duty work. Be sure to visit the website, send us your comments, and check out Benjamin's kickstarter for his cool new book!

Links:

• Like what you hear? Tip us at Ko-Fi — Send a dollar our way using Ko-Fi to help support the Unnamed Automotive Podcast.
• Check Out Benjamin's New Comic Book On Kickstarter: Dead Air Issue #1 — What if one day a year, every year, you could talk to the dead? It's 90's college radio sci-fi with a soundtrack!

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 the guys talk about the brands unwavering position against ZEV mandates, and whether they're just sour about being on the wrong side of the "EVs vs everything" fight.

Finally, Sami talks about his recent experience in Europe and talks about the coolest Toyota vehicles he saw at their TWO museums in Cologne, Germany. Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe and get in touch with us through the website or social media. And if you had fun this week, consider leaving us a tip on Ko-Fi!

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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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Lots of fun talk about the latest and greatest cars, including fun stories, retrospectives and hot takes. Subscribe and listen!

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Sami chimes in with his own confusing thoughts on the 2022 Volvo S90 Recharge. While he's sure to mention the impressive power and torque from this speedy PHEV, don't miss his thoughts on how it charges...eventually. Our hosts also discuss the conflict of ideas going on at Volvo, and how the company has ended up delivering cars with potential but limited execution.

Don't forget to head to the website to send us cheers or jeers, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode.

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• Test Drive Review: The 2022 Lexus LX 600 Tries To Take Over Off-Road Duties For The Toyota Land Cruiser — For 2022 Toyota has consolidated its line-up of off-road friendly, full-size SUVs down to a single option. Gone is the long-running, but slow-selling Land Cruiser, a vehicle whose near-luxury pricing restricted its appeal to that narrow demographic of buyers who craved a go-anywhere family ride with premium pretensions, and who could tolerate a more pedestrian badge on the hood. In its place is a redesigned version of the Lexus LX.

From there the duo dive into a variety of topics including the shockingly bad range of electric pickups when they're towing, according to some tests done over at MotorTrend with the new F-150 Lightning. The pair then discuss a racing-related Toyota GR86 warranty denial, before getting to a pair of all new pickups from Ford and Chevy.

You'll want to hear all the news, information and inside jokes this week and beyond, so don't forget to subscribe to get more.

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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 listen closely as Sami shares the tale of his time in the 2022 Porsche Panamera Platinum Edition. The German sedan is pricey, large and far from sprightly, so of course Sami has a lot of questions about who this is for and why someone should get it.

If you enjoyed this week's episode, don't forget to subscribe and review or even drop the guys a tip on Ko-Fi!

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Then Benjamin takes a walk on the wild side with the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness, an all-new trim package that boasts several off road modifications, similar to last year's Outback Wilderness. He seems pretty impressed with the effort applied by Subaru but he eventually gets pulled into a conversation about who exactly this crossover is made for.

Finally the duo discuss an interview on The Verge with Ola Källenius, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz where the concepts of legacy and marketing collide in predictably awkward fashion.

Drop in, listen, subscribe and stay in touch! Thanks for listening to the Unnamed Automotive Podcast!

Links:

• How Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius is refocusing for an electric future — I had to ask Ola about Apple’s recent announcement that the next version of CarPlay would be able to take over every display in the car, including the instrument cluster. Apple showed a Mercedes logo on a slide during that presentation — so, is Ola ready to hand over his UI to Cupertino?
• Review: 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness Adds Trail-Friendly Features For Compact Crossover SUV Fans — How does the Forester Wilderness compare to its Outback predecessor? And where does Subaru's latest fit in with the growing compact crowd at the trailhead?
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Then Sami describes what the PokerStars Red Spade Pass is and how it gave him the experience of a lifetime at the Monaco GP. He pours out everything he knows about F1, the track, the racers and the experience of helicoptering and yachts.

Finally Sami tells Benjamin all about the news running through the automotive industry. From EVs to special editions to updates, they do a lighting round with all kinds of thoughts before wrapping up with a listener question. Don't forget to subscribe and rate!

