Unnamed Automotive Podcast

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast is still looking at cars that are affordable and available with this weeks review of the 2026 Chevrolet Trax. One of the top choices for shoppers on a budget, Benjamin has found out that things aren't as cheap as they used to be—but that doesn't mean the Chevy is bad, does it? Maybe it just depends on where you're buying, as prices vary significantly when you cross the border. Also is a 1.2L turbo three-cylinder engine enough for keeping up with traffic? Benjamin has all the details.

Then the show goes into some bi...

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast has a couple of car reviews this week to share, but not before discussing things like wet keyfobs, pond entry/exit, and Canadian Tire clearance sales! The show eventually gets to the point and Benjamin reviews the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox. Not the electric one, but the gas model that faces off against a meaty segment full of favorites like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Ford Bronco Sport. Benjamin has a lot to say about Chevy's plucky crossover, and Sami has a few things to add, but is this oft-forgotten rival worth checking out in such...

When is a V8 powered sports sedan not a sports sedan? Benjamin tries his hardest to answer that question this week on the Unnamed Automotive Podcast, with his review of the 2025 Lexus IS 500. Powered by a sweet, naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 engine, the Lexus IS 500 promises the world and comes up a bit short in several important ways as Benjamin details its speed, power, and inadequacies especially in the harsh cold weather he's been experiencing lately.

Then the show lands from orbit to discuss NASA testing its tires, and how they safely depressurize shuttle rubber. The remote-controlled...

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast returns this week to discuss the hypothetical friendship survey, weird V8 powered FWD cars, engines that powered motorhomes and they even review a few new cars along the way. The first is a look at the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI, which Sami was already dismissive of due to its deletion of the manual transmission. However, some spirited drives helped change Sami's mind a bit. Is it enough to recommend it? Listen to find out!

Then Benjamin shares his thoughts on the 2026 Genesis GV70, one of the newer faces among the luxury compact SUV segment...

Benjamin's takes on the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N Line, a car inspired by the sport compacts of yore. The N Line features an upgraded engine and a sportier suspension system, but is it really an enthusiast oriented model, or just an excuse to hike up the price for Hyundai's compact car?

Then Sami reviews the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas. After testing so many three-row crossovers lately, Sami turns his attention to the German family-friendly ride, which has been thoroughly refreshed in recent years. However, one glaring red flag spoils Sami's recommendation of the Atlas; can you guess what it is? <...

What makes a Subaru Outback, the "Subaru Outback?" This week, the Unnamed Automotive Podcast crams to understand the brand's iconic vehicle, which has finally transitioned from wagon to SUV with the 2026 model year. Benjamin test drives it through the winter, while Sami shares his memories of his 2010 and experience with his 2020 model to see how they compare. Can the Subaru faithful get over the exterior design and appreciate what the automaker has been able to accomplish with this new generation? Is the powetrain up to snuff? Can it handle the snow? Find out all the answers in this weeks...

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast arrives this week with a double review of the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9, a three-row EV that has our hosts offering completely different takes. Sami thinks the all-electric Korean crossover is too expensive, while Benjamin thinks it's plenty fancy. Sami feels it rode awfully in the snow, while Benjamin says it was surprisingly responsive. This many opposite takes means plenty of discussion, and we're here for it!

Then Benjamin shares his road-trip-road-test of the 2026 Acura RDX, which he says was surprisingly good, though has one fatal flaw. Is it enough to deter him from recommending...

The show starts with a review of the 2026 Nissan Leaf, which Benjamin tested out in the most wintery of conditions. How did the already limited range keep up with the low temperatures? And what about its handling of the snowy roads? Benjamin shares his experiences and more in this somewhat affordable EV.

Then Sami tests out one of the bigger SUVs out there, the 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor. Able to haul 8 passengers and deal with off roading, this big truck-based family hauler has some cool new tech to discuss, and some worth nitpicking.

Finally the show...

Benjamin reviews the 2026 GMC Terrain Denali, a model we haven't even thought about since 2021! It's got good looks, plenty of equipment and a decent price... but why is Sami so annoyed by it? Maybe it has something to do with his ancient phone...

Then Sami reviews the 2026 Volvo XC60, a car the guys haven't reviewed since 2022! It has a mild hybrid system, a punchy turbo-four and decent looks, so Sami and Benjamin get to the bottom of why this car has been overshadowed by other choices in the segment. That's it for this week, thanks for listening!<...

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast welcomes a fun guest and friend to this weeks episode, DoubleClutch.ca founder Adi Desai, who is here to talk about his eclectic collection of cars and fun stories about finding them. Is an unreliable, expensive to repair car still good if it's a fun, unique driving experience? Are your favorite video-game cover cars as good as you remember them when you transfer them from the digital world to the real one?

