Episode 437: 2026 Nissan Leaf, 2026 Ford Expedition Tremor
About this episode
The discussion centers around the 2026 Nissan Leaf and the 2026 Ford Expedition Tremor, highlighting significant updates to the Leaf after years of stagnation. The hosts delve into its new design, improved range of up to 288 miles, and enhanced interior quality. They also share personal experiences with the Leaf in extreme cold, noting unusual battery gauge behavior. The conversation touches on the competitive landscape for affordable EVs and the implications of recent market changes, making it a relevant listen for those interested in the future of electric vehicles.
The show starts with a review of the 2026 Nissan Leaf, which Benjamin tested out in the most wintery of conditions. How did the already limited range keep up with the low temperatures? And what about its handling of the snowy roads? Benjamin shares his experiences and more in this somewhat affordable EV.
Then Sami tests out one of the bigger SUVs out there, the 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor. Able to haul 8 passengers and deal with off roading, this big truck-based family hauler has some cool new tech to discuss, and some worth nitpicking.
Finally the show ends on a discussion about Mazdas new approach to their cars, namely cost cutting. Are they the only ones? Thanks for listening!
Nissan Leaf
"...how much the 2026 Nissan Leaf is going to move the dial within that environment, but it is notable for a bunch of reasons."
The Nissan Leaf is an electric car that people can plug in to charge instead of using gasoline. The 2026 version is the newest model, and it's important because it shows how electric cars are changing over time.
The Nissan Leaf is a compact electric vehicle (EV) that has been one of the best-selling electric cars globally. The 2026 model is significant as it represents the latest iteration of this popular EV, which has undergone various updates since its original release.
generations
"And I think it's important to point out that it's had like two generations."
Generations are different versions of a car model that come out over the years. Each generation usually has improvements and changes compared to the previous one.
In automotive terms, 'generations' refer to different versions of a car model that are produced over time, often featuring updates in design, technology, and performance. The Nissan Leaf has seen significant improvements in its technology and range across its generations.
Nissan Juke
"...the same headlights as like a Nissan Juke or something. Well, so the last time we talked about the Leaf on the podcast..."
The Nissan Juke is a small SUV that stands out because of its unusual design. It's known for being fun to drive and has a sporty look.
The Nissan Juke is a subcompact crossover SUV known for its distinctive styling and sporty performance. It has a unique design that often draws attention, particularly for its headlights and overall shape.
ProPilot Assist
"It had all the ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving stuff that you could find in that era. And it was a big step up for the previous Leaf."
ProPilot Assist is a feature in some Nissan cars that helps drivers by controlling the steering and speed, making driving easier and safer, especially on highways.
ProPilot Assist is Nissan's semi-autonomous driving technology that helps drivers with steering, acceleration, and braking under certain conditions. It enhances driving comfort and safety by assisting with tasks like maintaining lane position and adjusting speed.
mainstream EV
"I think that they have done their most to make the Leaf a mainstream EV"
A mainstream EV is an electric car that many people can buy and use, not just a few specialized models. They are made to be practical and affordable for everyday drivers.
A mainstream EV refers to electric vehicles that are widely accepted and adopted by the general public, often due to their affordability, practicality, and availability. These vehicles are designed to appeal to a broad audience rather than just niche markets.
Nissan Kicks
"...last low cost car we talked about from Nissan, which was the Kix. When it first arrived on the scene, it was this really affordable kind of plucky thing..."
The Nissan Kix is a small, budget-friendly SUV that was made to be affordable for everyday drivers. Over time, it has been updated to include more features that you would find in other cars, making it more appealing.
The Nissan Kix is a compact SUV that was designed to be affordable and practical, appealing to budget-conscious consumers. It has undergone updates that have included more features, making it more competitive in the market.
electric vehicles
"...but I think it's a lot more complicated when you talk about electric vehicles because the drivetrains, they can advance fairly quickly..."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment because they produce less pollution.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional gasoline or diesel. They utilize electric motors and batteries to operate, offering benefits like lower emissions and reduced fuel costs.
battery capacity
"...in terms of battery capacity and management that gives you different range options."
Battery capacity is how much energy a battery can hold. In electric cars, a bigger battery means you can drive farther before needing to recharge.
Battery capacity refers to the amount of energy a battery can store, typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Higher capacity allows electric vehicles to travel longer distances on a single charge, impacting their overall range and usability.