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• Review: The 2022 Toyota GR 86 Brings More Power To The Affordable Sports Car Battle — The biggest knock against Toyota's most affordable sports car has been its perceived lack of horsepower.

Sami then shares his thoughts on the European market after having spent two weeks abroad, including some fun road trips in the 2022 Toyota Yaris Cross. The subcompact crossover is quirky and efficient, and managed to impress it's fair share of fans.

Benjamin follows with an explanation of what it's like to tow his Datsun Z track car with the new 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Will his wallet will ever be the same? Finally the pair wrap up a secret, sticky, sweet feature that's only our die hard fans will really appreciate. Listen, like, rate and enjoy!

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• Review: The 2022 Audi RS E-tron GT — It's an astonishing automobile that shows, when it comes to EVs, range isn't everything.
• Tow Tested: The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer SUV Is A Luxurious And Thirsty Trailer Rig — The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer might not share much in common with my own Grand Wagoneer other than the name, but it certainly proved itself a comfortable, if thirsty, stand-in while towing my Datsun up and down New Hampshire's White Mountains.

Benjamin and Sami then celebrate the retirement of our longtime listener and fan, the Honda ASIMO, who will now go to a cushy robo retirement facility in Florida to live out the rest of its years. Additionally, our hosts dissect the new Hurricane engine from Stellantis, which signals that the era of awesome ICE propulsion isn't over yet.

Do like the posters on the wall say: Live, Laugh, Love, or in our case, Listen, Laugh, Like."

Note:_ A previous version of this episode went out a full day early with a few minutes of pre-podcast banter (disguised as CH-R/Corolla Cross research) somehow appended to the beginning. We apologize for the lack of professionalism on that premature launch, which can be blamed entirely on Benjamin, whose cognitive skills are rapidly deteroriating with age._ Thanks so much to the listener who brought the problem to our attention!

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Sami then shares his thoughts on the 2022 Toyota Highlander, after his time comparing it to the Nissan Pathfinder. The Toyota always sits atop the sales charts, and Sami shares exactly why that is. The two go on a bit of a tangent about the Lexus infotainment system and how it is finally changing for the better, before Benjamin talks about the driver assistance woes of the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country. Then Benjamin's horrific mouth calls it a day and the two close up the podcast for another week.

Be sure to listen, subscribe and review!

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• The Determined Employee Team That Convinced Lexus to Finally Drop the Touchpad — Steve Basra and Daniel Hall floated the idea of a new user interface in 2017 and it's finally in play. Here's how they did it.
• Trying (and Failing) to Live My Best Semi-Autonomous Life in the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country — After 800 miles, it appears many advanced driver-assistance features are still not ready for prime time

Then our guest Stephen Elmer brings up the recently revealed 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV, its Avalanche-inspired design, Hummer-derived powertrain, house-capable tow rating, and girthy price spread. Is the world ready for these electric truck wars? Are the roads ready? Are the charging stations ready? (Probably no to all those questions)

Finally, the guys get Sami to talk about the 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, a subcompact crossover that will make you forget about the Japanese automaker's previous effort in that segment (the lamented C-HR).

Links:

• Check out the Truck King Youtube Channel! — The Truck King YouTube channel began as the Canadian Truck King Challenge, an annual competition started in 2006 that sought to crown the yearly "Truck King." We have now evolved, bringing you weekly video reviews of all the latest pickup trucks, SUVs, recreational vehicles and powersports machines on the market.
• Like what you hear? Tip us at Ko-Fi — Send a dollar our way using Ko-Fi to help support the Unnamed Automotive Podcast.
• Review: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Is Your Cheaper 3-Row Wagoneer Alternative — How does the plus-sized Grand Cherokee L hold up in comparison to its better-established competition and the big body Wagoneer?

Next, Benjamin gets his hands on the 2022 Toyota Prius Prime, a plug-in variant of the popular, yet one-note hybrid. Listen to how Benjamin's frustrating experience with the car's electric range fails to match up with its advertised figures, then hear his one weird trick to using as little gas as possible.

Don't forget to visit unnamedautomotivepodcast.com to get in touch with us or check out past episodes.

Links:

• Like what you hear? Tip us at Ko-Fi — Send a dollar our way using Ko-Fi to help support the Unnamed Automotive Podcast.

