Unnamed Automotive Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 346: 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e PHEV, 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, Days Of Thunder, Listener Questions Dec 24, 2023

Show notes

First up Sami reviews the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450e 4Matic, a plug-in hybrid SUV equipped with a four-cylinder turbo that has 48 miles of all electric range and costs around $70k. Sami talks about the highs, lows and more importantly, the competition of this Mercedes, and whether or not you should check it out.

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!

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.

Episode 345: Guest Chad Kirchner, 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, 2024 Buick Envista, Chad's Great Lakes Adventure Dec 17, 2023

Show notes

This week, the Unnamed Automotive Podcast welcomes guest Chad Kirchner from EVPulse, which means a great and fun discussion of electric vehicles. Our guest arrives following his test drive of the highly anticipated 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. Available with three different drive configurations (front-, rear, or all-wheel-drive) but no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support, the Blazer has a lot of questions to answer, and Chad has the answers ready.

Then Benjamin reviews the 2024 Buick Envista, a budget friendly, premium crossover that has surprised many critics. Is he among the converts? What makes this small car draw so many headlines, and will it help reverse the brand image associated with Buick? Benjamin has a lot to say on the matter!

Then the guys discuss Chad's recent Great Lakes Challenge, before going off on a tangent about junk food. Be sure to hear the whole discussion and then send us your feedback at our website or socials. Thanks for listening!

Links:

24 Hour EV Challenge: All 5 Great Lakes in One Day! — Will we run out of battery? Die of exhaustion? Simply give up? We're attempting to visit ALL 5 Great Lakes in a 2023 Nissan Ariya EV in 1 day. With only 24 hours, is it even possible to get from Lake Ontario in Canada to Lake Superior amidst the remote wilderness of the Michigan Upper Peninsula? How about while you brew a pot of coffee made from each and every lake? You'd have to be CRAZY to try that. We are.
Like what you hear? Tip us at Ko-Fi — Send a dollar our way using Ko-Fi to help support the Unnamed Automotive Podcast.

Episode 344: 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance, Best And Worst Cars Of 2023 Dec 10, 2023

Show notes

The mercury is dropping but the Unnamed Automotive Podcast is still blazing a trail through your ears with another great episode. Not only do our hosts ponder about how integral their friendship is to the show, they also bring up the 2023 Lexus RX 500h F Sport that Benjamin recently tested (and apparently Sami drove but didn't tell anyone about.) Always the popular choice for luxury crossover buyers this RX boasts a totally new powertrain that should make it stand out from previous generations of the vehicle. More than that, there is so much tech to discuss—but does all of that detract from a premium driving experience?

Then the guys talk about the biggest highlights, surprises and duds of this year. Thanks for listening! Don't forget to review or send us some feedback!

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.

Episode 343: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC SUV, 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Dec 03, 2023

Show notes

As Spotify Wrapped comes flying into your inboxes, the Unnamed Automotive Podcast can hold off no longer with this weeks episode. The "No Procastination Special" shows up with roughly 40 minutes of focused car-talk, all centering around two (or maybe three) vehicles. Hey, if you listen carefully you may find real consumer advice here...

First up Benjamin has plenty to say about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic SUV. Despite its wacky name, this all-electric SUV should be a highlight in the world of luxury EVs, but there are a few factors that stand in its way, including its price, performance and technology. It all has our hosts asking: "How much is that three-pointed star badge really worth?"

Then Sami chimes in with his experience in the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport, and compares it to the recently reviewed 2024 Hyundai Kona. To make things extra-thorough, Benjamin discusses his time in the 2024 Crosstrek base model, and the two come to many of the same conclusions, which, given the long history of this podcast, is very rare.

Thanks for listening and be sure to drop us a note on our website or socials! And if you can, please donate to help fellow auto journalist Jason Torchinsky with the unexpected medical costs he and his family are now facing. Link below!

Links:

Jason Torchinsky Medical Expenses GoFundMe — Fellow auto journalist Jason Torchinsky's GoFundMe campaign to cover unexpected emergency medical expenses.

Episode 342: 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 2024 Hyundai Kona N-Line, Listener Questions Nov 26, 2023

Show notes

Benjamin and Sami jump into action this week to discuss two polar opposites in the automotive industry. First up Benjamin tests the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD. This big bruiser of a pickup truck has a price that needs hauling, but is the equipment and experience worth it? Benjamin has plenty of stories from his time with the heavy duty truck as well as an important conclusion about these big ole pickups.

Then Sami tests out the 2024 Hyundai Kona N-Line which has undergone a complete transformation for this year. Gone are the awkward lines and lame interiors and in their place is a sleek, high tech look with plenty of features. The old Kona was already one of the best in the segment, will these changes push it over the top?

