Episodes
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One last episode of the Unnamed Automotive Podcast to enjoy before the new year! This time Sami and Benjamin take a look at the hybrid, all-wheel-drive sedans in the Toyota lineup, starting with Sami's review of the 2025 Toyota Camry XSE AWD. Now exclusively available as a hybrid, this Camry has a whole new look and powertrain, but how does it compare to the Honda Accord Hybrid the guys talked about last week? And why does Sami feel a strange tapping in his back every time he stops?
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! -
The Unnamed Automotive Podcast goes full hybrid this week! After a brief conversation describing the type of friendship they possess and cherish, Sami and Benjamin dive right into the world of Honda Hybrids. Sami starts the episode off with the 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid Touring, a responsive, efficient and well equipped sedan that is easy to like, if it weren't for one pesky little issue: the price.
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! -
Missing episodes?
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The show starts with Benjamin's review of the 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe, which features a sleeker profile, and a new powertrain with an electric supercharger. How does these changes affect the typically well recieved GV80 crossover? Benjamin spills all the details, while going on quick tangents about wireless charging and digital gauge clusters.
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? -
This week the Unnamed Automotive Podcast tackles a pair of vehicles that haven't been discussed in over two years! First Sami reviews the 2025 Ford Explorer ST, which packs plenty of power with its three row setup. While Sami claims that's a good trick to help the Ford overcome its rivals, Benjamin argues that addition is not relevant enough or useful to shoppers.
After that hot debate, Benjamin shares his thoughts on the 2025 Genesis electrified G80, a much loved executive sport sedan that made the transition to electron operated propulsion. That change comes with a few compromises as Benjamin notes, but do they tarnish the overall experience?
Then the guys return to the Fiat 500e, where one of our listeners describe their use case scenario for the small EV and how it works in a completely different market. -
Not every car is good at everything as Benjamin finds out on this week's Unnamed Automotive Podcast episode. While Sami drove the 2024 Fiat 500e its preferred city conditions, Benjamin tested the EV in the more rural settings he calls home. It's a harsh look at how useful a small, short ranged EV is in this environment and if it's worth it to spend a bit more to get something more versatile.
Then Sami gives the scoop on the newly revealed 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. The third generation compact crossover arrives with significant changes to the interior and a few funny gimmicks too. He explains what there is to like and dislike about the new VW and gives his prediction about it's future. Thanks for listening! -
The show starts off with the 2024 MINI Countryman S All4, an all-new version of the MINI crossover with a fresh platform along with revised styling inside and out. Benjamin gives his take on the small-ish vehicle, as well as what he thinks of the brands new infotainment system.
Following that, Sami gives a quick review of the 2024 Kia Sorento SX X-Line, a known crossover with mild updates for this year. However, while this Sorento coasts its way to its retirement off the media press fleet, Sami has noticed a few concerning QA issues. Don't miss what he finds about this so-called family car! Thanks for listening! -
This week, Benjamin drives the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, a mainstream offering found on the same Ultium platform as many other high end EVs like the Acura ZDX and Cadillac Lyriq. Benjamin discusses his experience in the Chevy, and compares it to other popular mainstream options like the the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Ariya and VW ID.4. The pair also discuss whether GM is on track or not in this highly competitive segment.
Then Sami checks out the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid, which swaps out the V6 from the gas model for a hybrid powertrain boasting nearly 50 percent better fuel efficiency, without much of a compromise. But is this upgraded Carnival a big deal in the minivan market? How does it compare to the Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey? Sami discusses it all on this week's episode. Thanks for listening!! -
Sami has returned from his European adventure with a wonderful taste of life to share on the Unnamed Automotive Podcast. Or he tries to explain to Benjamin what the candy-like "smoothie melt"s he feeds his child are...
Either way, there's lots to discuss in this week's episode, starting with the EcoBoost powered 2024 Ford Mustang convertible, which Benjamin reviews and compares to some other similarly priced sports cars. Then Sami talks about the 2024 Hyundai Kona EV, and how it fares compared to other affordable electric vehicles on the market.
Finally the guys talk about an AMC-focused book and discuss if Honda would buy Jeep and Ram. Thanks for listening! -
How far can you tow with an electric pickup ? How useful is a Midgate cargo box? How huge is the massive battery installed in Chevy's latest EV? Guest host Chad Kirchner helps Benjamin dig deep on his review of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV First Edition RST, a full-size truck that outdoes its rivals on power and range but comes with a few caveats that might cramp the style of some buyers.
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This week the Unnamed Automotive Podcast tackles a pair of vehicles with glaring bugs and issues. The episode starts off with Benjamin's review of the 2025 Ram 1500 Limited, now equipped with a high-output turbocharged straight six-cylinder engine. While attractive and high-tech, Benjamin put the truck through its towing paces and found it to be a headache at times. Hear his thoughts on what went right, and what went wrong with this new pickup.