Chevrolet Bolt
"...particularly one that's not an SUV and that is small in size, I mean, right now it's really just the Leaf and the Bolt, I guess, and the Bolt is leaving."
The Chevrolet Bolt is a small electric car that is known for being affordable and having a decent driving range. It's a good option for people looking for an electric vehicle without spending too much money.
The Chevrolet Bolt is an all-electric subcompact hatchback that offers a good range and practicality for urban driving. It has gained popularity for its affordability and features.
Toyota Crown
"... not, it is visibly taller, although it has less crown clearance than the old Leaf. It has a bulkier ap..."
The Toyota Crown is a big, fancy car that is very comfortable and has a lot of high-tech features. It's known for being a luxury vehicle that people enjoy driving.
The Toyota Crown is a full-size luxury sedan that has been a symbol of prestige in Japan for decades. It is significant for its blend of comfort, advanced technology, and a smooth driving experience.
hatchback
"...It's still a hatchback, but it kind of looks like a buffed up hatchback."
A hatchback is a type of car that has a back door that opens upwards, making it easier to load and unload items in the trunk.
A hatchback is a car design that features a rear door that swings upward, providing access to the car's cargo area. This design is often favored for its practicality and versatility.
BMW X2
"The X2, remember the X2? I remember the X2. It still exists, the X2. Well, it's not quite what it was though, right?"
The BMW X2 is a small SUV that looks sporty and is fun to drive. It was marketed as an SUV, but it has features similar to a hatchback, which is a car with a rear door that swings upward.
The BMW X2 is a compact crossover SUV that blends sporty design with practicality. Initially marketed as a crossover, it has characteristics of a hatchback, offering a fun driving experience.
crossover
"Where it was marketed as a crossover, but really it was a hatchback and it was recently fun to drive and all this stuff."
A crossover is a vehicle that mixes features of cars and SUVs. They usually have more space and a higher driving position than regular cars, making them popular for families.
A crossover is a type of vehicle that combines features of cars and SUVs, typically offering higher seating and more cargo space than a traditional sedan, while maintaining a car-like driving experience.
Tesla Model 3
"...they think it looks like a Tesla, like a Model 3. And that they think that part of the reason"
The Tesla Model 3 is an electric car that looks like a regular sedan but runs on electricity instead of gas. It's popular for its long driving range and high-tech features.
The Tesla Model 3 is a compact all-electric sedan known for its performance, range, and advanced technology features. It has become a significant player in the electric vehicle market, appealing to a wide range of consumers.
battery gauge
"...the gauge for the battery that tells you how much charge you actually have..."
The battery gauge shows how much power is left in an electric car's battery. It's like a fuel gauge in a regular car but for electric cars.
The battery gauge is a component in electric vehicles that displays the current charge level of the battery. It helps drivers understand how much range they have left before needing to recharge.
Toyota A90
"I start crawling forward, like maybe half power, and I'm in a 90 kilometer an hour zone, 55 miles an hour, and there's a car coming up behind me"
The Toyota Supra is a fast and sporty car that many people love for its speed and cool design. It's famous for being fun to drive and is often seen in car shows and races.
The Toyota Supra is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful engine and agile handling. It has a rich history in automotive culture, often celebrated for its tuning potential and racing pedigree, making it a popular topic among car enthusiasts.
Nissan Ariya
"And I can't think like, does this happen in the Aria too? Is this a Nissan thing?"
The Nissan Ariya is a new electric SUV from Nissan. It's designed to be eco-friendly and has modern features to compete with other electric cars.
The Nissan Ariya is an all-electric crossover SUV that represents Nissan's entry into the electric vehicle market. It features advanced technology and a modern design, aimed at competing with other electric vehicles in the segment.
Tata Motors Aria
"... And I can't think like, does this happen in the Aria too? Is this a Nissan thing?"
The Tata Motors Aria is a crossover SUV that tries to mix comfort with usefulness. It's not very well-known, but some people talk about it because of its different features.
The Tata Motors Aria is a crossover SUV that was designed to offer a blend of comfort and utility. While it has not gained significant popularity, it is often discussed for its unique features and positioning in the Indian automotive market.
solid state battery
"...that Nissan wants to be one of the first automakers to deliver a solid state battery powered vehicle. And that if they just do that, all of their problems will be solved."
Solid state batteries are a new kind of battery that uses solid materials instead of liquids. They might be safer and last longer than the batteries we commonly use today.