The pair take a few tangents into Volvo XC40 territory, before bringing up the new 2022 Toyota Tundra and its sneaker inspired powertrain. While other truckmakers offer V8s and diesels, will Toyota survive with just a pair of V6 offerings? Does it have a chance against the hybrid Ford F-150?

Finally Benjamin shares all the details of his roadtrip experience in the refreshed 2022 Genesis G70. While he gushes about the powertrain and value, he also wonders if Genesis is ready to abandon its entry level sport sedan like much of the rest of the industry seems set to do.

Listen for all the juicy details, specifications, and banter, and please be sure to comment on or review the podcast after you listen!

Links:

• Like what you hear? Tip us at Ko-Fi — Send a dollar our way using Ko-Fi to help support the Unnamed Automotive Podcast.

Sami then talks compact car rankings, with the always popular 2022 Toyota Corolla and the less lower-profile 2022 Nissan Sentra going head to head before he explains where they among the best in the segment. Finally, the conversation takes an abrupt shift north to talk about the new 2022 Toyota Tundra redesign.

Links:

• Like what you hear? Tip us at Ko-Fi — Send a dollar our way using Ko-Fi to help support the Unnamed Automotive Podcast.

Then it's time to answer some (non-personal) listener questions, before going off on yet another tangent about something completely unrelated.

Links:

• Like what you hear? Tip us at Ko-Fi — Send a dollar our way using Ko-Fi to help support the Unnamed Automotive Podcast.
• Review: The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Is a Beauty Among Beasts — Somewhere in the multiverse there exists a timeline where Lexus went all-in on design at the turn of the millennium, allowing it to build up to a car as staggeringly beautiful as the 2021 Lexus LC 500 rather than delivering it out of nowhere like a surprise shock to the optic nerve.

Benjamin then discusses his surprising affinity for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator, claiming it's at least the equal of several more expensive full-size luxury SUVs, followed by Sami's comparison of the wild-looking 2021 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and the more reserved 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

The pair wrap things up with a book review of the fantastic "BMW M3 & M4: The complete history of these ultimate driving machines" by Graham Robson.

Links:

• Check out Benjamin's Graphic Novel Code 45 — Dragons, drugs, and underground raves beneath the streets of Montreal. Launches June 1st on Kickstarter at www.code-45.com.
• Like what you hear? Tip us at Ko-Fi — Send a dollar our way using Ko-Fi to help support the Unnamed Automotive Podcast.
• BMW M3 & M4: The complete history of these ultimate driving machines — This brand-new edition of Graham Robson’s original Haynes publication explores every aspect of BMW M3 history, including its motorsport success worldwide. From the original E30 of 1986, through E36, E46, and E90 to the 6th gen of 2020, and the M4, it includes full, detailed specifications for each generation, and brings the M3 story right up to the present day, covering all models produced between 2013 and 2021, including M4. Published by Veloce Publishing Limited. ISBN: 978-1-787115-79-8.

The pair also review the book '1970 Maximum Muscle,' which dives deep into the pinnacle of muscle car power and pegs that particular year as the apex of big cubic inches.

Links:

• Check out Benjamin's Graphic Novel Code 45 — Dragons, drugs, and underground raves beneath the streets of Montreal. Launches June 1st on Kickstarter at www.code-45.com.
• 1970 Maximum Muscle: The Pinnacle of Muscle Car Power — In 1970, the American muscle car was as fast and outrageous as it would ever get. But the end was nigh, and 1970 Maximum Muscle dives head-first into the storm before the calm. ISBN 9780760366783
• Like what you hear? Tip us at Ko-Fi — Send a dollar our way using Ko-Fi to help support the Unnamed Automotive Podcast.

Links:

• Like what you hear? Tip us at Ko-Fi — Send a dollar our way using Ko-Fi to help support the Unnamed Automotive Podcast.
• Does the 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor Deliver Off-Road Fun For 4x4 Fans? — Has the Tremor been worth the wait? I took the 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor out to play in the mud to see how it compares against the class-leading Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.
• How To Level Up The Base Ford Ranger Truck For Maximum Factory Off-Road Fun On The Cheap — We dove deep into the Ford Performance catalogue to level up a base Ranger from milquetoast to monster, focusing exclusively on the gear you need to dominate the trail without forcing you to pay for all the extras and accessories baked in to Ford's pre-programmed packages.

