Episode 449: 2026 Volkswagen Taos, Honda Posts A Loss, Listener Feedback

The Volkswagen Taos is a compact crossover SUV, and the 2026 model is positioned as a more affordable alternative to higher-priced small crossovers. In this segment, the host is discussing how the Taos surprised them during a test drive and how it fits against similar vehicles like the Subaru Crosstrek.

The Ford Mustang is a long-running American sports coupe/convertible known for its performance-focused styling and strong enthusiast following. It often comes up in podcasts because it’s widely recognized and easy to talk about when discussing driving feel, history, or “classic” muscle-car culture. The pronunciation comment in the episode highlights how familiar the name is to most people.

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck model line that’s extremely common in North America, which is why its name is widely known and easy to pronounce. The host uses it as another example of a model name that people typically say correctly.

The Volkswagen Touareg is/was a Volkswagen full-size SUV model, and the episode notes that it “doesn’t exist anymore.” That comment suggests the model has been discontinued or removed from current availability, which is why it comes up as a point of confusion. It’s discussed because discontinued nameplates can still be referenced when people talk about past options or used-car shopping.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric van based on the ID. family of Volkswagen EVs, designed to bring a classic van shape into modern electric form. The episode focuses on how to say “ID Buzz,” which points to the fact that the naming and pronunciation are part of how people first encounter the car. It’s discussed because it’s a distinctive EV alternative to more conventional electric vehicles.

A trim is a specific equipment level for a car—different trims bundle different features, comfort items, and sometimes powertrain options. When the hosts compare “base model” versus “more luxurious” versions, they’re describing how trim changes what you get for the money.

An appearance package is a factory option that changes mostly visual details—like wheels, trim, and exterior color accents—without fundamentally changing how the car drives. It’s typically bundled to look cohesive and is often priced lower than buying each cosmetic item separately.

A panoramic sunroof is a large glass roof opening that spans a wider area than a standard sunroof. It increases natural light and can make the cabin feel more open, though it adds complexity and weight compared with a fixed roof.

A digital cockpit refers to an instrument cluster and/or driver display that uses screens instead of traditional analog gauges. It can show customizable information and may integrate with other vehicle systems, depending on the model and trim.

A turbocharged four-cylinder engine uses a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders, allowing a smaller engine to produce stronger power than a naturally aspirated one of similar size. In this segment, the Taos is described as having a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is a gearbox with eight forward ratios that automatically selects the best gear for speed and driving conditions. More gears can help keep the engine in its efficient power band, improving smoothness and fuel economy versus older fewer-gear automatics.

Four-wheel drive (4WD) sends power to both the front and rear axles, improving traction when roads are slippery or uneven. It’s especially useful in snow, rain, or off-road conditions, though it can add weight and cost compared with front-wheel drive.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) sends power to the front wheels, which typically makes packaging simpler and can improve fuel economy. Many compact crossovers use FWD as the baseline because it’s efficient and cost-effective.

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback that’s known for being practical while still feeling like a “real car to drive.” In the podcast, it’s described as a Golf turned into a crossover, which points to how the Golf platform and design ideas can be adapted for a taller, more SUV-like body. That makes it a common reference point when discussing Volkswagen’s lineup and vehicle categories.

The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup truck built for hauling, towing, and everyday truck use. The episode’s mention of bumper steps and exterior details suggests they were discussing how the truck is equipped and how it looks in real-world use. It’s a frequent topic because it’s a mainstream truck that many buyers cross-shop for work and family needs.

An infotainment system is the car’s in-dash interface for media and information—things like audio, navigation, phone integration, and vehicle settings. In this segment, the hosts critique how Volkswagen’s infotainment UI is laid out and how it behaves when you interact with it.

The “Kicks” mentioned in the episode refers to the Nissan Kicks, a compact crossover. The podcast brings it up as a recent or late-year topic, likely in the context of comparing small crossover options and how they fit certain needs. It’s discussed because the Kicks is a common, easy-to-understand entry in the compact crossover category.

