Episode 460: Guest Chad Kirchner, 2027 Rivian R2, Diesel Talk, Truck Talk

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast returns this week with a review of the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq-V, a higher performance version of the mid-size crossover. Packing more power but asking for more dollars is a tough thing when EVs are already plenty quick. Benjamin breaks it down and explains whether this version of the Caddy is the one you want, or if you should stick with the other models instead. He also tackles some listener feedback about the Lyriq, including some experiences that we just don't get a chance to encounter during our review timeframes. Then Sami jumps into the saddle of the 2026 Ford Bronco Heritage Edition, which is loud, inefficient and cumbersome, but finds it delightfully endearing for Ford buyers who want something off-road oriented. Our hosts struggle to find out what makes the Bronco gain an advantage over other off-roaders, but wonder if that's ok in the long run. Then we discuss some listener feedback about the Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf, before Sami goes on to discuss some more cars he's thinking of replacing his FRS with. Thanks for listening!

Can a car be good but also get a bad review? The Unnamed Automotive Podcast gets its hands on the already cancelled 2027 Chevrolet Bolt, which is an affordable, useful EV, but as Benjamin explains, comes with some serious baggage in the form of charging issues. Then Sami reviews the 2026 Acura MDX Type-S, which feels 'good enough' but is up against some tough rivals that offer more space, tech, power, and refinement. This discussion leads the hosts to try to pinpoint Acuras position in the automotive world, and highlight another automaker, Genesis, who is seemingly doing everything right with the reveal of a new flagship SUV. Thanks for listening!

The show starts with Sami reviewing the 2026 Toyota 4Runner, with his tester featuring limited equipment and the entry-level powertrain. How does this impact his impression? Quite a bit, it seems! Then the show pivots to EVs with Benjamin's review of the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker, which looks good but can't seem to shake a few significant concerns. Then Sami's weekly feature returns with his inspection of a manual, all wheel drive sedan. Thanks for listening! Note: We reached out to Subaru to confirm the Trailseeker's battery size as 74.7 km. This makes Benjamin and Sami's observed range 389 km / 243 miles, versus the advertised up to 444 kms and 281 miles (depending on wheel size). It's a drop of 14 percent.

Ladies and gentlemen, Sami is BACK! Our dedicated host has returned after witnessing the birth of his child, and is here to talk about cars, toddlers and EVs! This week's show begins with Benjamin's review of the 2026 Kia EV5, an electric car that isn't coming to the US but will land in Canada, allowing us to get a glimpse of what kind of affordable EVs Americans are missing out on. Then Sami reviews the 2026 Honda Civic Sport Hybrid Touring, which he'd describe as an absolute peach, with just one fatal flaw: its price. Is this an adequate replacement for the Si? Would you take MPGs or a MT? The guys try to figure it out. Finally, Sami tries to introduce a new weekly segment where he tries to figure out what his next possible family friendly car will be. Thanks for listening!

With Sami taking a break to welcome his new child into the world. guest host Chad Kirchner drops by to talk about the Rivian R2 EV - and to endure Benjamin's endless digressions about diesel trucks, towing, and, for some reason, Alaska.

When a three-row crossover advertises big towing figures, you just know that the Unnamed Automotive Podcast will have something to say about it. This week, Benjamin reviews the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder, which promotes a 6,000 lbs tow rating. Benjamin puts the crossover through its paces with and without a load to let you know how it fares. Also, while on the subject on the Pathfinder, our hosts discuss the pros and cons of its future, and whether it will succeed with a body on frame future, or if it makes any difference at all. Then the guys share some listener feedback about the Dodge Charger and its platform/suspension history. Thanks for listening!

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast gets its first taste of Lotus this week as Benjamin test drives the new Eletre. This large electric SUV might not be the most Lotus thing you could think of, but it represents a new chapter of the automaker, one that has left Benjamin with many thoughts and impressions that he is keen to share. Then Sami reviews the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, a car he had trouble understanding in the past, but now totally gets, especially in light of all these other fake off-road trims that have come out. With a bunch of upgrades and features, the Bronco Sport stands out, but is a bit expensive. Sami details more Pros and Cons in his full take of this cute-ute. Thanks for listening!

The show starts with Sami's thorough review of the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker, an electric wagon that shares its bones with the Toyota bZ Woodland. Can a Subaru feel like the rest of its family while being so closely related to a Toyota, or does no one actually care if it feels all that different from an Outback or Forester? Then Benjamin pilots the 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata around the rural backroads to find his happy place. A focused machine with no true rivals, Benjamin has plenty to say about the latest Miata, with a mostly positive spin. Finally Benjamin gives us an update on the new Hankook Ventus tires fitted to his Subaru Outback, and responds to some listener feedback. Thanks for listening!

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast open-door policy is in full effect as we welcome another great guest, journalist Bradley Iger, who jumps in to discuss the unbelievably cool, made-in-America Czinger 21C VMax hypercar. Beyond its amazing looks and incredible design philosophy, Iger talks about what it's like to pilot one of these legitimate racecar for the streets from the centre seat. Then Benjamin chimes in to review the 2026 Ram 2500 Laramie, which was tasked with his own racecar towing duties. How'd the big diesel truck fare when dealing with the long road between Montreal and Toronto? Maybe a better question is, how did Benjamin deal with a track day gone wrong, and how has that changed his outlook on the sport? Finally, our hosts discussed the 2026 Dodge Charger one more time, this time with Bradley's perspective of being a multiple-time owner of the previous generation Dodges. What was the American automaker going for, and what mishaps further explain just how compromised this car really is? Thanks for listening!

Welcome guest Chad Kirchner on this week's episode which is loaded with all kinds of interesting car discussion. The show starts off with Benjamin's review of the 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack, which boasts a 550 horsepower inline six cylinder engine. However, Ben notes some important details about the size of this new muscle-y car, and suggests that it's stuck in a sort of limbo with few actual customers and rivals. Then Chad reports on the newly detailed Slate Auto's EV pickup truck. Now with an official price, and list of features (or features missing), our round table can really begin. How influential will this startup be, when it lacks a paint job, radio, and power windows? Are other automakers checking their rear view mirrors about the Slate truck? Chad shares his thoughts and more! Thanks for listening!