Sami spends his week with the 2021 Cadillac CT4 to try and figure out where the entry-level machine fits in with the luxury mothership's plans.

Finally, the pair disagree about the wisdom of Volvo choosing to only sell its EVs online, and what that means for the future of new car dealerships.

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

The two then discuss CES, how Benjamin hates it so much that it once sent him into a career-questioning tailspin in a Las Vegas hotel room, and how terrible it is that companies like Cadillac are bringing windowless autonomous pods to the digital-only show. The pair wrap things up with a review of TWR's Le Mans-Winning Jaguars by John Starkey.

Links:

• TWR's Le Mans-Winning Jaguars — Written by John Starkey, and available from Veloce Publishing. ISBN 978-1-787115-68-2.

Benjamin has a more confusing experience with the 2021 BMW 228i Gran Coupe. It's the most affordable BMW out there, but does it make the best introduction to the brand? And are there better choices for the same money in BMW's own showroom?

Links:

• 2020 CHEVROLET COLORADO ZR2 REVIEW: HOW DOES THE MID-SIZE OFF-ROAD PICKUP STACK UP AGAINST THE TOYOTA TACOMA TRD PRO? — We're now several years into the ZR2's challenge to TRD dominance, and the pickup's very existence has forced Toyota to up its own game by continuing to refine the TRD Pro package for the Tacoma. How do the two mighty mid-sizers match up after all this time?

Links:

• Code 45 - Benjamin's graphic novel!

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:

• 2020 BMW Z4 Review — Comfortable and stylish, the 2020 BMW Z4 M40i might not be a pure sports car, but it’s an excellent open-top tourer, and that’s OK. Those looking for a more focussed performance experience will want to keep shopping, while the rest of the fun-in-the-sun roadster crowd should find plenty to love about the mightiest Z4.

Links:

• 2020 Toyota Supra First Drive Impressions — Forget the historic nameplate, ignore the weird Japanese-German fusion, and try not too hard to think about the specs. The Toyota Supra is finally arriving and it’s fast, focused, and fun.
• 2019 Chevrolet Silverado: Reviewed in the Arctic — The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado finds itself in a unique position on the cutthroat full-size pickup market. Whereas rivals such as the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 (alongside lesser lights like the Nissan Titan and the Toyota Tundra) are free to court big spenders seeking a six-figure luxury truck by way of their upmarket trim levels, the Silverado sits in the corner like a loyal WWE soldier while a sweaty Vince McMahon screams ‘KNOW YOUR ROLE!’ right in its face.

Links:

• First Drive: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback — The conscious decoupling of Toyota and Scion after the latter brand’s demise resulted in a few awkward years for product planners at the parent company, who tried their best to cram leftovers (iM) and newly birthed orphans (CH-R) wherever they could into the behemoth’s North American showrooms. By now, however, the game of musical chairs is over, and there’s no longer any riff-raff hanging around to clutter up the playing field – which is why Toyota has introduced an all-new Corolla hatchback for 2019.

Links:

• Retro Rewind: Driving Mazda's RX-7 FD rotary wunderkind — How does “strange” hold up today in a world where turbos are now the norm and rotaries have been banished to the dust heap of history by emissions regs and warranty concerns? I spent some quality time with a 1993 Mazda RX-7 R1 borrowed from Mazda Canada’s classic collection to find out if an old favorite can still dance to modern music.
• Your definitive Mazda RX-7 FD buyer's guide — The third-generation Mazda RX-7—also known by its internal designation FD or FD3S—is one of the most arrestingly beautiful shapes to have ever escaped a Japanese design studio. When it went on sale in the early ’90s, its flowing lines stood in stark contrast not just to the more boxy wedge offered by the previous version of the car, but also the more aggressively linear look of rivals like the Acura NSX and the Mitsubishi 3000GT.

Links:

• 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 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.