The Volkswagen GTI is the brand’s performance-oriented hatchback, and it’s being used here as the benchmark for Volkswagen’s “interesting interior” options. The host specifically mentions GTI-style tartan seats as one of the few standout interior elements in the Volkswagen lineup.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that’s often used as a reference point for how Volkswagen’s interior design and control layout feel across the lineup. Here, the host compares the Taos discussion to a recent Tiguan experience, specifically mentioning touch-based controls and a more premium feel.

Capacitive touch buttons are touch-sensitive controls that detect your finger using electrical properties rather than relying on a physical switch. In car interiors, they’re often used for climate, audio, or shortcut functions and can feel more “screen-like” than traditional buttons.

Travel Assist is Volkswagen’s branding for a driver-assistance suite that combines multiple functions to help the driver on the road. In this segment, it’s described as being similar to adaptive cruise control and other driver-aid safety tech.

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a driver-assistance feature that automatically adjusts the car’s speed to match the traffic ahead. Unlike basic cruise control, it can slow down and speed back up as conditions change.

IQ. Drive is Volkswagen’s umbrella branding for a suite of driver-assistance and infotainment-related technologies. In this segment, Travel Assist is described as being part of the IQ. Drive suite.

Safety Sense is Toyota’s branding for its suite of active safety and driver-assistance technologies. In this segment, it’s mentioned as one of the different “names” automakers use for similar safety/driver-aid equipment.

ProPILOT Assist is a Nissan-branded driver-assistance feature name used for semi-autonomous driving aids, typically aimed at helping with lane centering and adaptive cruise-like behavior. The host mentions it while listing different manufacturers’ names for similar driver-aid tech.

BlueCruise is Ford’s branded driver-assistance system known for hands-free highway driving under certain conditions. In this segment, it’s contrasted with other naming schemes and described as being more focused on hands-free capability.

Lane centering is an active driver-assistance function that uses cameras and/or sensors to keep the car near the middle of its lane. In this segment, the host describes it as keeping the vehicle very close to the center line, which made them uncomfortable when passing traffic.

A turn signal is the driver’s indicator that a lane change or turn is intended. In many driver-assistance systems, activating the turn signal can trigger the system to disengage or change behavior to avoid fighting the driver’s maneuver.

Torque is the engine’s twisting force that helps the car accelerate and pull from low speeds. It’s often discussed alongside horsepower because the two together describe how strong the powertrain feels across different driving conditions.

Horsepower is a measure of how much power the engine produces over time, which strongly influences top speed and sustained acceleration. In practice, it works together with torque to shape how the car feels in everyday driving.

Combined driving is a standardized fuel-economy rating that blends city and highway driving into one figure. It’s used so shoppers can compare cars on a consistent basis, even though real-world driving varies.

Fuel mileage is how efficiently a car uses fuel, typically expressed as miles per gallon (mpg) in the U.S. or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) in many other markets.

Miles per gallon (mpg) is a fuel-economy unit that indicates how many miles the car can travel on one gallon of fuel. It’s commonly used in the U.S. and is often compared against the car’s official rating.

“Cross track hybrid” appears to refer to a hybrid vehicle the host previously tested, likely named after a specific model. Hybrids combine an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel economy, especially in stop-and-go driving.

The Crosstrek mentioned in the episode refers to the Subaru Crosstrek, a compact crossover. The podcast talks about fuel economy performance—stating it was within 10–15 percent of a cross-track hybrid they had last week—which suggests they were comparing real-world efficiency between similar-sized vehicles. It’s brought up because it’s a common crossover people use as a baseline for everyday driving.

A “turbo four” is shorthand for a turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. A turbo uses exhaust energy to spin a compressor, which helps the engine make more power than a naturally aspirated engine of the same size—especially when you accelerate.

“Hammer the throttle” means pressing the accelerator aggressively. On turbocharged engines, rapid throttle input can produce noticeable intake/exhaust sounds and can also change how quickly the turbo spools up and how the engine responds.

