Wheel Bearings is a podcast about cars and transportation hosted by Sam Abuelsamid, Nicole Wakelin and Roberto Baldwin. The show covers automotive news, industry trends, and vehicle reviews. It offers insights from experienced automotive journalists and enthusiasts.
Episodes
When You See Tall People Hunched Down
This week, Jill drove the Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited, Robbie drove the Jeep Cherokee Overland and Sam had the Kia Telluride hybrid and Kia EV3 GT.Check out KUIU workwear at KUIU.com and use Code: KUIUFREESHIP for free shipping on orders over $125LinksGlobal Auto Consumer Survey: Regional Trends in a Changing World | Bain & Company2027 Chevy Silverado 1500 V8 And Duramax Engine Fuel Economy Rat
Don't Buy Temu Engine Parts
This week Jill has been driving the Lexus RX500h, Robbie had the Cadillac Optiq-V and Sam had time with the Volvo EX30 and Infiniti QX65.Sam and Jill both went to Huntsville Alabama to see the 1 millionth vehicle(s) off the line at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant and see how the joint venture company is supporting local education. Sam also had a conversation with Mazda NA CEO Tom Donnelly. Ma
Lots of Toyotas
Jill put a bunch of miles on the Toyota GR Corolla and a few on the Rivian R2. Stephanie Brinley joined us this week and drove the new Audi A6 and the Lexus IS 350 F-Sport. Sam drove the Toyota Rav4 Woodland PHEVLinksInside GM's Plan for Its Next-Gen EVs | GreenCarsMeet Mustang Mach-E Trail: Made for the Road to Adventure2027 SUBARU OUTBACK DELIVERS AFFORDABILITY WITH NEW PRICING, NEW OUTBACK
Hopscotch Car
Jill has been driving Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid but it came without a charging cord so she couldn't plug it in. She also took a flight in the HondaJet Elite. Back in 2018, Rebecca and Sam also got to try out the original HondaJet https://youtu.be/gvM2bo5k2Xo?si=OI7wOOkewWuQdcsE. Sam drove the Hyundai Palisade Hybrid and the Subaru Trailseeker.We've got news from Paris, crashing and hoppin
Sedans Are Still Great
Sam has been driving the Kia K5 GT-Line, Jill had the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro and Robbie had the Subaru Trailseeker and Ford Expedition.This week Jaguar unveiled its first new product in a decade, BMW has killed what was once a top-selling 3 series, a Chinese SUV is the UK's top-seller. Canada has a cheap Model 3, EVs are still selling in Europe, electrified models are now the global majority, w
Welcome Jill Of Many Places
This week our new co-host Jill Ciminillo joins the show and she's been driving the Ford Ranger. Sam had the new 2026 Mazda CX-5.Our whole team converged on New York for the debut of the new Hyundai Tucson and Sam had a conversation with Eric Wood, head of product experience about the new Pleos Connect infotainment system and Gleo AI voice assistant.LinksEVgo Announces Next-Generation Charging
Drop The Battery
This week Robbie is driving the BMW M3 Competition and Sam has the Toyota bZ XLE PlusLinksThe Board of Volvo Cars appoints Klaus Zellmer as President and CEOVEHICLE CARGO SPACE ACCESS PROVIDING METHODFord Patents reveal new clues for Fathom!Can the 2026 Toyota RAV4 PHEV Keep Up With a V8 Jeep Wrangler 392 in a Drag Race?Electric future, established name: The new ID. Tiguan premieres in October | R
Reading Comprehension
This week Robbie has been driving the Kia Telluride hybrid and the GMC Sierra EV while Sam had the very impression new Kia Seltos.In the news, VW showed a new EV concept and a lot of people misread the press release. Ford is again refreshing the F-150 and adding hands-free towing capability to BlueCruise. Volvo has upgraded the XC90 and XC60 PHEVs with double the electric range. GM dropped details
Will Chinese Cars Be Made In America
Sam shares his thoughts on the Dodge Charger Six Pack Scat Pack and Robbie teases the Kia Telluride hybrid and talks about e-bikes.Honda adds more ground clearance to the Passport Trailsport, Audi fully reveals the new A2 e-tron, Volvo refreshes the XC40 and Range Rover launches an EV. Arbe gets a first production contract for its imaging radar. Donald Trump wants Chinese automakers to build cars