A solid state battery is a type of battery technology that uses solid electrodes and a solid electrolyte, as opposed to the liquid or gel electrolytes found in traditional lithium-ion batteries. This technology can potentially offer higher energy density, improved safety, and longer life cycles.
front-wheel drive
"Leaf is front wheel drive. I can't back up. Is there an all wheel drive version?"
Front-wheel drive is when the front wheels of a car are used to move it forward. This setup is common in many cars and helps with fuel efficiency and control.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) means that the vehicle's engine powers the front wheels, which is common in many cars for better fuel efficiency and handling in various conditions.
all-wheel drive
"Is there an all wheel drive version? No. No."
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of a car can get power from the engine, which helps the car grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle, providing better traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
horsepower
"It's 75 kilowatt hour battery and it's 214 horsepower. The vehicle will not back up."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. In vehicles, it indicates how much work the engine can perform over time, affecting acceleration and top speed.
kilowatt hour
"It's 75 kilowatt hour battery and it's 214 horsepower. The vehicle will not back up."
A kilowatt hour is a way to measure how much energy a battery can store. It helps you understand how far an electric car can go before needing to be charged.
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that measures how much electricity is used over time. In electric vehicles (EVs), it indicates the capacity of the battery, which affects the vehicle's range and performance.
Honda Odyssey
"...I had an odyssey in a big snowstorm two months ago. And I had no issues with it. It was great. No problems, really good in the snow."
The Honda Odyssey is a popular family minivan that has a lot of space and is good for driving in different weather, like snow. Many families choose it because it's reliable and comfortable.
The Honda Odyssey is a minivan known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It's often praised for its reliability and performance in various driving conditions, including snow.
hands-free driving functionality
"...that has hands-free driving functionality. And it's not perfect. It, and there are times when it is very good. I think we've talked about hands-free driving..."
Hands-free driving means the car can drive itself for a while without you needing to hold the steering wheel. It uses special technology to do this, but it's not perfect and still needs your attention sometimes.
Hands-free driving functionality refers to advanced driver-assistance systems that allow a vehicle to operate without the driver's constant input, enabling the driver to take their hands off the wheel under certain conditions. This technology is designed to enhance convenience and safety during driving.
GM
"That's why I like what BMW and GM do with the light-up steering wheels, where it's right in your face and you know whether it's on or off."
GM stands for General Motors, an American company that makes many different kinds of cars. They also include helpful features in their cars to keep drivers informed.
General Motors (GM) is an American automotive corporation that produces a wide range of vehicles under various brands. They focus on innovation and safety features, including driver notifications like light-up steering wheels.
gauge cluster
"That's better than having an icon on the gauge cluster, which like the turtle icon can easily be missed."
The gauge cluster is the part of the car in front of the driver that shows things like how fast you're going and if there are any problems. It's important for keeping track of how the car is doing.
The gauge cluster is the panel in front of the driver that displays important information about the vehicle, such as speed, fuel level, and warning lights. It's essential for monitoring the car's performance and status.
EV
"I like EVs in this form factor. It's nice to see a car that has like a normal-sized battery that still gets decent range."
EV means electric vehicle, which is a car that uses electricity to run instead of gas. They are better for the environment and can save money on fuel.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. EVs are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs compared to traditional vehicles.
level two charging
"it has two charge ports. One on the left is for the level two charging, like CCS standard, the one that is not the Tesla center."
Level two charging is a way to charge electric cars faster than plugging them into a regular wall outlet. It uses special charging stations that can fill up the car's battery more quickly.
Level two charging refers to a specific type of electric vehicle charging that typically provides a charging rate of 3.7 kW to 22 kW, allowing for faster charging compared to standard household outlets. It is commonly used in public charging stations and requires a dedicated charging unit.
CCS standard
"like CCS standard, the one that is not the Tesla center. J1772 or something?"
CCS is a type of fast charging system for electric cars that lets you charge your car's battery much quicker than normal. It combines two types of charging to make it more efficient.
CCS, or Combined Charging System, is a fast charging standard for electric vehicles that combines AC and DC charging capabilities. It allows for rapid charging at public charging stations, making it easier for EV owners to recharge their vehicles quickly.
J1772
"J1772 or something? It doesn't have a combo plug, it just has level two."
J1772 is a type of plug used to charge electric cars in North America. Most electric cars can use this plug, but Tesla cars need an adapter to use it.
J1772 is a standard for electrical connectors used for electric vehicle charging in North America. It is commonly used for level two charging and is compatible with most electric vehicles, excluding Tesla vehicles without an adapter.
