Episode 457: 2026 Subaru Trailseeker, 2026 Mazda Miata, Hankook Tire Test Update, Listener Questions

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a large, upscale SUV meant to deliver comfort and a premium interior experience. The podcast context suggests it’s a model the host wants to review, likely because it stands out in size and features. It’s discussed as part of a broader set of SUV/EV topics, but the Grand Wagoneer’s role is as a flagship-style family vehicle.

LED stands for light-emitting diode, a type of headlight technology that produces light using semiconductors. Compared with older bulb types, LEDs can be brighter and more efficient, and they often have a different beam pattern that matters for visibility and glare.

“Brights” refers to high-beam headlights, the more powerful headlight setting meant for unlit roads. They throw light farther down the road, but they can blind other drivers if used when oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead are present.

A hood release cable is the cable that connects the interior hood latch lever to the latch mechanism under the hood. If it’s stretched, frayed, or failing, the hood may not unlatch reliably, so replacing it restores normal access for service.

Hankook Ventus A.S. is a tire line focused on all-season use, designed to balance everyday comfort, wet traction, and year-round drivability. The host is planning a review after putting “mileage” on them, which usually covers tread wear, noise, and grip in different conditions.

The 2026 Subaru Trail Seeker is a Subaru model positioned around off-road and outdoor use, and it’s the one the host is driving for the week. In this segment, the key point is that Subaru is reshaping its lineup with new naming conventions for upcoming electric vehicles.

“Alphanumeric names” are model designations that mix letters and numbers (like codes) instead of simple words. The host is using this as a naming strategy critique, arguing that these codes are harder to remember than more straightforward names.

“B9 Tribeca” is referenced as a Subaru naming example that the host calls “nonsense,” implying it was confusing for customers. The host’s broader point is that Subaru eventually simplified the naming, turning it into “B9.”

The BRZ is a Subaru sports coupe that the host mentions as the remaining “nonsense name” in Subaru’s lineup. In this segment, it’s used as a punchline to contrast Subaru’s newer naming approach with its older, more established model names.

The Subaru WRX is a performance-focused compact sedan/wagon from Subaru, known for its rally-inspired roots and all-wheel-drive traction. It often comes up in podcasts because it’s a recognizable “enthusiast” model with a strong identity. The name itself is frequently discussed since it’s tied to Subaru’s performance history.

The World Rally Championship (WRC) is the top-level international rally racing series run by the FIA. Subaru’s WRX name is discussed here as being “tied” to rally heritage, which is why the acronym debate matters to enthusiasts.

“E.V.” here refers to an electric-vehicle lineup—meaning the brand is planning multiple battery-electric models. The hosts are setting up a discussion about Subaru’s (or the brand’s) future electric offerings and how many models are coming.

The Subaru Uncharted is described in the podcast as an entry-level EV, positioned as a more accessible way to get into Subaru’s electric lineup. It’s mentioned as part of a quick introduction to EV models and how they’re categorized by level. That makes it relevant because “entry level” often affects pricing, equipment, and expectations.

“E.V.” is shorthand for electric vehicle, meaning the car is powered primarily by an electric motor and battery rather than a gasoline engine. In this segment, the host is comparing multiple EV models across Toyota and Subaru.

The Toyota Highlander is a midsize family SUV designed for everyday driving, passenger space, and practicality. It’s brought up in the podcast as part of a naming discussion, where the speaker compares it to another similarly named model. That kind of mention usually highlights how model names can sound similar or be memorable.

This is the segment’s main discussion hook: the hosts explain what makes the Trailseeker compelling to drive. It sets up a “driving impressions” style conversation rather than a spec-sheet review.

The Subaru Outback is a wagon-based crossover built around Subaru’s all-weather, outdoorsy reputation. In this segment, the hosts argue that the “current Outback” has shifted away from its older legacy-wagon roots toward a more SUV-focused design and engineering approach.

“Wagon on stilts” is an enthusiast phrase describing an elevated wagon stance—taller ride height and SUV-like proportions—without fully becoming a traditional SUV. The hosts use it to describe the older Outback formula before it evolved toward a more SUV-focused design.

“SUV focused” refers to a design and engineering direction that prioritizes SUV-like packaging, stance, and driving feel rather than a traditional wagon layout. In this segment, it’s used to explain why the Outback’s identity feels different to the host.

“e-Boxer” is Subaru’s branding for a mild-hybrid setup that pairs a gasoline engine with an electric motor. The electric motor assists the engine for smoother starts and improved efficiency, without turning the car into a full battery-electric vehicle.

Ground clearance is the distance between the road surface and the lowest part of a vehicle’s underbody. Higher ground clearance helps reduce the chance of scraping on rough terrain, and it’s a key metric when comparing off-road–oriented models like the Trailseeker and Outback.

Wheelbase is the distance between a car’s front and rear axles. Even when overall length looks similar, a longer wheelbase usually improves interior space—especially rear leg room—because the cabin can be stretched relative to the wheels.

Rear leg room is the measured space available for passengers’ legs in the back seat. It’s a practical metric that often correlates with wheelbase and how the cabin is packaged, and it directly affects how comfortable the second row feels on longer trips.

“18s” refers to 18-inch wheels, meaning the wheel diameter is 18 inches. Wheel diameter strongly influences tire sizing and sidewall height, which affects ride comfort and how the tire responds to road impacts.