Then Benjamin and Sami review the 2026 Hyundai Palisade, which has recieved a significant redesign this year with a new off-road trim...

This weeks show starts with Sami's review of the 2026 Toyota Sienna minivan, which is apparently inspired by Japan's iconic bullet trains. Although our hosts struggle to see the direct connection, their discussion of the minivan covers all kinds of topics, ranging from the importance of max cargo room in a van, to whether shared media experiences are still valuable during a roadtrip.

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...

First Benjamin shares his personal Pathfinder experience in the freezing cold Canadian winter while troubleshooting its windshield wiper woes. Then Sami jumps into action to review the new 2026 Toyota bZ. Not to be confused by the outgoing bZ4X or all-new and completely different bZ Woodland, the bZ gets tons of upgrades from the old Toyota EV. Still, Sami struggles to see the silver lining for such a late entry to the mainstream EV segment.

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...

It is the first podcast of 2026 and we're so thankful to be starting the year right with our loyal listeners. Thanks so much for making 2025 (and every year!) so great. Todays episode starts with a discussion of the 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid, and the Japanese automaker's overall powertrain strategy. Listen as the guys talk natural gas, hydrogen, PHEV and more and where the CR-V sits among all those choices. Where will Honda go next? Maybe synthetic fuel like Porsche, or Soylent Green?

Then Benjamin chimes in with his winter-weather review of the 2026 Toyota Camry. Available with all-wheel-drive and...

First the show starts off with Benjamin's review of the 2025 Jeep Cherokee S, an electric crossover that's arrived a bit late, but with lots of power. Hear Benjamin's thoughts on Jeep's first electric car in North America and what's going right and wrong with this new EV.

Then Sami reviews the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, which isn't a huge change from the previous year, but packs an interesting Baby Mode, which catches the guys attention for a whole segment of the podcast. Thanks for listening everyone!

Links:

The show starts off with Sami's review of the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica AWD, which boasts a peachy engine and cool seats that can hide away for more storage as needed, but Sami points out there are more than a few concerns with the American company's minivan, and it may be starting to feel a bit old these days.

Then Benjamin reviews the 2026 Honda Odyssey, which he pilots through a pair of hefty snowstorms. Though it lacks the all-wheel-drive and versatile seats of the Pacifica, he has more than few reasons to recommend this mighty minivan.

Finally...

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast powers through some troublesome false starts this week to tackle a tough topic: the 2025 Ford F-150 With the PowerBoost Hybrid powertrain. Featuring more power than the Ford Raptor (but not the R) this is a truck with plenty of giddy-up, and some extra features that are worth getting excited about. Benjamin details everything he's gone through with this truck including using its external generator feature, its hands-free driving assistance, and its punchy engine. Plus the guys get goofy talking about tailgates. Thanks for listening!

Links:

This week on the Unnamed Automotive Podcast: OOPS ALL KICKS! The show this week centers around the entry-level 2026 Nissan Kicks. This is the first appearance of the second generation Kicks on the show, which is important considering how much our hosts like the previous models. Now the Kicks is available with lots of equipment, a bigger engine, and available all-wheel-drive. However, this bumps up the price of the Kicks to a new level, which is an important factor to consider when discussing the Nissan crossover.

Hear the whole discussion and don't forget to head over to our...

This week the Unnamed Automotive Podcast reviews a pair of crossovers, starting with Sami's take on the 2026 Hyundai Kona. This isn't the oft-discussed EV, but a gas-powered version of the subcompact, which has Sami buzzing about its size and features. Is this among the best in its class?

Then Benjamin reviews an F-Sport version of the 2026 Lexus NX350h. Fitted with a hybrid powertrain and more aggressive styling, this Lexus also boasts a gorgeous interior and plenty of technology, but do some of those features get in the way of recommending this vehicle? Thanks for listening!

It's yet another EV this week, with Benjamin's review of the 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70. More than just a quirky name, this electric crossover boasts a fancy interior and an impressive drive, but not everything is rosy with this new electric vehicle as it transitions to a new charging standard. Hear all of Benjamin's concerns and Sami's rebuttals in this segment.

Then Sami decides to give you all a quick refresher of the coolest stuff seen at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, all revolving around some cool Lexus concepts. Vans? Wheelchairs? Sports Cars? YUP!

Finally the show...

The show starts with the 2025 Lucid Air Sedans, which Benjamin thoroughly reviews. This EV sedan from a well-funded startup, promises lots of performance and range, but Benjamin has some thoughts to share about all that. And he wonders, why do we have to keep changing the way we turn cars on and off?

