Unnamed Automotive Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 257: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV, 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, Guest Stephen Elmer Jan 16, 2022

Show notes

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).

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?

Episode 256: 2022 Ford Maverick, 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, 2022 BMW X3 M40i, Guest Chad Kirchner, Listener Questions Jan 09, 2022

Show notes

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.

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 EV Pulse! — You're best source for the latest in EV news and analysis.
Review: The 2022 BMW X3 M40i Proves the M Division Is Inescapable — Luxury is now indelibly linked to sportiness if you want to rise above BMW’s base models

Episode 255: 2022 Nissan Pathfinder, Best Cars Of The Year 2022 Edition Dec 26, 2021

Show notes

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.

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 254: 2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak, 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, Forbidden Fruit Kei Cars, BMW M Book Review, Listener Questions Dec 19, 2021

Show notes

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!

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.
BMW M: 50 Years of the Ultimate Driving Machines ∙ By Tony Lewin — BMW M-Series celebrates the 50th anniversary of these legendary German performance cars, detailing both its production and motorsport stories with expert commentary and fascinating photography.
Review: Ford’s Beastly Bronco Wildtrak Delivers, But There’s a Price to Pay — The end result is a beefy rig that is in many ways a match for the perennial Wrangler, but at the same time out of step with the evolution of sport-utility design outside the hardcore wheeling space. Whether this matters to you as a potential customer depends largely on what sacrifices you’re willing to make to drive the rebirth of legend on a daily basis.

Episode 253: 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Pickup, 2022 Genesis GV70 2.5, Performance Driving Tips, Listener Emails Dec 12, 2021

Show notes

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!

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.
Want to learn more about the traction circle? Click here!
First Drive: The Hyundai Santa Cruz Is the Most Intriguing Pickup Alternative in Decades — The best small truck on the market isn’t actually a truck at all

Episode 252: 2022 Volvo XC60 B6, 2021 Toyota Prius Prime Dec 05, 2021

Show notes

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.

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 251: 2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Label, 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness, 2022 Nissan Rogue Nov 28, 2021

Show notes

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.

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: 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness — Just how far from civilization are you likely to get in the Subaru Outback Wilderness?

Episode 250: 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X, 2022 BMW 2 Series, LA Auto Show, Dolphin-Safe Cars Nov 21, 2021

Show notes

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!

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: 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X — From behind the wheel it's business as usual for the task-focused truck.

Episode 249: 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, 2022 Kia Carnival, Forza Horizon 5, Hot Wheels Unleashed Video Game Nov 14, 2021

Show notes

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!

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 2022 Kia Carnival Makes a Case for the Sexy Minivan — MPV? More Like MP-VIP.

Episode 248: 2022 Mini Cooper S 4-Door, 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL-Class, Did O.G. Hummer Have A Chance, Rivian's Toxic Bro Culture Nov 07, 2021

Show notes

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.

Links:

Life Outside the Boys Club: Why I Spoke Up About Rivian’s Toxic Bro Culture (and Got Fired) — Rivian publicly boasts about its culture, so it was a crushing blow when I joined the company and almost immediately experienced a toxic bro culture that marginalizes women and contributes to the company making mistakes. I raised concerns to HR about the gender discrimination from my manager, the “boys club” culture, and the impact it was having on me, my team, and the company. Two days later, my boss fired me.
Could these ill-fated 2000s concepts have ensured Hummer’s survival? — With big back in style, we started to wonder: How might Hummer have survived the market collapse?
4 cars that couldn’t save their doomed brands — Which brands had a secret star backstage that could have staved off bankruptcy and prevented a backslide into oblivion, had executives only stuck it out a bit longer?
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