“CBT” appears to be a drivetrain/engine control acronym in the transcript, but it’s not expanded here, so its exact meaning is unclear from this excerpt alone. The speaker contrasts the presence/absence of “CBT” with how annoying the engine behavior is under hard throttle.

“Revs” refers to engine speed, usually measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). When they say you don’t “peg the revs,” they mean the engine isn’t being kept at very high RPM during acceleration.

The “red line” is the maximum recommended engine speed range. Revving near or past it can stress the engine, so drivers often try to avoid staying there for long.

S mode (sport mode) changes how the transmission behaves to make the car feel more responsive. Typically it holds gears longer and/or shifts more aggressively, but in this Taos example it only sharpens things slightly.

All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to more than one axle, which can improve traction when roads are slippery. Here, the host mentions driving it in wet conditions and on a dirt road, and then compares the AWD model’s suspension to the front-wheel-drive setup.

Inclement weather refers to harsh conditions like rain, snow, or ice that reduce tire grip. In this segment, the host is saying they can’t fully judge how the Taos handles those conditions because they haven’t driven it enough in them.

A multi-link rear suspension uses several control arms to better manage wheel movement. Compared with simpler designs, it can improve ride comfort and stability because the suspension geometry stays more consistent as the wheel travels over bumps.

A torsion bar suspension uses a metal bar that twists to provide springing force. It’s often used in front suspensions because it can package well, but compared to multi-link setups it may offer less refinement in how the wheel stays controlled over uneven roads.

The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact crossover known for offering a range of trims and powertrains, including versions that can be more fun or more efficient depending on configuration. The hosts mention it as one of the top choices in the small-crossover shopping set.

The Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover positioned as a practical, family-friendly option. Here, it’s used as a comparison point, with the host claiming the alternative being discussed is better than the HR-V.

The Buick Encore GX is a compact crossover SUV positioned as an entry-level option in Buick’s lineup. In this segment, the host mentions driving it soon and discusses how it fits into the “simple” ownership idea—low complexity and straightforward day-to-day use.

“Reliability concerns” refers to the likelihood that a vehicle will have problems over time—things like repeat repairs, expensive failures, or frequent maintenance beyond normal wear. In this segment, the host connects reliability to “complexity,” implying that simpler designs can reduce the chance of issues.

In car talk, “complexity” usually means how many systems and technologies a vehicle uses—more electronics, more advanced drivetrains, or more moving parts. The host is implying that higher complexity can make reliability worse because there are more things that can fail.

An “entry level vehicle” is the lowest-priced trim or model in a brand’s lineup, typically with fewer features than higher trims. The host uses it to highlight how much equipment and styling you can get even at the bottom of the price ladder.

The Toyota Corolla Cross is a subcompact crossover built on the Corolla platform, aimed at buyers who want SUV styling without stepping up to a larger vehicle. Here, the host criticizes it as feeling “unfinished,” arguing that some entry-level crossovers are more about getting you to spend more money than delivering a standout product.

“Entry level subcompact” refers to the smallest, most affordable crossover/SUV offerings in a brand’s lineup. The host’s point is that automakers may tune these models to be good enough to sell, while reserving the most compelling features, refinement, and value for higher-priced “bigger” models.

The Ford EcoSport is a compact crossover that the podcast discusses in terms of whether it’s still sold. That kind of question usually comes up when a model is being phased out or replaced, and it affects shoppers who want to buy new versus used. It’s mentioned because availability is a key part of choosing a car.

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a subcompact crossover sold under different names depending on the market. In Canada, it’s commonly referred to as the RVR, which is why the host mentions both names.

Subcompact crossovers are small, SUV-styled vehicles built on car-like platforms, aiming for easier parking and lower running costs than larger SUVs. The host is discussing why buyers might choose them—especially people who want a practical “fit your lifestyle” vehicle.

Two-lane country roads are a driving environment where passing requires careful planning because there’s limited room to overtake and oncoming traffic is close. The host uses this as context for why passing an 18-wheeler required planning and timing.