North American charging standard
"you have to go to the other side of the vehicle for the next plug, the North American charging standard. I got an adapter for that so I could use it with CCS."
The North American charging standard is the way electric cars are charged in the U.S. and Canada, using specific types of plugs and charging systems that most cars can use.
The North American charging standard typically refers to the J1772 connector for level two charging and the CCS standard for fast charging. It encompasses the common charging protocols and connectors used for electric vehicles in North America.
fast charging
"...to try and get it to fast charge and it would not connect to either of the two stations..."
Fast charging is a way to quickly recharge an electric car's battery. It uses special charging stations that can fill up the battery much faster than regular home chargers.
Fast charging refers to the ability to charge an electric vehicle (EV) battery at a much higher rate than standard charging, significantly reducing the time it takes to recharge. This is typically achieved at dedicated charging stations that provide higher voltage and current levels.
Porsche Taycan
"I feel like the Taycan used to have two chargers, but it didn't have an NACS port. Yeah, I think you're right. One was like a CCS port and one was just the non CCS port."
The Porsche Taycan is a high-end electric car made by Porsche. It's known for being fast and having different ways to charge its battery.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric luxury sedan that showcases Porsche's commitment to performance and sustainability. It features advanced technology, including multiple charging options for convenience.
CHAdeMO
"The old Leaf used to use CHAdeMO, right? Yeah, and it was at the front of the car. He was in the grill. Yeah, yeah. So is now, I've got to double check something because a part of me believes that CHAdeMO might be dead. It's a hundred percent dead in the United States and Canada."
CHAdeMO is a way for electric cars to charge quickly at special stations. It was mainly used by Nissan cars like the Leaf, so you could charge them faster than at regular plugs.
CHAdeMO is a fast-charging protocol for electric vehicles, allowing for rapid charging at designated stations. It was primarily used by Nissan for models like the Leaf, enabling quicker charging times compared to standard outlets.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
"...for that money, no, but I mean, how much does an IONIQ 5 cost? We've talked about this IONIQ 5, especiall..."
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a new electric SUV that looks really modern and is good for the environment. It's popular because it can go a long way on a single charge and has a lot of cool features.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-electric compact SUV that stands out for its futuristic design and advanced technology. It represents Hyundai's commitment to electric vehicles and has been praised for its performance and range.
Hyundai Kona
"...at makes sense. We've talked about this with the Kona, right? We always talk about the Kona."
The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV that looks trendy and is easy to drive around the city. It's a good choice for people who want something practical but still stylish.
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that offers a stylish design and a range of tech features. It has been well-received for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice for urban drivers.
Fiat 500e
"...But you notice how we're not talking about the Fiat 500E in this conversation once. Well, the 500E is limited in more ways than just range, right?"
The Fiat 500E is a small electric car that's great for city driving but doesn't go very far on a single charge. It's designed for people who mostly drive short distances.
The Fiat 500E is an all-electric version of the popular Fiat 500, designed for urban driving with a focus on efficiency and compactness. It has a limited range compared to other electric vehicles, making it less suitable for longer trips.
Ford Expedition
"It is the Ford Expedition and I will know it's not they make a bigger version of the Ford Expedition called the let me make sure I got this right."
The Ford Expedition is a large SUV that can carry many passengers and their belongings, perfect for family trips.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and towing capacity, making it ideal for families and road trips.
Oldsmobile Curved Dash
"...two massive almost redundant screens including a curved dash that sits on top of the dash like a curved digit..."
The Oldsmobile Curved Dash is one of the very first cars made in America. It's special because it helped start the car industry and has a unique shape.
The Oldsmobile Curved Dash is recognized as one of the first mass-produced automobiles in America, symbolizing the dawn of the automotive industry. Its unique design and historical significance make it a frequent topic of discussion among car historians.
BMW X5
"...eir big thing. I thought BMW had it too with the X5. Yeah, I think you're right."
The BMW X5 is a fancy SUV that is comfortable and has a lot of cool features. People like it because it drives well and looks nice.
The BMW X5 is a luxury midsize SUV that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology. It is significant for its role in establishing BMW as a key player in the luxury SUV market.
Ford F150
"Okay. He has a six speed in his older F 150 and the 10 speed in the new one and he prefers driving the 2012 model."