Then Sami takes on the 2025 Acura ADX, a much needed subcompact crossover in the Japanese automakers lineup. Based around the Integra, Civic and (ugh) HR-V, the ADX features a punchy 1.5-turbo which may be able to help us gloss over the car's CVT. Sami...

What has over 600 horsepower, and can sprint from 0-60 MPH in under 4 seconds? BOTH of the cars the Unnamed Automotive Podcast are reviewing! This weeks show starts with Benjamin's take of the 2025 Chevrolet Blazer SS EV, which is super heavy, features a huge battery, and a weird WOW feature to blast off to high speeds. But what else does it deliver for car enthusiasts? And why does it kind of look like an Equinox EV?

Then Sami drives the 2025 Range Rover Sport SV Edition Two, another high-horsepower machine, but this time focused on track capabilities, with some...

This weeks episode starts off with Sami's description and review of a strange little Jeep that he drove out in Europe: the Avenger EV. Limited with a small battery and front-wheel-drive, how does this compact car translate the Jeep design language to a new market? And what can we expect in North America, with the Avenger's design team penning the new Compass? Sami explains his thoughts, though you have to hang on to understand them all.

Then Benjamin reviews the 2025 Subaru WRX tS, and can't stop bringing up his memories of the STI brand. While all kinds...

When Sami's away, only guest host Chad Kirchner has the gravitas to step into his shoes and keep the podcast vibes flowing. Chad and Benjamin talk about Benjamin's time in the 2025 Nissan Versa S, by far the most affordable new car on the market, and what you give up when shopping for a brand new vehicle at used vehicle prices. Then Chad spills the beans on the return of the Chevrolet Bolt, a longtime favorite of the podcast, and a car which seems likely to stick to its roots as a cheap EV.

Links:

Whats that you hear? Is it the sound of trails being hunted? Or roads being lit? No, you're right, its another episode of the Unnamed Automotive Podcast being beamed right to your devices! This weeks show starts off with our first review of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TrailHunter, which Benjamin is towing with around town. Why is there yet another off-road oriented version of this off-road-oriented SUV? How does it differ from TRD-branded models? What's with the pricing? Benjamin breaks it down for you.

Then Sami flies of the country to test out the 2026 Audi Q3 in Scotland...

The show starts with Benjamin's review of the 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron, a performance minded electric crossover which seems to nail so many thing, but falls short of its rivals in one key area; can you guess where? Benjamin's review of the EV expands to a wider discussion of its rivals that you don't want to miss.

Then Sami shares his thoughts on the 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport, a rugged looking SUV with the same bones as the Pilot, but with fewer seats. While it looks tough and offers a few handy features that are useful off-road, Sami claims...

This week the Unnamed Automotive Podcast is so revved up it's putting Benjamin to sleep! Even while Benjamin does tons of PR for his upcoming book (www.modeluncomic.com) he has time to review a car for us. He jumps into the pilots seat of the 2025 BMW M2, which has been totally redesigned on a new platform and feels very close to its M3/M4 cousins. While boasting plenty of power, and a manual gearbox, Benjamin wonders if there's something missing in the M2's typically exciting sauce.

Then Sami climbs into the 2026 Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid...

If you're after the latest reviews of some three-row crossovers of varying sizes, then you're listening to the right podcast! The Unnamed Automotive Podcast starts off with Benjamin's review of the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander, loaded with three rows and a gas-powered motor, the Outlander begins to boil Sami's blood due to its lack of competitiveness in a field full of excellent options. Benjamin has more than a few nice things to say about the Outlander, but none of them are about the barely-useable third row.

Then Sami chimes in about his plug-in experience with the 2025.5 Volvo XC90. Loaded...

Our hosts have plenty of energy and stuff to talk about following Benjamin's road-trip vacation. After Benjamin's discussion of hot dog prices and charitable clowns, this weeks show starts off with a review of the 2026 BMW iX xDrive60. With over 350 miles of range on tap, this EV should have been the perfect chariot for a road trip, but Benjamin did have a few issues along his trip. Additionally, the guys go into a deep discussion about carbon fiber, clamshell hoods, and other premium EVs.

Then Sami goes nuts over news following this year's Monterey Car Week and...

Benjamin fires up the show with his take on the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq, an electric three-row crossover that seems to be replacing Caddy;s own XT6. With 102 kWh of battery on tap, and over 600 hp, this is a big player in the world of EVs, but what else makes it stand out? While the world of three-row EVs is relatively slim, Benjamin suggests that the Vistiq might have a chance to be the best in its class, if only GM could sort out some small teething issues first.

Then the show turns towards plug-in hybrids, as Benjamin and...