The Toyota Supra is a performance sports car designed for quick acceleration and confident highway driving. The podcast describes steady cruising behavior—holding a consistent speed regardless of changing speed limits—which fits how drivers evaluate a sports car’s comfort and control on the road. It’s discussed because it’s a recognizable name in the performance segment.

A clutch job means replacing or repairing the clutch components in a manual-transmission car. The clutch is what lets the engine connect to (and disconnect from) the gearbox so you can shift smoothly.

A wiring issue points to electrical faults—often in the car’s wiring circuits that power sensors, modules, and controls. When the speaker says the “entire wiring harness might be dead,” they’re suggesting a harness-level failure, which can cause multiple symptoms at once.

A wiring harness is the bundle of wires and connectors that routes power and signals throughout the vehicle. If the harness is “dead,” it can interrupt communication between modules and prevent multiple systems from working correctly.

The segment frames the financial result as a corporate-level issue for Honda, specifically tied to EV operations. The hosts cite a net loss figure and describe EV-related losses as the driver.

A hybrid powertrain combines an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor/battery system to improve efficiency and reduce fuel use. The hosts mention Honda shifting focus toward more hybrid systems after EV cancellations.

The Honda CR-V is Honda’s compact SUV that has also been offered with hybrid powertrains. Here, it’s cited to illustrate that Honda already covers hybrids in some vehicle categories.

The Honda Civic is one of Honda’s mainstream models that has been offered with hybrid powertrains. In this segment, it’s used as an example of where Honda already has hybrid experience.

The Honda Prelude is a Honda model name used by the hosts as an example of where Honda has offered hybrid powertrains. In this discussion, it’s part of the list showing Honda already has hybrid tech in certain models.

The Honda Element is a compact, boxy crossover-style vehicle known for its unusual, practical design. The episode mentions there being “one element” and notes a lack of Honda hybrids in that area, which frames it as a model people associate with a specific kind of utility rather than hybrid availability. It’s discussed because its distinctive layout and niche positioning make it memorable.

The Honda Pilot is Honda’s larger family SUV that the hosts use to point out a gap in Honda’s hybrid coverage. They’re contrasting smaller models with bigger vehicles like the Pilot.

The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV that the hosts mention as part of the “bigger vehicles” category lacking Honda hybrids in their framing. It’s used to illustrate where Honda’s hybrid lineup is perceived to be incomplete.

The Honda Ridgeline is Honda’s pickup truck, and the hosts include it in the list of larger vehicles they say have no Honda hybrids. It’s part of the argument about where Honda’s hybrid strategy has gaps.

The Honda Odyssey is a mainstream minivan, and in this discussion it’s specifically called out for lacking a hybrid powertrain. The hosts are contrasting it with other minivans that do offer hybrid options.

The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck, and the hosts mention a hybrid version of it. The point is to show that hybrid powertrains aren’t limited to SUVs and minivans—trucks are getting them too.

The Toyota Sienna is a minivan that’s known for offering hybrid powertrains, which is unusual for many minivans. In this segment, it’s used as an example of a hybrid minivan that competes with other family-hauler options.

The Kia Carnival is a minivan that’s mentioned here as having a hybrid version. It’s part of the hosts’ comparison of which family vehicles in the market offer hybrid powertrains.

The Honda NSX is a sports car that’s known for using a hybrid powertrain concept in its modern form. In this segment, the hosts connect Honda’s V6 hybrid development to the NSX’s existing hybrid drivetrain plans.

The Honda MDX is a three-row midsize SUV, and the hosts briefly discuss whether the V6 hybrid drivetrain was used in it. This is mentioned as part of the broader comparison of which Honda models have hybrid technology.

The Acura RLX is a luxury sedan that’s especially notable for being rare and easy to overlook in the real world. The hosts discuss it in the context of Acura’s hybrid/advanced drivetrain strategy and also claim it’s essentially an “Acura Hornet” equivalent—highlighting how obscure it is compared with mainstream Acura models.

