Unnamed Automotive Podcast

It's time for another great guest host. Sami and Benjamin are joined by the one and only Stephen Elmer from the Truck King YouTube channel. First the three discuss the new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, where the L stands for "Third Row," a phrase which doesn't contain a single L within it. Or maybe it stands for "Premium Interior," another statement without the 12th letter of the alphabet. It could also stand for "Baby Wagoneer" or "Bigger Cherokee," but you'll have to listen to the whole episode to get the real scoop on this longer wheelbase, family-friendly Jeep. 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).

For 2022, Benjamin, Sami Haj-Assaad and guest Chad Kirchner from EV Pulse ask you to consider 3D printing your own podcast, much like how the much hyped 2022 Ford Maverick provides you with instructions to DIY your own accessories. The trio talk about the little Ford trucklet in great detail, and determine if it's worthy of praise, or if it's just a modern take on the cheap truck template. Chad then discusses about his recent test of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, an all new EV from the Korean automaker, with a new platform, design language, technology, and battery setup. With a la-z-boy style recliner seat and a bunch of screens, it seems perfect for playing a made up augmented reality game that combines Pokemon Go and Carmageddon—not to mention providing a potential answer to our latest listener question. Finally Ben jumps into the 2022 BMW X3 M40i and describes how sport-leaning SUVs have become less comfortable and slightly more annoying to drive. Also in this episode: the trio discuss new ideas for a viral Instagram account detailing Ford Maverick Fails.

Before they get ready for the holidays, the hosts of the Unnamed Automotive Podcast get together for one more episode. Benjamin shares his experiences aboard the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder and tries to decide if it really is a "return to rugged" or just another three-row SUV in a crowded field of contenders. To get to that answer, he dives into a rabbit hole of Pathfinder info, discussing past generations and their impact on the Nissan portfolio, before pointing out the highlights of Nissan's latest effort to build a strong identity for its popular sport-utility vehicle. Sami and Ben also share their thoughts on their favourite cars and trucks for 2021. Make your bets early, because there are so many picks that the hosts don't really give you a moment to think about it. Thanks for listening and be sure to subscribe and even leave us a note to tell us which models we left off the list that deserved some extra recognition.

Benjamin talks about his experience in the new 2021 Ford Bronco Wildrak, and explores how the Blue Oval has worked to keep up with the legacy and momentum of the Jeep Wrangler. Was the Wrangler as easy of a target as Ford thought it was? Benjamin decides whether the Bronco beats its Jeep bogey in any meaningful way, and whether the hype machine surrounding the Ford is warranted. The Sami jumps into the newly-electrified 2021 Ford Escape PHEV, and wonders if this vehicle was made to satisfy an eco-cred quotient, or if it had an intended target in the market. With 37 miles of consistent electric range to compare to the Tucson PHEVs 33 and RAV4 Prime's 42, is the Escape a happy medium between the two? Finally, the pair dive into a new segment this week, talking about an entire class of vehicle that eluded the North American market—the kei cars of Japan—before wrapping things up with a BMW M book review and a listener question. Tons of stuff to listen to this week, but don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments!

Benjamin dives deep into the crossover-turned-pickup-truck known as the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. As Sami chants "Utes not Coupes," he explains why this quirky compact trucklet is in the running for his Car of the Year. Or would that be Truck of the Year? Sami gets another go in the 2022 Genesis GV70, but this time it's the more affordable 2.5T model. Considering there's a $20,000 gap between the entry level turbo 4 and the top trim V6, his experience provides a rounded understanding of the Korean luxury crossover., one that sends the duo on a nostalgic trip to a time when Infiniti was a competitive brand There's also a new segment this week, where Benjamin explains the importance of understanding your tire's contact patch and how time at the track can help you feel confident and safe driving in winter weather. Don't just read this description, start listening to the Unnamed Automotive Podcast!

On this week's episode our hosts dive deep into a pair of cars that struggle to impress. First Sami describes the mild updates to the 2022 Volvo XC60 B6, which gets a new Johan De Nysschen-like nomenclature to go along with a Google-branded operating system and a beefy 48-volt electrical system. Is the twin-charged motor and minimalist styling enough to save this Swedish luxury crossover from Sami's ire and discontent? 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.