Can They Sell 100K
This week Robbie finally gets his hands on the new Honda Prelude and Sam drives the Land Rover Discovery.LinksNissan and Honda Conclude Joint Development Agreement to Standardize ECUs and Software for Next-Generation SDVsThe Isuzu V8-Powered Chevy Feretta Was GM's Forbidden Camaro-KillerNew Ford Mustang Fox Body: ‘80s Icon Reborn! | 4K - YouTubeClassic Fox Body Ford MustangThe World’s EV Capit
It's A Lot
This week Robbie has the GMC Hummer EV SUV and Sam has the Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige.In the news, Hyundai announces at its investor day that the Santa Fe will be its first EREV and Lincoln is bringing the Corsair back as a hybrid from China. Rivian R1s are getting a software update Honda is waiting to see what happens with US trade decisions before it finallizes plans for another factory. Th
The Outbackier Subaru
This week Robbie and Sam are joined by Craig Cole who has his own thoughts on the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Robbie tells us about hauling band gear in the new Subaru Outback and Sam pontificates on the BMW XM.In the news, why are some automakers using NACS only for DC charging with a J1772 port of AC? Chinese regulators are forcing a recall of millions of cars with manual door latch backups
People With Too Much Money
This week Robbie and Sam are joined by Perry Stern. Perry has two cars to compare that are basically the same, the Lamborghini Revuelto and Chevrolet Bolt. Sam had the new Subaru Outback and Robbie drove the Dodge Charger R/T SixPack.Sam and Perry also drove the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, mild hybrid and Eclipse Sportback. Kia has dropped price and range details for the EV3, GM cancelled the
Can You Fathom It
This week Robbie and Sam are joined by Stephanie Brinley. Stephanie drove the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Lexus ES350e, Robbie had the Subaru Uncharted and Sam had the Jeep CherokeeSam also had a conversation with Dodge CEO Matt McAlear about the new new Super Bee and what's happening with the brand.LinksA2 e-tron sets new efficiency benchmark at AudiElectric Ford Fathom to Be Priced From $29,945 |
It's Fantaaastically Expensive
It's just Sam and Robbie this week and Robbie has the BMW M5 Touring while Sam drove the Rivian R1T Quad.Audi took the wraps off its new Q9 three-row SUV this week while Mercedes-Benz went for the opposite end of the scale with the new GLA crossover. Zoox got a NHTSA waiver for its robotaxi and the feds are finally going to start working on AV regulations. Nissan and Honda are expected to part
Bye-Bye Nicole
This week Sam had nothing scheduled so he drove his 1990 Miata around. Robbie joined in a bit late to tell us about the Lucid Gravity and Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige while Nicole shared some thoughts on driving her spouse's Wrangler PHEV.Jalopnik provided a reader listicle on concepts that didn't translate well to production. Recurrent provided some data on rising prices of used EVs. F
What Is A Moonroof
This week Robbie has been driving the Ford Mustang Mach-e GT and Sam had the Ford F-150 Lariat PowerBoost HybridThere's lots of news including a Ford patent that could immobilize cars, a proposal for a VW Thing revival as an EREV and an Abarth version of the Fiat Topolino. A wagon version of the Polestar 4 has been spotted testing with a rear window and Volvo is planning to bring sedans and wa
Tracked By Flock
This week Robbie was driving the Chevy Trax and Sam had the Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid AWD and Subaru Uncharted GT.In the news we discuss our friend Joel getting tracked by flock for an allegedly stolen license plate on a press car. We also have longer loans, right to repair, testing driver response time with touch screens, AVs and first responders, the Fiat Topolino, new EU safety rules, an electri
Diesels Dying
Sam and Robbie both had the Ford Explorer Tremor this week and Nicole rounded out the Ford fest with the F-350 King Ranch PowerStroke duallie.Diesel cars are fading away in Europe and BMW has launched the next-generation X5 including an all electric iX5. California is bringing back some EV incentives for first-time buyers and the Kia Niro is going hybrid only for 2027. Thieves have been stealing t