The Ford F-150 is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is great for work or towing. Many people like it because it's tough and reliable.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability, versatility, and strong performance. It has been one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. for decades, making it a staple in discussions about trucks and work vehicles.
Tesla My Model
"...hing to mention is that it cost quite a bit. The my model in particular is about 82 grand. In Canada, my t..."
The Tesla Model Y is a modern electric SUV that can go far on a single charge. It's popular because it has a lot of space inside and comes with cool tech features.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact SUV that shares many components with the Model 3 sedan. It has gained popularity for its impressive range, advanced technology, and spacious interior, making it a strong contender in the electric vehicle market.
Ford GT40
"Okay, we need to pump the brakes and just discuss the idea of paying six figures for a Ford that isn't a GT 40 or some crazy Mustang variant."
The Ford GT40 is a famous race car that won a lot of big races in the 1960s. It's known for being super fast and is a big part of car racing history.
The Ford GT40 is a legendary race car known for its success in the 24 Hours of Le Mans during the 1960s. It represents a significant achievement in automotive engineering and racing history, often discussed for its performance and iconic status.
Ford Mustang
"...ures for a Ford that isn't a GT 40 or some crazy Mustang variant. I agree with you mainly because they al..."
The Ford Mustang is a classic sports car that many people love for its speed and cool looks. It's famous for being fun to drive and has a long history in car culture.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its performance and distinctive styling. It represents a significant part of automotive history and culture, often discussed for its various performance variants and modifications.
Mazda Cx5
"he would love. It's about the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and this is a car that has gotten a very significant redesign."
The Mazda CX-5 is a smaller SUV that looks nice and is fun to drive. It's a good option for people who want a practical car that still feels sporty.
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact SUV known for its stylish design, engaging driving dynamics, and high-quality interior. It has been well-received for its balance of performance and practicality, making it a popular choice in its segment.
Mazda 3
"...mainstream competition. I used to love the way a Mazda 3 drives. We all know that the the MX-5 is a great..."
The Mazda RX-3 is an older small car that is special because it has a unique engine that makes it light and fast. It's loved by car enthusiasts for its performance.
The Mazda RX-3 is a classic compact car known for its lightweight design and rotary engine. It holds a special place in automotive history for its unique engineering and performance characteristics.
Mazda Cx30
"And then they that's when they kind of started becoming an amorphous blob of an automaker because the MX the CX-30, CX-50 and then the two latest blunders, the 70 and 90 lost"
The Mazda CX-30 is a small SUV that drives really well and looks good. It's a nice choice for people who want something practical but still fun to drive.
The Mazda CX-30 is a subcompact SUV that combines the practicality of an SUV with the sporty handling characteristic of Mazda vehicles. It has been praised for its stylish design and engaging driving experience.
Mazda Cx50
"an amorphous blob of an automaker because the MX the CX-30, CX-50 and then the two latest blunders, the 70 and 90 lost all sense of the automaker entirely for the effort of"
The Mazda CX-50 is a new small SUV that is designed to be fun to drive. It's a good option for people looking for a mix of sportiness and everyday usability.
The Mazda CX-50 is a compact SUV that aims to provide a sporty driving experience while offering practicality. It represents Mazda's effort to expand its SUV lineup and appeal to a broader audience.
Hyundai Palisade
"...ve to do when if you like we just got out of the Palisade and we remember the first generation Palisade sa..."
The Hyundai Palisade is a large family SUV that has lots of space for people and their stuff. It's a good choice for families because it's comfortable and has many helpful features.
The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize SUV that offers spacious seating and a range of family-friendly features. It has gained attention for its value, comfort, and modern technology, making it a popular choice among families.
Subaru Ascent
"...Tribeca. Yeah, and they came right back with the ascent though. But the no, not right back."
The Subaru Ascent is a big SUV that can fit a lot of people and their stuff. It's known for being safe and good for families.
The Subaru Ascent is a midsize SUV designed for families, offering three rows of seating and standard all-wheel drive. It is significant for its safety features and practicality, making it a popular choice for those needing space and reliability.
Mazda Cx90
"But they're very conservative in terms of what they bring out and and Mazda like they swung really big with the CX-90. I don't personally know how successful it's been for them."
The Mazda CX-90 is a bigger SUV that has lots of space and nice features. It's designed for families who need more room and comfort.
The Mazda CX-90 is a larger SUV that aims to provide a more premium experience with advanced technology and spacious interiors. It represents Mazda's commitment to expanding its SUV offerings and appealing to families.
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