If you're the type to have a whole different 'podcast listening vibe' at night versus during the day, then this week's episode is for you! Sami starts out with his experience in the new 2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge: its history, its relevance, and its weird placement in RR lore that certainly doesn't suggest it's the perfect ride for a nocturnal pyschopath on a killing spree. Benjamin then shares his thoughts on the 2022 Subaru Outback WILDerness, and whether it's the real off-roading Subaru deal or just another somewhat goofy trim package for those secret Pontiac stans who really, really love plastic body cladding. Finally, Sami and Benjamin talk about marketing versus real-world fuel numbers in the new variable compression, turbo three-equipped 2022 Nissan Rogue, where Sami reveals his deep-seated fears that someone, somewhere, is playing an elaborate trick on would-be Nissan buyers.

Sami and Benjamin team up again to talk about the 2022 Nissan Frontier, a vehicle that hasn't seen a significant update since before pop culture references were a thing! Hear whether Benjamin digs the styling, the interior updates, the powerful new engine or the nine-speed automatic transmission. Or more likely hear how his wimpy arms can't handle the hydraulic power steering setup. The duo discuss whether the Nissan Frontier is a pack leader, or just a truck stuck in limbo, waiting for the world to be taken over by lifestyle pickups like the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. Sami also dives into the larger, heavier, biggers, heavier, faster, heavier and wider 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe. He seems to suggest that it's bigger, but that can't be true, can it? Hear his impressions, both positive and negative on this weighty subject, and how the modern era of BMW weighs in compared to what we know and love about the brand. Finally, the pair discuss the latest goofy reveals from the 2022 LA Auto Show. Listen, review, subscribe and do all your favorite things!

Sami starts things off with a discussion of the new 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, a weird car that fills a narrow space in the industry, but seems to capture the hearts of enthusiasts (or at least Sami's) in a way that no robot (Subaru or Honda branded one) can match. Also, the pair ponder where a scorpion would hide out from the heat within the folds of the BMW's design. This segment has a ton of fun segues, including "remember the (insert random acroynm of BMW vehicle here)?" and "What's better, a weird hatchback, a wagon, or a lifted wagon with body cladding?" Benjamin then brings up how much fun he had with the 2022 Carnival, Kia's new minivan that goes all-in on luxury. While Sami whines that "minivans are for families," Benjamin remains perfectly composed in describing the true K-luxury offered by #vanlife. Finally, Sami talks quickly about a pair of video games he's been playing that seem to treat car enthusiasts honestly: Forza Horizon 5 and Hot Wheels Unleashed. As usual, check out the website for more content, and don't forget to subscribe or send a review!

It's time for a fantastic voyage into the four-door 2022 Mini Cooper S. As Benjamin compares the experience of driving this against the John Cooper Works convertible he had a few weeks ago, Sami brings up the vast amount of available features and extra cost items that can be had on a modern Mini. Hear their final thoughts on whether the four-door Cooper is the one to get, or even if its worth considering at all in a market full of strong compacts. The pair then chat about the new 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL Class, and ponder about its journey from flagship roadster to the also-ran status it's heading towards. With all-wheel-drive, rear seats, a soft top, and AMG development, it sounds more and more like a 911 wannabe than a true SL, which was a sought-after classicfor decades. Then the car talk shifts to another icon, but this time of the late '90s and early 00s: Hummer. Benjamin theorizes that the Hummer nameplate could have survived if other automakers jumped into the same market it was competing in, and describes three 2000s-era concepts that never came to fruition: the Dodge Power Wagon, Ford Equator and the Hummer HX/H4. Finally, the pair discuss some ugly news coming out of Rivian and tackle the challenges presented by allegations regarding its toxic bro culture.

Benjamin slumps into his chair and sighs, missing the 2022 Bentley Flying Spur he's recently tested. It's his first taste of Bently goodness and he has a lot to say about about the ultra-luxurious, ultra exclusive sedan. He goes through some of the pricey options (like the hood ornament) and intimately describes the car's flashy James Bondian dashboard. Sami then gives us his quick impressions of the new all-wheel-drive 2022 BMW M4 Competition, which he drove on the curvy course at Thermal. He follows that up 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe, a car that may look like the average 8 Series, but which hides a far more exclusive secret, forcing Benjamin to grill Sami about his sensibilities by asking if this Alpina worth nearly $10,000 more than the M8 Gran Coupe that the two podcast hosts enjoyed just a year ago. Listen to get all the details as well as to hear a deep Hellraiser reference, coming in hot for our spookiest holiday.