This week, the Unnamed Automotive Podcast jams out with some subcompact crossovers. The show starts with Sami's review of the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric, a perfectly fine EV that is a bit overshadowed by its market. With the competition offering better value, Sami and Benjamin argue that a used Hyundai Kona Electric is the smart choice for EV shoppers on a tight budget.

Then the guys turn their focus to the 2026 Honda HR-V. Using Sami's previous experience as background information on his tester, Benjamin starts off thinking the Honda subcompact is pretty solid, but after spending more time...

Our hosts at the Unnamed Automotive Podcast are perfectly synchronized (unlike the 3rd gear in Sami's car) which means they can come to this weeks show to talk about their vastly different experiences in the same car. Up for review is the 2025 Cadillac Optiq, which both Benjamin and Sami had the pleasure of testing out, and both of them have plenty to say about.

Sami seems charmed by its more mainstream roots, while Benjamin thinks the Optiq is the embodiment of GM's recent push for EVs. With plenty of range and space, there's a lot to like...

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast gets their hand on an iconic sports car and a sleek new EV this week. The show starts off with Sami's review of the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T, the only 911 with a manual transmission. That MT comes with a bunch of bits and bobs too, but there are 14 other 911 trims to choose from, with more power, more tech and more speed... what makes this one feel so good?

Then Benjamin tackles a listener question about wagons by reviewing the 2025 Kia EV6, a long-roofed electric car, that may fit the bill as a wagon. However...

This week, the Unnamed Automotive Podcast discusses Benjamin's newest addition to his garage; a second-generation Nissan Pathfinder! Find out what led him to this Japanese SUV, and what makes it so interesting (hint, it has something to do with its transmission!)

Then Benjamin shares how his latest trip to Canadian Tire Motorsports Park went as he towed his way to the track in a Silverado HD 2500. Hear answers to questions like "did it have adaptive cruise control?" and "how much worse was the fuel consumption while towing?" and "do you need all that truck to tow a...

Following our summer spin-off episodes, the show returns to its normal off the wall self, as our hosts catch up on what's been going on. First up, Benjamin shares his thoughts on the large and technically impressive 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ. His review covers both the good and the bad of this gargantuan EV. He also comments on Cadillac's approach of stuffing its large SUV with everything possible, and whether its a sensible, sustainable model of EV development.

Benjamin then shares how the Cadillac IQ compares to the gas powered model, which is now only available with a...

As part of our fun, special summer episodes, the Unnamed Automotive Podcast plays a game of "Remembering Some Cars." Take a trip down short-term memory lane, and see what Benjamin remembers from cars he reviewed a short time ago. Does he know the names of the trims he tested? How much power those cars had? Whether he even liked them or not? Any funny experiences he had while testing those cars? Hear it all on today's show. Thanks for listening!

Links:

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast takes a look at some of the popular trends, and what happened to them. Dive deep into the world of T-tops, wood panelling, gesture controls, and more! And don't forget to tell us what you favorite dead trend is by heading over to our website or reaching out on social media.

Links:

How much should an optional extra cost? Paint, bedliner, safety features? Today's episode is the debut of our "Market Price" feature, where Sami quizzes Benjamin about various optional extras on a few popular cars, both mainstream and exotic. How much paint can adaptive cruise control cost? Why won't the guys discuss wheel pricing? What about center caps? How much is it all worth? Enjoy and thanks for listening.

Links:

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast jumps right into summer with a fun review of the 2025 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. A droptop with a V8? You got it! Benjamin details the ins and outs of this nearly-500-hp machine, and Sami questions him on the progress that Ford has made with its pony car over the past few decades.

Then Sami recaps his thoughts on the 2025 BMW X3 M50, which boasts tons of power and a funky approach to interior design. It has Sami rethinking his entire thought process revolving the German automaker, and the hosts talk more about...

We can thank TECHNOLOGY for bringing us the Unnamed Automotive Podcast this week, but we can also BLAME it for making Sami's life difficult during his week-long test of the 2025 Volvo EX90 EV. With a huge battery, over 500-hp and plenty of driving range, the EX90 should be a slam dunk in the world of three-row EVs, but Sami shares the many frustrations he experienced while driving this vehicle. Most issues revolve around the infotainment system and a minimalist approach to controls, which makes usually easy tasks quite distracting.

Then Benjamin shares his thoughts on the all-new...

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast tackles a pair of uncommon vehicles this week. The show starts with Benjamin's review of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT model, which emphasizes a more rugged and tough approach to compact trucking. Benjamin explains how it compares to the recently reviewed 2025 Ford Maverick, and whether Hyundai is capable of building a truck that works for North American needs.

Then Sami chimes in with his review of the 2025 Nissan Ariya, which offers a lot of the same features and technologies found on other EVs on the market. Our hosts ask what makes the Ariya...