Is Slate Cheap Enough
This week Nicole shares her adventure of trying to get a test drive in a BMW, and testing the Subaru Crosstrek hybrid and Ford Maverick hybrid. Robbie went on an adventure in the new Subaru Outback and Sam did truck stuff with the Ford Maverick Lobo.In the news, Jeep teased the new Cherokee Trailhawk, a Toyota engineer said he's like a Rav4 Ute, and we discuss bad old car ads. IIHS crashed old
No Silverado Hybrids
This week Sam drove the Polestar 4 and Kia Sportage Hybrid. Robbie had the Sportage plug-in hybriid and Nicole had the Chevy Silverado EV Trail Boss.The Porsche Taycan is looking its wagon variants in America and gaining fake shifting. Chevrolet is redesigning the Silverado for 2027 with bigger V8s. Electrify America has opened a new 20 bay charging station in Santa Barbara. The Jeep Recon's r
Following Fedex
This week Robbie has been driving the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and Sam talks about the Cadillac Escalade IQ.We discuss the effect of speed on efficiency. BMW revealed a concept version of the upcoming electric M3. Audi showed the new Q7, the Nuvolari supercar and matrix LED lights for the new Q9. Genesis has a Magma GT3 sportscar coming. Mitsubishi has a rebadged Leaf and Subaru has 3 new manual tr
Live From Nebraska
This week Robbie and Sam are on the road as part of Operation Frodo Electric 2026, transporting rescue dogs from the midwest to the Pacific Northwest in a fleet of EVs and they recorded live from a Kia EV9 somewhere on I-80 in Nebraska.This week Robbie drove the Kia K4 hatchback and Sam had the Honda Prelude.Our Sponsors:* Check out KUIU and use my code KUIUFREESHIP for a great deal: https://www.k
How We Cruise
This week Nicole drove the new Subaru Outback Wilderness, Robbie had the Mercedes-Benz EQS 400 SUV and Sam had the Kia EV9.In the news, GM opened a new Pasadena design studio and showed off a couple of GMC Hummer concepts. Waymo is having some challenges with its Robotaxis while Zoox is making improvements. Slate will announce final pricing in a few weeks and Mitsubishi is partnering with Nissan f
Selling To Little Old Ladies
This week Nicole was driving the 2026 Subaru Solterra and Sam had the Kia Sportage plug-in hybrid.In recent days, both AMG and Ferrari have revealed new four-door GT models with over 1,000-hp electric propulsion and the response has been very different between the two. Stellantis had their big investor day last week and announced a bunch of new products and Sam got to try out a couple of European
Lots of Honda Hybrids
Nicole is back from Disney World and she caught lots of fish. Robbie got to drive the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Sam had the latest Nissan Sentra. Robbie and his wife also got a great deal buying a new Hyundai Ioniq 5 to replace the one that is ending its lease shortly which means he probably won't be getting the new 2027 VW ID Buzz Tourer. Honda had their annual business briefing where the
Driving Old Cars
Nicole is spending mothers day at Disney World so our friend Stephanie Brinley has stepped in again. Steph drove the Volvo EX30 and Hyundai Tucson PHEV. Robbie drove the oldest car any of us has ever been in (or on) the Benz Patent Motorwagen and Sam had the new Nissan Leaf. Sam and Stephanie both got to visit the Ford EV Development Center in Long Beach, home of the skunk works. VW has launched t
Powdered Sugar Everywhere
Nicole has returned from the Big Easy after driving the Acura MDX and eating beignets with too much powdered sugar (is there such a thing as too much?). She also drove the Infiniti QX65, Dodge Charger R/T and Kia Sportage. Sam had the Toyota Corolla FX and Robbie rented a Kia Carnival for a mini vacation.Fiat inexplicably raises the price of the 500e by $5,000 while Motor Trend drives a $10,000 Ch
Too Many Brands