Last week on UAP Sami and Benjamin agreed that the 2022 Genesis GV70 SUV is a class leader, but this week Sami is already flip-flopping on that statement. It turns out the new 2022 Lexus NX plug-in hybrid has caught his attention and he's blabbering non-stop about the new Japanese compact crossover. 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!

Sami and Benjamin are BACK! Sami gives his first impressions of Fords Jeep Wrangler-rival, aka the 2022 Bronco. Does it fill all the gaps left behind by Jeep's iconic SUV? Did he get wet from a leaky roof? Can a vehicle with the name BAD in its trim be a success? You gotta listen to find out! Then Sami jumps into the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, and reassures listeners that this isn't a Subaru Baja re-do. Benjamin follows up with his thorough review of the 2022 Genesis GV70, (even though he forgot KEY DETAILS ABOUT THE POWERTRAIN) as well as it's somewhat confusing controls and biometric monitoring. Is the only thing holding Genesis back from mainstream success a mention in a Jay Z track?

Summers not over till we say it is (and because Benjamin is out there getting his tan on in a drop top Mini). Hear his thoughts on the 2022 John Cooper Works convertible discover if this unique compact caught his attention, or if the Mini-BMW connection has fatigued the British brand. 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.

Sami takes the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N-Line for a spin, which is the right car for those that want a sporty compact but are afraid of jumping in with both feet. The pair compare the new N-Line to the old Elantra Sport and ask if enough progress has been made in this enthusiast friendly market segment or if buyers should look outside of the Hyundai showroom. Benjamin then jumps into the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban Duramax Diesel, a large and in charge SUV that proves to be perfect for road trip duty. Warning: This episode also takes random tangents into discussion of the redesigned Subaru WRX and the Ford Expedition Timberline.

Benjamin plops himself into the driver seat of yet anout $70,000 machine boasting more than 500 horsepower,, This time it's the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. After driving a pair of hi-po BMW M cars back-to-back, how does this rare Italian fare? 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.

"Save the manuals!" is something every enthusiasts believes with their whole heart, yet after driving the 2021 BMW M3 6-speed Benjamin wonders if every stickshift is worthy of consevation. Listen as 'Mr. Moneybags' even calls the $70k super sedan 'affordable' as he compares it to last week's M4 Competition. Sami then explains his ill-fated plan to go road tripping in the 2021 Mustang Mach E, where he finds out first-hand why the long-distance experience in an EV is cumbersome and clumsy. You'd think as a journalist, he'd have researched these things in advance, but as usual his confidence outweighs his professionalism.

Benjamin gets a taste of the 2021 BMW M4 Competition, which has a magical grille that causes him to make up words and endure uncomfortable seats. He claims it's ok that the coupe is automatic-only because it provides a serious power upgrade for very little cash—even compared to similarly-priced muscle cars like the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye. Sami samples the 2022 Genesis GV70, a vehicle that has the entire weight of the Genesis brand on its fenders. Luckily, it has features like a 3D gauge cluster and a fingerprint reader to accomplish its mission. Is it good enough to overshadow its German SUV rivals? Finally, the pair poke fun at a weird multidimensional press release from Hyundai.

For decades, scholars and researchers have pondered: how many screens are too many? Benjamin and Sami get to the bottom of this topic after a long drive in the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which is a brand new model in the Jeep portfolio that doesn't wear a Jeep badge anywhere in sight. Later, Sami changes his mind about Subaru's midsized crossover and goes full-Sasquatch for the 2021 Subaru Outback Wilderness trim, which he says is what the model should have been in the first place. Now we all know what to get Sami for Christmas: more plastic body cladding.

Sami brings hands-on impressions of the car that changes its name every other year, 2022 Toyota GR 86, followed by Benjamin's time in the unanimously great Lexus LC500, which somehow gets better after losing a core part of its structure. The pair talk about Japanese rear-wheel-drive coupes as if they're a dying breed. Wait... are they a dying breed? Then it's time to answer some (non-personal) listener questions, before going off on yet another tangent about something completely unrelated.

