Chinese Door Handles, Volkswagen Tiguan Review, Toyota Learns from Motorsports
About this episode
Jill and Tom dive into a variety of automotive topics, including a review of the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, which impresses with its power and comfort. They discuss the implications of China's ban on flush door handles for safety reasons and explore Toyota's involvement in the Rebel Rally, featuring insights from engineers Samantha Barber and Becky Brophy. The episode highlights the importance of motorsports in vehicle development and the growing trend of higher pricing for popular SUVs like the Highlander. Listeners can expect engaging discussions on electric vehicles and the automotive market.
Jill and Tom open the show by sharing information about a Chicago event, Electrify Chicago, coming to the area September 12-13. Next, Tom shares some news about Chinese new-car door handles, and how some of them will soon be illegal.
The hosts also discussed the relationship between the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander. With the “Grand” gaining popularity, the Japanese maker is tweaking the standard Highlander’s trim-level lineup—making it more expensive for 2026. Listen in for more details.
Likewise, Tesla is raising prices on its slow selling Cybertruck pickup truck, specifically the top-trim Cyberbeast. The EV maker is raising the Cyberbeast base price by $15,000, but making a number of options and features standard. Jill and Tom discuss Telsa’s motives for adjusting Cybertruck prices.
Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the compact Volkswagen Tiguan crossover. Listen in to get Jill’s take on the top-trim SEL R-Line.
In the second segment, the hosts welcome Toyota production engineers Samantha Barber and Becky Brophy to the show. Both guests are veterans of the Rebelle Rally, and share how Toyota learns from motorsports, and how returning to the event each year contributes to product development.
In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Spelling!” quiz. Listen in to see if Jill can spell BISCAYNE, as well as four other tricky model names.
Volkswagen Id Buzz
"...e. I recently did something called How Big Is the ID Buzz? It's a comparison of whether or not the ID Buzz ..."
Honda Ridgeline
"a Ram RHO this year. I'm driving a 2007 Honda Ridgeline. So I mean, not necessarily one you would think t..."
Hyundai Kona
"or last time we spoke, but maybe not. There were no Hyundai Kona's available in the Chicago area. Yeah."
Kia Seltos
"Sold out. Kia Seltos almost sold out. And in the case of the CX-30, th..."
Mazda Cx30
"Kia Seltos almost sold out. And in the case of the CX-30, the Mazda CX-30, which my daughter ultimately ended up buying,"
Toyota Grand Highlander
"A couple of years ago, the Highlander, or the Grand Highlander was introduced. Okay."
Toyota Highlander
"...fordability and losing base models. For 2025, the Highlander LE was $41,815 base price. Toyota has killed the ..."
Toyota RAV4
"...wroom and might just go with a very well-equipped RAV4. Right."
Ford Explorer
"...yway, interesting story. And we saw this with the Explorer. The Explorer went from eight trim levels to four..."
Volkswagen Tiguan
"Okay. You are driving the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan. Tiguan."
Nissan Rogue
"this belongs in the RAV4 CR-V rogue conversation. And I like this one the best."
Toyota Camry
"So right now we are producing the Camry, the RAV4 and the Lexus EF."
Toyota Tundra
"Tacoma I suppose. Yeah Tacoma or Tundra all of them are here in North America."
Toyota Land Cruiser
"the Tacoma TRD pro that I mentioned a 2024 land cruiser and then to Sequoia's"
Gmc Sierra
"Sierra. Not to be confused with the GMC Sierra. Nope. Different vehicle."
Lamborghini Murcielago
"of me right now. Lamborghini Murcielago. You don't need to get the ax"
Lamborghini Aventador
"Okay. Replaced by the Aventador. If you want you could spell that later. No. I th..."
Chevrolet Biscayne
"Okay. Chevrolet Biscayne. And I know Randy can spell that."
Chevrolet Caprice
"Okay. And I think Caprice was already a trim level too of the big Chevy's. ..."
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