This week Nicole is off in New Orleans with Acura so our buddy John Voelcker is sitting in. He's been driving a bunch of stuff including the Ford Maverick hybrid, Porsche Taycan, Cadillac Escalade IQ, Jeep Cherokee and Subaru Trailseeker. Robbie drove the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT and Sam had the Lexus GX550 Overtrail.At Milan Design Week, Hyundai unveiled its new Ioniq 3 compact and Kia showed off
All The Switches
After last week's travel challenges, Robbie and Nicole are back. Nicole has driven the Chevrolet Equinox EV and the Honda Pilot Elite while Sam had the Mazda MX-5 Miata 35th Anniversary Edition.Robbie tells us about the new Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS and we discuss the company's new drive by wire system. GM is apparently going to build a new Buick sedan as well as a new Camaro. Nissan has a
Going Rogue
Robbie and Nicole both ran into travel delays today so Chad Kirchner is jumping in. Sam makes the case for buying an Acura Integra A-Spec over the ADX.Nissan has revealed its next-generation Rogue and teased the upcoming XTerra. Kia is laying out its plans through 2030 including a midsize pickup with hybrid and EREV drivetrains and more EVs. Hyundai is launching an Ioniq sub-brand in China. BYD wa
Boulder Incoming
Unfortunately, it's Robbie's turn to lose his voice this week so our pal Perry Stern stepped in which worked out well because he was also at the New York Auto Show with us last week and we have lots to talk about. Before that Nicole shares her thoughts on the Dodge Durango Hellcat, Perry drives the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro and Sam has the VW Jetta GLI.From the New York show we have the Hyunda
The Darth Vader Edition
This week Nicole has been driving the Hyundai Santa Cruz trucklet and Sam had the Genesis GV80 Coupe in Prestige Black (aka the Darth Vader edition).In the news, Infiniti unveiled the its own crossover coupe, the QX65 and Nicole spoke with product marketing manager Brian Maragno. Chevrolet took the wraps off the new Corvette Grand Sport and its 6.7-liter LS6 small-block V8. Afeela is finally calli
The Scammer Edition
Sam's getting better but his voice is still a bit hoarse as he drove the Infiniti QX60 Sport AWD. Nicole had her turn in the Kia K4 Hatchback GT-Line without a turbo and was still impressed.In the news, BMW has unveiled its new i3, an all-electric 3 series, with up to 440 miles of EPA range and 400-kW charging while Rolls-Royce has decided to keep offering V12s for a while. Lexus is about to s
To The Cosmos and Beyond
This week, Sam is a bit under the weather, but he talks about driving the Mazda CX-30 S Aire Edition while Nicole had the Toyota Tundra Platinum Off-Road and Robbie got to try out the Everrati Land Rover Classic.Nicole and Sam both had the chance to drive the new 2027 Kia Telluride in Santa Barbara and Hyundai looks set to follow it's Kia cousin by ditching the V6 engine. Honda has cancelled a
Denver Croissants
This week, Nicole tells us about driving home in a remote area of New England in the Range Rover Sport SE Dynamic while Robbie shares some thoughts on the new Mercedes-Benz GLS and GLE. Sam shares thoughts on the gas guzzling Toyota Sequoia and has mixed feelings on the Polestar 4.While visiting his daughter in Denver, Sam saw one of the new Waymo Ojai robotaxis in her neighborhood. Lexus announce
Can't Share Non-Existent Profits
Even as a non-fan of minivans, Nicole found some beauty in the latest Toyota Sienna with a hybrid system and all-wheel-drive, plus 18 cup-holders for all her diet Cokes. Sam drove the Volvo XC90 B6 and really enjoyed the new Kia K4 hatchback.The EPA published its latest annual Automotive Trends Report and US automakers still lag far behind the rest of the industry in fuel economy -- really far beh
We All Know The Truth
We're a little late with this week's show because we were waiting for the embargo to lift on some stuff. Robbie drove the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante, Nicole had the Volvo XC40 and Sam had the 2025 Mazda CX-5.Nicole had the opportunity to drive the all-new 2026 CX-5 and talk with project manager for in-vehicle technologies, Matthew Valbuena. Sam drove the new Toyota bZ Woodland and C-HR.
A conversation with Toyota EV Chief Engineer Masaya Uchiyama
While we were in Ojai California last week to drive the 2026 Toyota bZ Woodland and C-HR, friend of the show Tanya Gazdik and Sam sat down for a chat with chief engineer Masaya Uchiyama. Our Sponsors:* Check out KUIU and use my code KUIUFREESHIP for a great deal: https://www.kuiu.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Heirloom Furniture Dollies
This week Nicole white knuckled it through a tunnel at Boston Logan Airport with a Ford F-250 Platinum diesel and Robbie and Sam had almost identical Toyota Corolla Cross XSE hybrids.Sam and Robbie go deep on the 3D printed pistons that F1 teams might be using to "cheat" on the new power unit rules. The Vinfast VF8 has so much creep torque, it could be a safety issue. Ferrari announced its
Finnicky Door Handles
Robbie, his wife and the dogs are taking a weekend off at a cabin in Sonoma so it's just Nicole and Sam. After a intro discussion of winter driving, Nicole discusses driving the Hyundai Ioniq 9 in frigid weather while Sam reviews the Mazda CX-70.Hyundai unveiled a camper version of its new electric Staria van in Stuttgart. We have more detail on China's new rules banning retracting door ha
Adios To A Pioneer
This week both Sam and Nicole had the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy although in different colors.Nicole has had several first drives to report on including the Kia K4 hatchback, refreshed Honda Pilot and Honda Prelude. Congress voted not to kill the mandate for a drunk driving disable system while Tesla has decided to kill the Model S and Model X and Hyundai is ditching the Santa Cruz. Rolls R
A Conversation With Zeekr's Giovanni Lanfranchi
At CES 2026 Sam and friend of the show John Voelker sat down for a conversation with Giovanni Lanfranchi, CEO of Zeekr Technology Europe to learn more about the Geely Group's approach to product developmentOur Sponsors:* Check out KUIU and use my code KUIUFREESHIP for a great deal: https://www.kuiu.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/p
How Much For That Old Truck?
Unfortunately, Robbie had a migraine this morning so it's just Nicole and Sam. Nicole has been driving the latest Toyota Prius with AWD in New Hampshire snow and Sam had the Cadillac Lyriq Signature Sport AWD in Michigan winter weather.Volvo finally dropped all the details on its new EX60 midsize electric crossover including the missing door handles and touchscreen vents. Tesla has moved the s
Chinese EVs North of the Border
We're back and this week all voices were recorded all the way through the show. Sorry again about last week. Nicole lucked out and had the Land Rover Defender Octa during some serious New Hampshire winter weather and Sam had a Porsche Macan 4S Electric with winter tires during a Michigan snow storm.Ahead of the Detroit Auto Show this week, Ford previewed the new Mustang Dark Horse SC taking th
Unplugging Stellantis
Unfortunately, the audio is a bit weird this week, Robbie's audio stopped recording after 26 minutes so there are some gaps, but most of it is there. Nicole is back and she drove the new 2026 Subaru Outback Premium. It doesn't look much a like a wagon anymore, but its still a Subie through and through. Sam had the Honda HR-V AWD EX-L and Lexus UX300h, two very different compact crossovers.
One Trick Pony
Nicole had a last minute family emergency and couldn't make it, but Sam drove the Subaru WRX tS and Robbie provides an update on the Verge electric motorcycle he recently rode.In the news the least surprising announcement of the week came from Ram with the return of the TRX plus a diesel version of the heavy duty Power Wagon. Over on the Rich Rebuilds Youtube channel, Sam stumbled across his m
Surprises and Disappointments
This week, Nicole continues her stint with the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and her family was wondering if it was ok when they heard the sound it makes. Sam had the opposite end of the scale with the Lexus TX 550h+, a 3-row plug-in hybrid crossover.The team discusses the EVs that InsideEVs is looking forward to in 2026 and what they are expecting and then devolves into the biggest surprises and di
Lightning Strikes Out
This week we're joined by special guest Harvey Briggs. Harvey and Sam review the vehicles they drove last week while transporting 20 dogs nearly 2,000 miles as part of Operation Frodo. Nicole had the Ford Maverick Lobo and Robbie rode the Verge TS electric motorcycle.GM has struck a deal with Apple to get the Apple Music app on its vehicle's infotainment. Ford is scrapping major parts of i
Going Autonomous
Nicole is finally back and while she was away she drove a Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel wagon and since she returned she's been driving the Acura Integra A-Spec. Robbie shares his thoughts on the new Mercedes-Benz CLA hybrid. Sam had the Honda Accord Touring Hybrid and the Land Rover Defender X.In the news, Kia has revealed the redesigned second generation Seltos, and Mazda has revealed some of
Updating the Wedge
Friend of the show Perry Stern is back to talk about the Honda Prologue and some Nissans. Sam drove the Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss.We discuss driving the third generation of Nissan's e-Power series hybrid in the Qashqai as a preview of the next Rogue as well as the interim Nissan Rogue plug-in hybrid. Nissan has also implemented the first Qi2 wireless charger in the 2026 Pathfinder and
Banning Subscriptions, Sort Of
This week Stephanie Brinley is again sitting in for Nicole and she drove the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Robbie and his wife rented a Chrysler Pacifica and Sam has the Mercedes-AMG G63.In the news, someone has rendered a Dodge Magnum revival based on the new Charge Daytona, and a New York State Senator wants to sort of ban in-vehicle subscriptions, but not really and Stellantis is still annoying
EV Pulse Reunion
This week both Robbie and Nicole are on vacation so Craig Cole is back along with Chad Kirchner. Sam had the Lucid Gravity Grand Touring.Ahead of the LA Auto Show, Lucid also announced the more affordable Touring trim that starts just under $80,000. Jeep has revealed all the details of its first electric off-roader and lets just say we're not sure who is going to buy it. Hyundai showed the pro
It's the Rogue-Lander PHEV
Nicole is in Mexico this week for the Baja 1000 so Craig Cole from AutoEsoterica stepped in. Robbie went to Poland this week to drive a simulator and Sam had the refreshed 2025 Kia EV6 GT-Line.We discuss the new 2027 Kia Telluride that will be revealed in full at the LA Auto Show this week and speculate about whether it will have the same powertrains as the Hyundai Palisade including the next-gene
Fun Not Hardcore
Nicole's been driving the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally but this isn't one for serious off-roading. Sam takes his own stint in the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn Hemi.Nicole and Sam both recently got some seat time in the new 2026 Honda Prelude one in Michigan, one in Japan and like it's ancestors, it's not at the tip of the spear performance-wise but it is a lot of fun. Sam and Nicole also fi
The Tim Badge
This week Sam is in a Tokyo hotel room after attending the Japan Mobility Show. Before leaving he drove the 2026 Kia Sportage X-Pro. Robbie spent some time in the dunes of California with the next Mercedes-Benz GLC and Nicole drove the revived Hemi Ram 1500 and the latest Subaru Forester.Others are finally taking notice of inflated delivery charges, NHTSA is investigating Tesla's Mad Max Mode
Eyes Off
This week Sam drove the 2026 BMW iX xDrive45. Sam and Robbie both went to New York for a tech focused GM event and Sam spoke with new chief product officer Sterling Anderson. There's a refreshed Jeep Grand Cherokee with a new more powerful engine for 2026 and we drive the new 2026 Toyota Rav4 in hybrid and PHEV form. Toyota is launching a new baby Land Cruiser FJ and Rivian has laid off 4% of
Ep 424 On Tuesday
We've got another delayed episode because of embargo timing on some news so the new episode will be up on Tuesday morningOur Sponsors:* Check out KUIU and use my code KUIUFREESHIP for a great deal: https://www.kuiu.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Take the Bill Challenge
Nicole has been driving a bunch of stuff including the Ford F-150 Lightning and Expedition Tremor and went off-roading in the Honda Passport. Sam enjoyed some time with the BMW 228 xDrive Gran Coupe. Toyota is realigning its sporty branding for future models. Stellantis is investing $13 billion in shifting production to US factories and refreshing the Alfa Romeo Tonale for 2026. The Kia Tasman has
Losing Your Soul
SummaryIn this episode, Robbie and Sam discuss various automotive topics, including a review of the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE, the luxurious Genesis G80, and the unfortunate discontinuation of the Kia Soul. They also touch on Rivian's upcoming R2 SUV, Audi's future design concepts, and Stellantis's innovative approach to infotainment systems. There are significant updates to the Jeep G
Coming Tuesday Morning
New episode coming TuesdayOur Sponsors:* Check out KUIU and use my code KUIUFREESHIP for a great deal: https://www.kuiu.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Clever for the Sake of Clever
This week Nicole has been driving the BMW M5 Touring and the Hyundai Kona Limited. Sam drove the Lexus LX700h and 2026 Ram 2500 Black Express Cummins while Robbie drove the Mercedes-AMG E53 sedan.Sam drove the Lexus to Indiana to check out the new Entegra Coach Embark EREV motorhome. With federal EV incentives done, Ford and GM found a way to keep the party going a while longer while Hyundai has s
China, Brakes, Hybrids, Subscriptions
This week Nicole and Robbie are both travelling so we've got four interviews that Sam did in the last couple of weeks starting Magna International's head of e-Drive systems Mike Dowsett. Then there is Caroline Fallara and Mike Messina from high performance brake manufacturer Brembo. Sam also talks about China with industry expert Michael Dunne and finally Benjamin Maillard discusses Free2M
10 Years After Dieselgate
In this episode, hosts Sam Abuelsamid and Nicole Wakelin discuss their recent experiences with the 2025 Toyota Prius Nightshade Edition and the 2026 Genesis GV70. They delve into the performance, design, and driving experience of these vehicles, highlighting the Prius's hybrid technology and the Genesis's luxury features. The conversation also touches on insights from the Center for Automo
The Plural of Leaf is Leafs
In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences with the 2025 Volvo EX30, XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, and the 2026 Nissan Leaf. They explore the unique features, driving experiences, and challenges associated with each vehicle, including charging issues and pricing concerns. The conversation also delves into the broader context of the electric vehicle market, including consumer preferences and th
Slate Duallie
This week Nicole drove the Ford F-150 Tremor and Sam had the Lexus LC500 Convertible and the Cadillac Lyriq-V.In the news, Honda has revealed more details on the upcoming 2026 Prelude coupe and a Minnesota driver gets a ticket for an excessively loud exhaust -- on his EV. At the IAA Mobility show in Munich, VW Group and BMW have revealed a bunch of new vehicles. Audi has the Concept C, an electric
Overlanding Minivan
This week Nicole has been driving the Acura ADX and Honda Passport while Sam had the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro.The US federal EV tax credits end on September 30, but you may still be able to take advantage of the credits even if you can't take delivery by that date. Ineos is cutting its prices by at least $7,900. Volvo has a new midsize crossover with over 100 miles of electric driving range acco
The Benefit of Listening
This week, Robbie drives the new Kia Sportage Hybrid and Sam has the Acura ADX and Hyundai Ioniq 9.Nicole is traveling but she and Sam got together to discuss the 2026 Subaru Solterra and Sam has a conversation with Subaru carline planning manager Garrick Goh. We also have the low down on the 2026 Jeep Cherokee which is launching as a hybrid only and Ford Maverick prices continue to creep upward.
Getting A Kick Out Of Kicks
This week Nicole has 2 "SUVs", the Nissan Kicks and Ford Expedition King Ranch while Sam discusses the Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter and Subaru Forester Hybrid.Ford announced plans to build low cost EVs in Louisville Kentucky, Cadillac announced a new custom build program and we have a first look at the Hyundai Ioniq 2. At Monterey Car Week, debuts included the Acura RSX, the Lexus Sport Conce
Companies Behaving Well and Badly
We're back from a mid-summer break. Sam has driven the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT and Lucid Air Grand Touring and Nicole had the 2026 Lincoln NavigatorSince we've been gone, we all drove the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and Cupra gave up on entering the US market. Nicole has a Wagoneer S update. Sam wrote about Tesla's misbehavior in a recent trial. Jeep also had some news this week about going back
Midsummer 2025
We're taking a break this week, but we'll all be back next weekOur Sponsors:* Check out KUIU and use my code KUIUFREESHIP for a great deal: https://www.kuiu.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Airport Garage Towing
Robbie's dealing with a family emergency so Nicole tells us about her latest misadventure with her Jeep Wagoneer S as well as the Toyota Crown Signia. Sam had the Toyota Grand Highlander Nightshade in invisible grey.In the news, Lucid Air, Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX get Supercharger support, but the Lucid is as slow as a Chevy Bolt. The Acura TLX is out of production but the new Honda Prelud
Colors In The Driveway
This week in the garage, Sam has bright colors with the Jeep Gladiator Willys and Volvo EX30 Performance Ultra. Nicole had the Mitusbishi Outlander.LinksSomeone bought a Lordstown Endurance on BaTGM to Produce LFP Cells In Spring HillSubaru UnchartedUber, Nuro and LucidSubaru e-OutbackElectric Range Rover Delayed to 2026VW ID3 Still at 91% after 100K miles5 Features of Polestar 4BMW Z1 at 40Volvo
Too Much Name
This week Sam is driving the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Tributo Italiano and Nicole has the Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec.Nicole also had her first major technical issue with her Jeep Wagoneer S. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Toyota is publicly demoing its new sports car and upcoming GT3 race car while Hyundai has the Ioniq 6 N. Mazda shows off the new third generation CX-5, now with a touchscreen. Dodge t
Buying A Used EV
After some hiccups getting the recording started, Nicole told us about the latest Genesis GV70 and Robbie almost had a chance to save a wedding with the Ford F-150 Lightning. Sam enjoyed cruising in the Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack which both really loud and not loud enough.Sam tried out BlueCruise 1.5 and its auto lane changing while driving to Ohio to buy a used EV. He and his wife came back
Hot Charging
This week Nicole has been tackling the notoriously smooth New England pavement in the Hyundai Ioniq 5N while Robbie had the Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV and Sam trecked across Michigan in the Mini Countryman SE ALL4.This week Sam visited two plants for the production of lithium iron phosphate batteries, Ford's BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, MI and the LG Energy Solution plant in Holland, MI. For
How Many Tasks
Robbie has family commitments today so Perry Stern is sitting in with Nicole and Sam. Perry's been driving the McLaren 750S in Volcano Yellow and Cadillac Escalade. Nicole had the new gas powered Chevy Equinox and Sam had the new 2025 Mini Cooper S 4-door.In the news we discuss Audi's latest attempt to reinvent the steering wheel stalk and BMW's new flax fiber composites. Most of China
Leafs Not Leaves
In the news, Nissan finally completely redesigns the Nissan Leaf after 15 years. The Corvette reaches its pinnacle, but it's not called Zora. GM is spending $4 billion move vehicle assembly from Mexico to the US. BMW and AAA have dueling EV consumer surveys. The Mustang GTD costs nearly twice as much as a ZR1 and the Republican war on EVs continues.Links2026 Nissan LeafGM spends $4B to shift p
What Kind of Pie?
Nicole is back and to tell us what sorts of pies she shared with her husband at the Julian Pie Company last week and talk about the Kia K4 that turned up in her driveway for the third time as well as the Toyota 4Runner. Robbie did some G-Turns in the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology. Sam had the Nissan Murano Platinum and Honda Passport Trailsport.Porsche has built a road legal version of the
Stopping Beating The Horse
Nicole is trekking to the Julian Pie Company with her husband so it's mostly just Robbie and Sam. Robbie gives a preview of the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and Sam reviews the 2025 Cadillac Escalade Platinum.In the news, Stellantis picks Antonio Fillosa as its new CEO and cancels a smart cockpit deal with Amazon. The Dodge Durango is back for another year with Hellcat power and we get our f
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