It's time to talk Defender, which you'd think would be the latest Marvel superhero movie but in this case is actually an off-road nameplate that is making its way to North America for the first time—officially—after decades of grey market imports. Benjamin and Sami each spent a week in the two-door 2021 Land Rover Defender 90, and they've got some definite thoughts about this latest, and not-so-luxurious, yet so-very-capable effort from the British brand. Plus, a whole bunch of listener questions answered!

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz E450 4MATIC Cabriolet is Benjamin's first encounter with the Silver Star's new inline-6 turbo engine, and it turns out to be the most impressive aspect of this mid-size top-down cruiser. After an update about the latest twists and turns in Benjamin's Jeep Grand Wagoneer LS swap project, the pair head down a rabbit hole of summertime free-association car talk.

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG E63 S 4MATIC wagon is an enthusiast's dream, with over 600 horsepower in a long-roof package that glares aggressively across the showroom at overweight SUVs. Benjamin spends a week behind the wheel of the E63 S wagon to try and decide whether the longtime segment leader is a match for the upstart Audi RS6 Avant. Sami heads into crossover country to match up the compact 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander three-row versus the mid-size 2021 Kia Sorento in a bid to discover whether it makes sense to get more features and less passenger room in a compact SUV or instead enjoy the extra space of a modestly-equipped mid-sizer choice. Plus, listener questions!

Benjamin is surprised to discover that the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is the most laid-back member of the Hell-pack after driving the massive SUV for a week. Sami tries to figure out how a supercharged V8 with 710 horsepower could ever be referred to as 'low-key.' The pair then discuss a listener question about what to do with a modern car that might one day become a collectible classic.

How much would you pay for a louder stereo and some stickers? That's the question asked by the 2021 Ford Mustang GT California Special, and Sami is here with his answer. Benjamin then uses the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace as a springboard to discuss the brand's decision to go all-electric and boost prices to Bentley levels by 2025. Finally, the pair wrap things up with a listener suggestion about EV batteries in your trailer to sold the electric pickup charging problem.

A plug-in Wrangler is finally here, and Benjamin and Sami both get behind the wheel to try and make sense of the 2021 Jeep Wranger 4xe. Is the world ready for silent running on the off-road trail? Benjamin also reviews 'The Iroc Porsches,' a beautifully illustrated book that takes a deep dive into the first season of the International Race of Champions and the Porsche 911 RSR that ran it.

Is the 2021 BMW 330e a worthy addition to the 3 Series line-up, or does its plug-in hybrid drivetrain subtract from its performance leanings? Sami spends a week behind the wheel to find out. Meanwhile, Benjamin drives the 'other' Bronco, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, to see how far it rises above its Escape crossover roots. The pair wrap things up by discussing behind-the-scenes details from Benjamin's interview with Fast 9 screenwriter Daniel Casey, before Sami brings up a listener question about the best non-luxury sport sedans of today, and of all-time.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is perhaps the most polarizing electric car on the road today, and Benjamin finally gets a chance to spend time behind the wheel of the Mustang-that-maybe-isn't. Sami also samples a battery-assisted automobile, the 2021 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring PHEV, and discovers that more power doesn't always balance out what's lost in the process.

Benjamin drives the 2021 Aston Martin DBX and explains why the British brand's first ever SUV actually seems to make sense. Sami and Benjamin then discuss who the 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant is built for, and why a super-wagon alternative to the crossover craze is a much-needed antidote on the modern market. Finally, the pair answer a listener question about why modern cars imprison their drivers behind tiny windows.

The 2022 Ford Maverick compact pickup has gone public, and Benjamin and Sami each dig in to the details of this front-wheel drive hybrid mini-truck. 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.

The 2021 Kia Carnival is an all-new minivan that tries to bridge the gap between comfortable family cruiser and legitimate luxury vehicle, depending on how much money you want to spend. Sami sets it up against the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica to see how well it pulls off its fancy dance. Benjamin returns to an old favorite, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, on the even of the Mk 7's disappearance from the American market. Is it as good as he remembers, and what does the future of the now-splintered hot hatch segment look like? Finally, the pair answer listener questions about Mustangs in the winter and Boxsters in the future, while also dissecting the latest press release weirdness from BMW.