The Acura NSX is a halo sports car known for its mid-engine layout and advanced hybrid powertrain in later generations. In this segment, the hosts mention the NSX drivetrain as something that also showed up in other Acura models, which is a key detail for understanding how Acura reused hybrid tech across its lineup.

The Acura MDX is Acura’s three-row luxury SUV, and it’s notable here because the speaker says it has a hybrid powertrain. The segment contrasts the MDX’s hybrid system with the NSX’s hybrid drivetrain, implying they’re different implementations rather than a direct carryover.

The Hudson Hornet is a historic American car name, referenced in the episode as part of a discussion about model “shout outs” and naming connections. The mention suggests the Hornet is being used as a reference point for how other brands choose names or pay homage. It’s brought up because it’s a recognizable piece of automotive history in the context of branding.

The Honda Accord is a mainstream midsize sedan, and this segment notes that it has a hybrid powertrain. That matters because the hosts are comparing which brands in this vehicle class have offered hybrids and how long it took them to do so.

The Lincoln Aviator is a luxury SUV from Lincoln, and it has been offered with electrified powertrains in some model years. The discussion here uses the Aviator as an example of a Ford/Lincoln hybrid being available, contrasting it with the Explorer.

The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV that’s been offered with different powertrains over the years, including turbocharged engines. In this segment, the hosts are debating whether Ford ever offered a hybrid drivetrain in the Explorer.

A hybrid drivetrain combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery to improve efficiency and reduce fuel use. When the hosts say “hybrid drivetrain,” they mean the vehicle’s full system for running as a hybrid, not just a mild electric assist.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is a hybrid vehicle with a larger battery that can be charged from an external power source (like a wall outlet). The hosts distinguish it from a regular hybrid drivetrain, calling it “a different thing” and linking it to the Explorer discussion.

In automotive, “electrification” refers to shifting a brand’s lineup toward electric power—typically hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and battery-electric vehicles. Here, the host argues Honda’s electrification is “way behind everyone else,” meaning it hasn’t offered as many electrified options.

Cadillac is General Motors’ luxury brand, and the hosts are discussing its strategy to transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The key point is that Cadillac’s EV rollout is being weighed against what it still sells today.

The Cadillac Escalade is a large luxury SUV that represents Cadillac’s traditional, non-EV lineup. The hosts mention it as something that’s “holding them back” from going fully electric, because it’s still a major product in the brand’s lineup.

The Toyota Highlander is a mainstream midsize SUV known for offering hybrid powertrains. The hosts highlight that Toyota is planning to make the 2027 Highlander an EV, which they call a major shift away from the long-running hybrid strategy.

The Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger, more spacious version of the Highlander SUV line. The podcast suggests that when people talk about Highlander models, they may end up discussing the Grand Highlander because it’s already a “weird situation,” implying confusion around naming and positioning. It’s brought up because it affects how buyers interpret size, trim, and what model they’re actually looking at.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV positioned as a more premium, higher-priced alternative within Jeep’s lineup. The podcast compares it to the smaller Cherokee to explain pricing differences, implying the Grand Cherokee typically costs more. It’s mentioned because buyers often weigh these models when deciding how much SUV capability and features they want.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a large, higher-end SUV, and the episode mentions it in the context of pricing relative to another model. The reference to it being “cheaper than the Grand Wagoneer” implies the Grand Wagoneer sits at the top of the range. It’s discussed because buyers often compare large Jeep SUVs based on budget and feature level.

The Toyota Prius is a hybrid car best known for fuel efficiency and for popularizing mass-market hybrid driving. The episode mentions filming a Prius and wonders whether it was the plug-in hybrid version, which matters because plug-in models can run on electricity for short trips. It’s a common podcast topic because Prius variants are frequently discussed in terms of everyday efficiency.

The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that’s often discussed as a straightforward, everyday car option. The episode calls out the “Jetta Sport,” indicating they were focusing on a sportier trim level rather than the base model. It’s mentioned because the Jetta is a common nameplate people recognize when comparing practical Volkswagen options.