Then Sami tests out the latest small EV from Volvo, the EX30. A hatchback shaped vehicle with a minimalist interior, the EX30 looks interesting enough, but vast pricing differences between the US and Canada has Sami reeling. Making things worse, the Volvo had a poor infotainment experience, which marred the whole vehicle for our host. Thanks for listening! -
The Unnamed Automotive Podcast tackles a new EV this week alongside a fancy—and pricey—new hybrid pickup truck. The show starts off with Sami's first drive of the 2024 Subaru Solterra, an EV that was made in collaboration with Toyota, but lacks any competitive edge in a saturated market. Sami tries to find a redeeming factor in this Subaru, but doesn't get very far, just like the vehicle's listed range.
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! -
This week, the Unnamed Automotive Podcast dives into the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla, a hot hatchback inspired by rally racing machines. Equipped with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, Benjamin gives us his full review of this all-wheel-drive hatch, and has plenty to say about how it feels to push it through the rough and tumble rural environment he calls home. He also details its fancy AWD system, and how it stacks up to other systems on the market.
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! -
This week's Unnamed Automotive Podcasts asks, how attractive is an average EV if its too expensive? It seems the market is rife with EV options, but are they worth exploring if they're too expensive? Consider the 2024 Fiat 500e that Sami is reviewing for this weeks episode. Cute and well equipped, it seems much more expensive than other EVs in the same class, or even models from a year ago.
Then Benjamin has some choice words about the 2024 Acura ZDX A-Spec. Lacking important equipment as the 500-hp Type S model tested a few weeks ago, the A-Spec feels featureless and expensive. Benjamin makes a point about how an Acura enthusiast or buyer may feel out of place in this offering, despite it being one of the brands most expensive options. Thanks for listening! -
The discussion this week opens with the 2025 Mini Cooper S, a formerly subcompact car that's grown up a bit, but still has a way to broadcast its cute charm. Benjamin has plenty to say about its design, but there are a few important issues he brings up about its user experience. Does that all get in the way of how it drives?
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. -
Benjamin and Sami discuss the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS. Benjamin explains his thoughts on the confusing introduction of tS branding, and whether the new BRZ is still a champion of affordable driving joy. Then the duo discuss why the BRZ hasn't yet been fitted with a factory turbo, and how such a decision would shake up the automotive landscape. Is Toyota behind all of this? Thanks for listening!
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Benjamin and Sami start this weeks podcast talking about some random, forgettable, but weird and cool cars before shifting gears to talk about the 2024 Acura ZDX, which is the Japanese brand's first EV. However, it's not an all new design, and may lack some Acura DNA. That's because it's made by GM, and packs a lot of General Motors best elements, including a huge battery, lots of power and awesome hands-free driving technology. Is that enough considering the ZDX's high pricetag and all-too-similar competitors?
Then Benjamin reviews the 2024 BMW i7 M70, a high-powered executive sedan with tons of power and torque. Loaded with all the gizmos and gadgets, Benjamin has so much to say about this expensive ride, but there seem to have been a few technical hiccups during his test drive of the EV. Thanks for listening, catch you next week! -
There's plenty of truck talk this week on the Unnamed Automotive Podcast, along with an important story about racing. But first the show starts with Benjamin's review of the 2024 GMC 2500 HD AT4X, which boasts plenty of hauling, towing and off-roading capabilities that all seem to be at odds with one another. Our host tested the truck out, towing his car to the track, but found that the off-road oriented design definitely impacted its usability as a truck. That's just one aspect of this weeks review, but wait till you hear about its engine - and how Benjamin found an easy work-around when it came to trailer parking.
Then we get an update about Benjamin's experience at Watkins Glen International Racetrack, and how he handled the fast and exciting track in his Datsun, and his Dad's Mustang! Thanks for listening! -
Whats this in the Unnamed Automotive Podcast garage? An eight-cylinder CAR? We know you don't believe us, but it's true! Benjamin gets his hands on the 2024 Ford Mustang GT, equipped with its punchy V8 engine that's capable of some impressive acceleration figures. But the Mustang has transformed from a humble pony car into something much more modern and multifaceted. You'll want to hear the whole discussion from our hosts about what the Mustang is today and what it's capable of compared to what it used to be.
Then Sami brings up some recent news in the automotive world, including the ping-ponging Ford EV strategy, Volkswagens ID.Buzz US pricing and the Mercedes-Mayback SL that was recently revealed at Monterey Car Week. Thanks for listening! -
This week the 2024 Honda Prologue, a vehicle the show has barely mentioned, gets the full review from Sami, as he dissects what this "Honda by GM" is capable of, and whether it's relevant or not in this market. Plus he details what parts are GM and what parts are actually Honda.
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. -
The Unnamed Automotive Podcast is back from its summer break! The convo starts with the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, a vehicle with a historic nameplate that's been revived for the North American market. With a hybrid powertrain and quirky nostalgic styling, the Land Cruiser may be a great riding SUV, but it may be lacking some of the features and capabilities offered by other off-road SUVs, especially when its price is considered. Is the Land Cruiser really worth the price premium over its other off-road rivals?
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! - Show more