The 2021 Polestar 2 is the first all-electric luxury car from Volvo's boutique brand. Benjamin gets his neck snapped in two by its instant-on torque so he can talk about head bobbles, underwhelming interiors, and the chances that Polestar can lure away Tesla buyers. Sami then takes a historical detour into the SUVs of GMC's past with the 2021 Terrain, a trucklet that's dying for a refresh. Finally, the pair ask whether it's worth leasing a Nissan Leaf for 99 cents if it comes with one enormous catch.

Sami and Benjamin welcome back friend of the show Chad Kirchner from EV Pulse to talk about the site's new Learn EV feature, and then the trio rip into the over-the-top details of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupe and the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning EV pickup—two ridiculously powerful vehicles from very different sides of the tracks.

Is the 2021 Mazda CX-9 a stealth luxury SUV at a much more affordable price? Benjamin certainly seems to think so, especially after trading in the Acura MDX in favor of the older, yet somehow better Mazda design. Sami also works out a comparison between two SUVs: the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the newer 2021 Kia Telluride challenger, and discovers that Toyota fans might not be shopping around before making their pick. 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.

Benjamin offers a counterpoint to Sami's past drive of the 2022 Acura MDX SUV by asking why anyone would pick this particularly hauler over any other premium crossover. Sami loves the look and feel of the 2021 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD but questions just how well its drivetrain stands up to direct competitors like the Toyota Camry. The pair wrap things up with a look at the new (off-road) Ford Explorer Timberline and the redesigned 2022 Honda Civic.

The 2021 BMW M5 Competition might be the perfect luxury sedan, if crushing power and four-door track performance are your thing. Benjamin argues that as impressive as the car is, 90 percent of buyers would be just as well served by the also-fantastic BMW M550i xDrive. Sami dives into the 2021 Infiniti QX55 SUV, and while he loves the looks inside and out he's not so sure Infiniti makes a compelling argument as to why the QX55 should be picked out of a very deep premium crossover field. Finally, after a lengthy rant about the 'waterfall capital of Canada,' the pair answer a listener question about the best era for driver's cars.

Is the 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor a hardcore off-roader that can keep up with the Tacoma TRD Pro and the Colorado ZR2? Benjamin heads into the mud to get the answers. Meanwhile, Sami spends time with the all-new 2021 Nissan Kicks SUV to see if it's still his favorite affordable hauler (even if the next-generation price tag is a little bigger than before). Plus: bonus Nissan Micra talk.

The Hellcat truck is finally here, and Benjamin gets to bounce around off-road in the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX while flexing its mud-covered 702 horsepower all over Montreal. So why isn't he super excited about the most over-the-top pickup truck ever built? Sami tracks down shooting stars in the headliner of the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost while expressing his intense anxiety about parking a car that costs half a million dollars. The pair wrap things up by talking about the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz mini-truck and the surprisingly boring 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS EV.

Is the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander a carbon-copy of its Nissan Rogue platform-mate, or does it stand as a legitimate alternative despite all of its shared bits and pieces? Sami is pleasantly surprised by Mitsubishi's latest small SUV. Benjamin goes road-tripping in the 2021 Genesis G80 sedan, and discovers that good things still come in sedan packages, especially when it comes to upstart luxury brands. Finally, the pair try to decide who, exactly, is the customer for the new stripped-down version of Ford's high performance Explorer ST sport-utility vehicle.

Sami questions Benjamin's sanity as he develops more-than-like feelings for the 2021 Lexus IS 300 AWD, an entry-level luxury sedan that his co-host had previously decried as a missed opportunity for the brand. The pair then attempt to answer the question of whether Cadillac's new Super Cruise assisted driving system is even worth having in the 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV SUV if it doesn't constantly irradiate rear seat riders with radar of questionable utility.

Benjamin finally spends time with the 2021 Genesis GV80, a vehicle poised to put other luxury SUVs on notice as the Korean brand colonizes its most important segment to date. Things go completely off the rails, however, when Sami reveals that the upcomign 2022 Genesis GV70 SUV and refreshed G70 sedan come with an in-car radar system to spy on the backseat, combined with a fingerprint reader to do...something? After picking apart the absurdities of the automotive surveillance state, and calculating just how safe rear seat radar might be for those with pacemakers and lazy eyes, the pair review the book 'Dodge Viper - The full story of the world's first V10 sports car," by David Zatz.

