Episode 402: 2025 Mini Countryman SE ALL4 EV, 2025 Honda HR-V, Listener Question

The show starts off with Benjamin's review of the 2025 Mini Cooper Countryman SE All4, an all wheel drive, electric 'ute that manages to stay small, affordable and impressive to drive. What's the downside? Try the weird user interface and get back to us; or don't and listen to Benjamins gripes of the infotainment system, and his overall take on this Mini EV. Then Sami tries his hardest to not talk about the 2025 Honda HR-V, by first discussing the history of the Fit subcompact, and the era of Honda when it wasn't afraid of doing things it's own way. The new HR-V is lacking any personality, while being worse than many of its rivals in key specs like fuel economy and pricing. Sami asks what's the point? The guys finish up by discussing lease-friendly EVs to answer a listener question.

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast breaks into the big 4-0-0, but this week's episode lacks much fanfare or frills. After a brief discussion about the 399+ episodes that came before today, the guys dive right into talking about the new cars they've been testing. Sami delivers his verdict of the 2025 Acura RDX, a luxury SUV that goes against some very impressive rivals and has a few things to rave about, but a few more things that question the brand's commitment to the segment. Then Benjamin talks about a new powertrain option found in the Ford Ranger, one that may be faster than other, more performance oriented trucks. While the Ranger is smaller than an F-Series, it has a few important benefits, and Benjamin runs you through them all. Thanks everyone for listening to 400 (and more) episodes. We can't wait to deliver even more in the coming months and years!

First up, Sami has a Ford Mustang Mach-E to talk about, but gasp! Its from last year? It still features a cool new upgrade that adds extra power, prompting our hosts to talk about these downloadable mods. What would they reasonably add to a car via a download button? Butterflies, weird algorithms and maybe some growing and fading vines are all on the table for Sami and Benjamin. Then Benjamin continues his fancy-pants parade of luxury cars as he reviews the 2025 Genesis G80. Refreshed for this year with a new look inside and out, Benjamin wonders if the Korean luxury brand still has the 'it' factor that made it so appealing when it first debuted. Benjamin explains what's happening with the G80 with all this context (and more.) Thanks for listening!

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast tackles a plug-in hybrid luxury sedan sporting a similar name to an old V8 powered favorite. Benjamin has put the 2025 BMW 550e through its paces to see what the German automaker has done with electrifying its new-generation 5 Series. The result is nothing short of impressive, as the 550e seems to deliver on efficiency, performance and technology. But is it fun to drive? Then Sami brings up a listener question about reliability of established automakers, before finishing this weeks show with a discussion on automotive merch and bonuses. Thanks for listening!

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast gets some second opinions this week. Today's show starts with Sami's review of the 2025 Toyota Crown, a car than Benjamin drove a few years ago. However, Sami's experience with the Crown has been changed by recent tests of the Camry and Accord, both of which were spacious, well equipped, efficient and responsive. Does the more expensive Crown have anything to offer that they don't? Then Benjamin finally gets his chance to drive the 2025 Honda Pilot TrailSport. A three-row crossover with some off-roading capabilities, the Pilot feels like it should be more interesting to drive and live with than other three-rows like the Highlander, Telluride and Palisade, but Benjamin points out that there are a few things that stop it from being a standout. Finally, the show closes up on checkup on Fisker, and an interesting law that means that Chase is sending Fisker Ocean buyers to Rivian dealerships. Thanks for listening!

Todays episode starts with a review of the 2025 Volvo EX30 that struggles to get a recommendation from both Benjamin and Sami. Benjamin explains the many reasons for his lack of endorsement with this small and affordable EV, but they all seem to revolve around its underbaked software. Then Sami reviews the 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel, which gets a whole new engine... and a new check engine light. Fortunately the warning light didn't stop the review, where Sami discusses the many pros and cons of this off-road oriented truck, but comes across struggling to put the Ram in a positive light, especially compared to better rivals. Thanks for listening!

The show starts with Benjamin's take on the 2025 Subaru Forester, a car we haven't talked about for nearly three years! With a new generation and new lineup, Benjamin goes down memory lane to talk about what the Forester represented, and uses the new model to explain how Subaru has moved away from STI towards a more successful marketing strategy and lineup. He also shares what makes this Forester so good in the way appliances can often be. Then Sami brings up the 2025 Lincoln Aviator he recently piloted for a wintery getaway. Loaded with massage seats, hands-free driving technology, and tons of creature comforts, he seemed impressed, until he checked out the rest of the Lincoln lineup, and remembered the PHEV model from the past... Is the Aviator caught in a holding pattern? Then the guys quickly discuss a listener comment before signing off. Thanks for listening!

Are they off-road ready or just rugged? This week the Unnamed Automotive Podcast tackles two rough and tumble SUVs starting with Benjamin's review of the 2025 Subaru Outback XT, especially in light of an upcoming redesign which may ditch the classic wagon styling of the Subaru halo vehicle. While our hosts rag on the Outback's mainstreamification, they also worry that the future will lack the personality and capabilities that made it so interesting and popular in the first place. Then Sami shares his thoughts on the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser, which changes the older FJ formula to something less capable and less luxurious than Americans are used to. Beyond that, Sami points out the difficult to swallow pricing of the new Land Cruiser and how it stacks up against other rugged SUVs. Then the guys talk about the quality and pricing of cars following the COVID Pandemic, and whether consumers can head into a dealership and get a good deal right now. Thanks for listening!

What's in a name? Listen along as Benjamin and Sami crack into the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia, an SUV that's related to the Toyota Crown, but has Sami comparing it more to the well recieved Camry. Also is this a SUV or a wagon? And where are all the wagons again? And what about the old Toyota Venza!? This description has too many questions, but they all get resolved on the show! Then Benjamin shares his thoughts on the 2025 BMW 330i xDrive , which recieved a hefty set of upgrades this year. Benjamin seems quite enamored with the new German Sport Sedan, and has plenty to say about it's performance, and interior, but is the tech and pricing up to snuff? Thanks for listening!

This weeks show starts with a fun review of the 2025 BMW X3. Now entering its fourth generation, the X3 does a lot of things really well, but Sami is suggesting that the German crossover is getting a bit too tech-heavy for its own good. Our hosts also ask, what are the alternatives these days and how do they stack up? Then Benjamin gives us a review of the 2025 Genesis GV80. Available in two or three row configurations (thanks for the brief confustion Sami) and in either a conventional body style or coupe-like profile, the GV80 has become a fully realized nameplate in the Korean automakers portfolio. Benjamin answers the question: does it matter which model you pick? Then Benjamin gives us a quick followup review of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid which he took for a long road trip, and finds some flaws in Sami's initial review of the crossover. Thanks for listening!