The guys wrap things up with an answer to a listener question about EVs before signing off for the week. 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.

Episode 341: 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss, LA Auto Show, Volvo CEO Gets Weird Nov 19, 2023

Show notes

This week, the guys ask: How many off road trims should a mid-size truck offer? Benjamin explores this concept with his review of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss, which sits alongside the Z71 and ZR2 models as an off road oriented truck. However, the Trail Boss is surprisingly cheaper and pared down compared to those other models. Does that help or hurt it's chances in the market? Benjamin shares the full scoop!

Then Sami gives an update about the LA Auto Show, and all of the new reveals, from the expected, to the confusing and bizarre. The guys close up the episode with a laugh as they reference an interview with Volvo CEO Jim Rowan. 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.

Episode 340: 2023 Toyota Crown, 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Nov 12, 2023

Show notes

Weird cars come and go, but the Unnamed Automotive Podcast is here forever! Or at least until the end of interesting cars in general. Speaking of which, the guys have some curious cars to talk about this week, starting with Benjamin's take on the new 2023 Toyota Crown. A sedan/sportback mix with a hybrid powertrain, this vehicle seems to combine the best elements of the ultra successful Camry and RAV4. But is that really the outcome? Benjamin has the whole scoop and a thesis about what kinda buyer Toyota is after with this four-door.

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!!

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.

Episode 339: 2023 Mazda MX-30, 2023 Nisan Ariya, ASSB-4ORCE Mystery Solved Nov 05, 2023

Show notes

No podcast has the hard hitting truth about ELECTRIC VEHICLES like the Unnamed Automotive Podcast! This week we hear what makes the 2023 Mazda MX-30 such a "disappointing effort" according to Sami, who spent plenty of time testing and driving the little Japanese EV and dealing with its range anxiety inducing design. What possible redeeming factors are there for this Mazda with limited availability? You'll have to hear the whole episode to find out!

Then Benjamin chimes in with some thoughts on the 2023 Nissan Ariya. Seeing how Nissan used to have a foothold in the EV space with the leaf, but slowly lose that edge over the years to Hyundai, Kia and Ford, Benjamin seeks the truth about the latest Nissan EV, and you won't want to miss his definitive verdict of the brand's latest electric car.

Then the guys wrap up the episode responding to listener feedback. If you've got questions or comments to share, don't hesitate to visit the website: UnnamedAutomotivePodcast.com or reach out to use on social media. 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.

Episode 338: 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Swinger Last Call, 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge, Nissan ASSB-E40RCE, 1970s Supercars.mp3 Oct 29, 2023

Show notes

Benjamin starts things off with the 2023 Dodge Challenger Swinger Last Call edition, which brings us the final iteration of a beloved muscle car. While we're very familiar with the Challenger, we can't help but wonder what is coming next for the credit, and what made the large coupe so special. Could the next generation recreate the magic find in this model? The guys wonder about the possibilities.

Then Sami continues his run of family friendly vehicles with a test of the 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge. A plugin hybrid with 455 HP and 36 miles of all electric range, there's a lot to like about this vehicle, but Sami says the third row accessibility isn't ideal, which begs the question, why are people buying three row vehicles if they can't climb in the back? Though Sami confesses a few elements that are enjoyable of the XC90, he wants to know what's the real purpose of these crossovers.

Then the guys have some fun discussing a Tokyo mobility show concept and recalling some of the significant supercars of the 70s. 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.

Episode 337: 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, 2024 Lincoln Corsair PHEV, Listener Feedback Oct 22, 2023

Show notes

New engines and different powertrains are on the menu today on the Unnamed Automotive Podcast. The show starts with Benjamin describing a long-wheelbase, full-size SUV, the 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L. The bigger Grand Wagoneers introduce with a completely new engine, the 3.0-liter twin turbo six-cylinder "Hurricane." How does this new powertrain feel in the big SUV and can it take on such a huge vehicle? Benjain has all the answers along with some surprising revelations about the newly updated Jeep.

Then Sami chimes in with his explanation of the 2024 Lincoln Corsair PHEV, which is a barely mentioned luxury compact crossover. While it's similar to the Escape PHEV, it gains all-wheel drive and other fancy features, but loses the value packaging of the Ford. How does that impact the overall image of the Lincoln plugin? Sami also explains how Lincoln fares these days in the world of electrified luxury.

Then the guys address some listener comments and questions about infotainment systems, pause buttons and drive mode buttons. 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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Unnamed Automotive Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected