2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ is All-Electric Luxury Done The American Way
About this episode
The 2025 Hyundai Kona stands out in a crowded market of affordable vehicles, offering a blend of style, technology, and performance. With a range of trims from budget-friendly to more luxurious options, the Kona features two engine choices, including a turbocharged variant that enhances driving dynamics. The episode highlights the Kona's spacious interior, advanced safety tech, and user-friendly interface, while also addressing its limitations, such as the absence of a hybrid option. The discussion also touches on broader automotive trends and the evolving landscape of vehicle pricing.
There's nothing quite like the 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ. Fully electric, it slays range anxiety with an EPA-rated range of 460 miles and can take on 100 miles of travel in just 10 minutes. Efficient? No. The IQ achieves its mission the good old fashioned American way- throw a lot of resources at it (the pack is rated at 205kWh for starters). It's large, it's heavy and it's polarizing. But darned if it isn't impressive. Tom Voelk checks out a Premium Sport trim dipped in Deep Space Metallic paint and Harbor Blue cabin. At 155 grand as tested it's a pricey machine, but easily half the price of a Celestiq for the glass half full crowd.
Hyundai Kona
"...the 2025 Hyundai Kona elevates that and I'm here to tell you all about it."
The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV that is budget-friendly and has many useful features. The 2025 version is designed to be practical and efficient for everyday driving.
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV known for its affordability, practicality, and modern features. The 2025 model continues to build on these strengths, making it a popular choice for those seeking reliable transportation.
Toyota Corolla
"...hoppers have tracks and Vista, Taos, CX-30, Niro, Corolla Cross, HRV, Crosstrak and Kicks to Test Drive."
Kia Niro
"...Cross-hoppers have tracks and Vista, Taos, CX-30, Niro, Corolla Cross, HRV, Crosstrak and Kicks to Test..."
Mazda Cx30
"And it's not alone in the marketplace. Cross-hoppers have tracks and Vista, Taos, CX-30, Niro, Corolla Cross, HRV, Crosstrak and Kicks to Test Drive."
The Mazda CX-30 is a small SUV that looks good and drives well. It's popular because it has a nice interior and lots of tech features, making it a great choice for people who need a practical car but still want something fun to drive.
The Mazda CX-30 is a subcompact crossover SUV that combines sporty handling with a stylish design. It is significant for its upscale interior and advanced technology features, making it a popular choice among consumers looking for a versatile vehicle. The CX-30 competes in a crowded market of crossovers, appealing to those who want both practicality and a fun driving experience.
trim levels
"Know that there's quite a price spread between the trim levels. A base SE with front-wheel drive starts at about $26,000."
Trim levels are different versions of the same car model that have various features. Some might be basic, while others have more luxury or technology options.
Trim levels refer to the different versions of a car model that come with varying features and options. Each trim level can have different pricing, performance, and equipment.
all-wheel drive
"This is a top trim all-wheel drive limited, the most you can pay, just crests 35 grand. Now, in my humble opinion, the sweet spot is the N-Line S front-wheel drive."
All-wheel drive means that power goes to all four wheels of the car, which helps it grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain configuration that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, providing better traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. It is commonly found in SUVs and performance cars.
naturally aspirated
"The base naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, ekes out 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, fairly high in the rev range, and Kona weighs some 3,200 pounds."
A naturally aspirated engine gets air from the atmosphere without any extra help from a turbo or supercharger, which can make it feel more predictable when you press the gas pedal.
Naturally aspirated refers to an engine that relies on atmospheric pressure alone for air intake, without the use of a turbocharger or supercharger. This type of engine typically provides a linear power delivery and is often simpler in design.
horsepower
"The base naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, ekes out 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, fairly high in the rev range, and Kona weighs some 3,200 pounds."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower number, the faster and stronger the car can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, with higher numbers generally translating to better performance.
pound-feet
"The base naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, ekes out 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, fairly high in the rev range, and Kona weighs some 3,200 pounds."
Pound-feet measures how much twisting force an engine has. More pound-feet means the car can accelerate faster and pull heavier loads more easily.
Pound-feet is a unit of torque measurement, which indicates the rotational force an engine can produce. Torque is crucial for acceleration and pulling power, especially at lower speeds.
turbocharged
"N-Line, SEL Premium and Limited remedy the power deficit with a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, pumping out 190 horses and 195 pound-feet lower in the rev range..."
Turbocharged means the engine has a special device that helps it produce more power by forcing in extra air. This makes the car faster and more powerful.
A turbocharged engine uses a turbine-driven forced induction system to increase the engine's power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This allows for more fuel to be burned, resulting in higher horsepower and torque.
continuously variable transmission
"...instead of the 2.0-liter continuously variable transmission, paddle shifters for manual cog swaps too."
A continuously variable transmission is a type of automatic transmission that can change gears smoothly without any noticeable shifts, making the ride feel smoother.
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is an automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of effective gear ratios, providing smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency compared to traditional automatic transmissions.
paddle shifters
"...paddle shifters for manual cog swaps too. Don't expect anything like a head-up display in here..."
Paddle shifters are buttons or levers on the steering wheel that let you change gears in a car without using a clutch, giving you more control while driving.
Paddle shifters are levers located behind the steering wheel that allow drivers to manually shift gears in an automatic transmission, providing more control over the vehicle's performance.
turbo engine
"With the turbo engine, this will spool up to 60 miles an hour in just under 8 seconds, Now, compared to the naturally aspirated engine, this has a lot more low-end torque and grunt off the line, so it's more satisfying."
A turbo engine is designed to make your car go faster by using a device called a turbocharger, which pushes more air into the engine. This helps the engine produce more power without needing a bigger size.
A turbo engine uses a turbocharger to increase the engine's efficiency and power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This allows for quicker acceleration and improved performance compared to naturally aspirated engines.
CVT
"The transmission goes about its business seamlessly, and since it's a geared box, there's none of the CVT's rubbery drone. Overall, the cabin is moderately quiet, seems like there's less road noise than HRV and kicks."
A CVT is a special kind of automatic transmission that can change gears smoothly without feeling like it's shifting. This can help the car use less fuel but might feel different to drive compared to regular automatic transmissions.
A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is a type of automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of effective gear ratios. This allows for smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency, but some drivers find the driving experience less engaging due to the lack of distinct gear shifts.
Honda Hrv
"...ly quiet, seems like there's less road noise than HRV and kicks."
The Honda HR-V is a small SUV that is very practical and has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo. It's known for being reliable and comfortable, making it a good option for people who want a useful vehicle for everyday use.
The Honda HR-V is a subcompact SUV that is well-regarded for its practicality, spacious interior, and versatile cargo options. It offers a comfortable ride and is known for its reliability, making it a popular choice among those looking for an efficient and functional vehicle. The HR-V competes in a growing segment of small SUVs, appealing to urban drivers and small families alike.
blind spot warning
"...there is blind spot warning, and as far as ride quality goes, it's pretty good."
Blind spot warning helps you see cars that you might not notice when changing lanes. It uses sensors to let you know if there's a vehicle in your blind spot.
Blind spot warning is a safety feature that alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, typically using sensors and visual or audible signals. This helps prevent accidents during lane changes or merging.
lower-profile tires
"...because of the larger wheels and lower-profile tires. This is a mainstream suspension setup."
Lower-profile tires are tires with shorter sides, which can make the car handle better but can also make the ride feel bumpier on rough roads.
Lower-profile tires have a shorter sidewall height compared to standard tires, which can improve handling and cornering performance but may result in a harsher ride over rough surfaces.
understeer
"...with the expected understeer in hard maneuvers. CX-30 might be a little more athletic..."
Understeer is when a car doesn't turn as much as you want it to, making it feel like it's sliding forward instead of going around a corner. It's something to be aware of when driving fast.
Understeer occurs when a car turns less than the driver intends, often due to the front tires losing grip. This can happen during hard cornering and is a common characteristic in many vehicles.
Volkswagen GTI
"...or maybe think outside the box and shop Volkswagen GTI, it starts at 34,000 bucks."
The Volkswagen GTI is a fun and sporty car that is also practical for daily use. It's known for being quick and enjoyable to drive.
The Volkswagen GTI is a sporty hatchback known for its performance, practicality, and fun driving experience. It's a popular choice among enthusiasts for its balance of power and everyday usability.
EPA fuel economy
"The EPA rates the average fuel economy of the limited all-wheel drive at 26 miles per gallon, and if you're wondering what the naturally aspirated would score, it's just a couple better, but this much more enjoyable to drive, could be worth it."
EPA fuel economy is a measure of how far a car can go on a gallon of fuel. It helps you know how efficient a car is when it comes to using gas.
The EPA fuel economy rating refers to the estimated miles per gallon (MPG) a vehicle can achieve under standardized testing conditions set by the Environmental Protection Agency. This rating helps consumers understand the fuel efficiency of a vehicle.
automatic emergency braking
"...a better automatic emergency braking program, the question is, will you need it?"
Automatic emergency braking is a feature that helps stop the car if it thinks a crash is about to happen. It can help prevent accidents by applying the brakes on its own.
Automatic emergency braking (AEB) is a safety feature that detects an impending collision and automatically applies the brakes to avoid or mitigate the impact. This technology is part of many modern vehicles' active safety systems and can significantly enhance driver safety.
blind spot camera system
"One standout tech in this class is the blind spot camera system that offers up a view when signaling. Good stuff considering Kona's price and positioning in the market."
A blind spot camera system helps drivers see areas around their car that they can't normally see. It shows a video feed of those spots on a screen, making it safer to change lanes or turn.
A blind spot camera system is a safety feature that provides a visual display of the areas around the vehicle that are not visible to the driver, particularly in the blind spots. This technology helps prevent accidents by alerting drivers to vehicles or obstacles that may be in their path when changing lanes or merging.
H-Tex
"Seats are covered in either cloth or this H-Tex stuff, real leather is not available, but limited does get vented chairs, unexpected."
H-Tex is a type of synthetic fabric that looks and feels like leather but is easier to clean and take care of. It's used in car seats to give a nice appearance without using real leather.
H-Tex is a synthetic material used in automotive upholstery that mimics the look and feel of leather while being more durable and easier to maintain. It is often used in vehicles to provide a premium feel without the cost and care associated with real leather.
heated steering wheel
"Turn on the heated steering wheel."
A heated steering wheel is a steering wheel that gets warm so your hands don't get cold when driving in winter. It makes it more comfortable to hold the wheel when it's chilly outside.
A heated steering wheel is a feature that warms the steering wheel to provide comfort during cold weather. It helps to keep the driver's hands warm, improving grip and control.
dual zone climate control
"And yes, that is dual zone climate. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on all Konas."
Dual zone climate control means that the driver and passenger can have different temperature settings in the car, making it more comfortable for everyone.
Dual zone climate control allows the driver and front passenger to set different temperature settings for their respective areas. This feature enhances comfort by accommodating individual preferences.
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
"Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on all Konas. The charge pad comes on upper trims."
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay let you connect your phone to the car's system without using a cable. This way, you can use apps and music from your phone on the car's screen.
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay allow users to connect their smartphones to the car's infotainment system without needing a physical cable. This feature enables access to apps, navigation, and music directly from the car's display.
Hyundai Palisade
"...e zone, or heated seats back here. This is not a palisade. Also missing in action, a pocket on this seat b..."
The Hyundai Palisade is a big SUV that's great for families because it has lots of space and comfortable seats. It also comes with many modern features to keep everyone safe and entertained during trips.
The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior, family-friendly features, and strong value proposition. It stands out in its class with a high-quality cabin, advanced safety technologies, and a smooth ride, making it a top choice for families. The Palisade has gained attention for its ability to comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers while offering a range of modern amenities.
aerodynamics
"It's hard to make things look unique when aerodynamics are so critical. Some automakers reuse existing elements to lower development costs."
Aerodynamics is about how air moves around cars. Good aerodynamics helps cars use less fuel and drive better, especially at high speeds.
Aerodynamics refers to how air flows around a vehicle, which is crucial for fuel efficiency and performance. Car designs often prioritize aerodynamics to reduce drag and improve stability.
high-mounted brake light
"Everything down to the high-mounted brake light is designed specifically for this car. The contrasting cladding is significant, but doesn't venture into Subaru territory."
A high-mounted brake light is an extra light on the back of a car that turns on when you brake. It helps other drivers see when you're stopping, especially if they might not see the regular brake lights.
A high-mounted brake light, often referred to as a third brake light, is positioned higher than the standard brake lights. It enhances visibility for drivers behind the vehicle, especially in situations where the rear lights may be obstructed.
hybrid powertrain
"I do wish it had a hybrid powertrain. Hyundai has those in its arsenal."
A hybrid powertrain uses both a gas engine and an electric motor to help the car use less fuel and produce fewer emissions. It can save you money on gas and is better for the environment.
A hybrid powertrain combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This setup allows for better performance and lower fuel costs compared to conventional engines.
North American Car and Truck of the Year Award
"...some personal news. I have been selected to be on the jury for the North American Car and Truck of the Year Award."
This award is given each year to the best new cars and trucks in North America. A group of experts tests and reviews the vehicles to decide which ones are the best.
The North American Car and Truck of the Year Award is an annual automotive award that recognizes the best new vehicles in the North American market. It is determined by a jury of automotive journalists and industry experts who evaluate vehicles based on various criteria including innovation, design, safety, and performance.
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