The 2021 Volvo S60 T5 is a premium sedan in a world gone over almost completely to crossovers, and Sami and Benjamin get deep with just how surprising its past decade has been for a brand that few would have thought would still be in the luxury conversation so many years later. Benjamin then startles Sami by singing the praises of the 2021 Lexus RX 450h, a hybrid SUV that would seem to be the anti-enthusiast machine—which is exactly the point, as Benjamin points out. The pair wrap things up with their thoughts on the production Jeep Grand Wagoneer as well as the cost of electricity as it informs EV buying decisions.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra tries harder than it has in the past 10 years to win the hearts and minds of compact car shoppers, but Sami tried to figure out if it's done enough to blow past very good rivals like the Toyota Corolla and the Hyundai Elantra. Benjamin is puzzled by the 2021 Acura TLX A-Spec, a sport sedan that doesn't seem to fit in to the traditional luxury market and which might be waiting for the Type S trim before it truly makes sense.

We speak with guest Bradley Brownell who brings us the latest on the Radwood car show series, the new 80s/90s online automotive auction site Rad4Sale, and his plans for an all-new series of EV-focused car shows called Autopia 2099 that will debut later in 2021. We also get in deep with his dual-engine Porsche Boxster hybrid track car, which is just as wild as it sounds.

Benjamin's wait is finally over as the 2021 Toyota Supra 3.0 arrives in his driveway just in time for a deep freeze and a snowy blizzard. That doesn't stop him from taking it up into the mountains and putting it through its paces so he can finally form his own opinion after all of the hype. 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.

Does the 2022 Acura MDX go far enough to push past the excellent crop of mid-size SUVs out there, or does it settle for more of what returning Acura customers are looking for? Sami spends a week behind the wheel to find out. Benjamin ends up puzzled by the 2021 Toyota Venza, a vehicle that should feel like its RAV4 Hybrid platform-mate but comes across with a radically different character. The pair wrap things up with a review of a fascinating reference book about the Honda S2000, as well as answer a listener question about what would be a good, fun, and affordable first car.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is the Swedish brand's very first all-electric vehicle, and the most powerful version of the XC40 SUV to date. Benjamin dives in to the good and the bad about driving this high-end EV during winter's bitter cold, and compares it against the much cheaper 2021 Kia Soul EV's performance under the same conditions. Sami gives his impressions of the aging, but still interesting 2021 Lexus NX 300 crossover before the pair answer a listener question about the best cheap-and-fun four-door first car.

Benjamin and Sami hit you with a Lightning Round bonus episode talking about this week's massive new car drop, including the Subaru Wilderness Brand, 2021 Chevrolet Bolt, 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2022 Audi e-tron GT, 2021 Kia K8, 2021 Honda HR-V Hybrid, 2021 Porsche 911 GT3, and the McLaren Hybrid Supercar

The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer RS resurrects a name that at first feels laden with SUV heritage, but as Benjamin points out isn't all fun and two-door off-roading games. Sami's time behind the Blazer's wheel reveals mixed feelings about why GM didn't go all the way in making the family ride live up to its potential. Benjamin then discusses his week-long try-out of the 2021 Kia Stinger GT as a potential year-round daily driver, and mentions what he still loves about the twin-turbo hatch, and what let him down in the years between his first drive back in 2018 and the current model. The pair wrap things up by pitting the Mustang SVT Cobra 'Terminator' against the 2018+ Mustang PP1 to answer a listener question about which would be the better high performance buy.

Did you know Subaru built a flat-12 engine for its forgotten Formula 1 racing program in the early 90s? More on that at the end of the episode, because first Benjamin has to shake out his ambivalence at the 2021 Kia K5 GT-Line AWD and its ho-hum drivetrain, and Sami needs to wax ecstatic about the (finally) redesigned 2022 Nissan Frontier mid-size pickup. In between. there's an argument about the 2021 Ford F-150 Raptor and just how useful off-road driver assistance features really are.