Sidewall height is the vertical height of the tire’s rubber between the wheel rim and the tread. With larger wheels (like moving from 18s to 20s), sidewall height usually gets smaller, which can make the ride feel firmer and change how the tire absorbs bumps.

“20 inch wheels” means a wheel diameter of 20 inches. Compared with smaller wheels, 20-inch setups typically use shorter sidewalls, which can make the ride firmer and alter traction feel even if the tire width is similar.

“235.50” appears to be a tire size measurement (the width and aspect ratio portion of a tire’s sidewall code). Tire size affects contact patch width and sidewall height, which in turn influences grip, steering response, and ride comfort.

An off-road setting refers to driving conditions like dirt trails, rocks, and uneven terrain where the vehicle is more likely to bottom out or strike obstacles. The host uses this to frame why EV underbody packaging (battery packs under the floor) increases perceived risk when compared with normal road use.

Battery packs are the large high-voltage battery modules in an EV. In this segment, the host emphasizes that they’re packaged under the floor, so an off-road impact from rocks could damage the pack and create a very expensive repair.

The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged off-road SUV built for trail use, with a simple, durable design and strong aftermarket support. It’s often discussed alongside the Wrangler Unlimited because that longer-wheelbase version changes interior space and ride characteristics. The podcast context suggests the conversation is also touching on hybrid-related naming/versions.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a battery-electric crossover that’s popular with buyers who want EV practicality plus some crossover capability. The host mentions an “XRT” version as an example of Hyundai offering a more rugged trim, then contrasts that with the Subaru Trailseeker and the idea of a “Wilderness” variant.

An EV platform is the shared engineering “base” for an electric vehicle, including the battery layout, mounting points, wiring architecture, and often the drive-unit integration. “Bespoke” means it’s designed from scratch for that specific automaker rather than adapted from an existing platform.

A co-developed vehicle is one where two automakers jointly engineer and build the same underlying car, then each may apply its own branding, tuning, and styling. In practice, this often means shared hardware and software decisions to reduce cost and speed up development.

The Toyota Supra is a well-known sports car associated with performance-focused engineering and a strong enthusiast following. In this context, the host uses it as an example of how even major automakers may choose not to develop a specific model if it doesn’t fit their priorities or resources.

A 74 kilowatt-hour battery is the size of the high-voltage battery pack in an electric vehicle. Larger kilowatt-hour capacity usually means more stored energy, which can translate into more potential driving range (though real-world range also depends on efficiency and vehicle setup).

The Solterra is Subaru’s electric SUV, and it’s being used here as a comparison point for battery size and range. The host claims the compared vehicle’s battery is smaller than what you’d find in the Solterra, implying different energy storage and efficiency tradeoffs.

“281 miles” is the stated maximum driving range for the vehicle in the best-case configuration. Range figures are typically based on standardized testing, and real-world results can be lower depending on speed, temperature, and driving style.

“274 miles” is the stated range for the other model variants mentioned in the discussion. The difference versus the “281 miles” figure suggests trim, wheel size, or drivetrain configuration can change efficiency and therefore range.

Wheel size affects EV range because it changes tire dimensions and rolling resistance, and it can also alter aerodynamic drag. Larger wheels often come with lower-profile tires, which can influence efficiency and ride/traction behavior.

All-wheel drive (AWD) means power is sent to both the front and rear axles for better traction. In EVs, AWD can reduce range compared with a two-wheel-drive setup because it typically adds drivetrain weight and uses more energy.

Horsepower is a measure of engine power—how much work the engine can do over time. Higher horsepower generally helps a car accelerate more strongly, assuming traction and gearing are adequate.

The Subaru STI is the performance-focused trim/variant within Subaru’s lineup, best known for rally-inspired all-wheel-drive hardware and a more aggressive tuning approach. The host is referencing its historical power ceiling (around 300 hp for a long time), which is part of why later “most powerful Subaru” claims stand out.

NACS is the “North American Charging Standard,” a common plug and charging connector type used for electric vehicles. If a vehicle uses NACS, it can typically charge at compatible public chargers and with NACS-based home/adapter setups.

A public charging station is an EV charger available outside the home, typically run by a network. Charging performance and connector compatibility can vary by station, which is why adapters and connection reliability matter.

CCS (Combined Charging System) is a common fast-charging standard for EVs. A CCS adapter is used to let a car plug into a charging connector type it doesn’t directly support, which can affect how reliably the connection is made.

Charging power is measured in kilowatts (kW), and higher kW generally means faster charging—up to the limits of the car and the charger. A “120 kilowatt charging range” suggests the EV was pulling around that level during the session, which is fast but not the absolute top end for modern systems.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an EV that helped popularize mainstream fast-charging discussions around CCS compatibility and charging speeds. In this segment, it’s referenced as a comparison point for how long charging tech and expectations have been evolving.

A “400 volt platform” means the EV’s battery and high-voltage electrical system are designed around roughly 400V. That choice influences charging performance and how the car’s power electronics handle high-power DC fast charging.

“800 volt” refers to EVs built around a higher-voltage electrical architecture. Higher voltage can reduce current for the same power, which can help enable faster charging and smaller/thinner cabling in the high-voltage system.

“Proprietary 400 volt” indicates Tesla’s charging/battery-voltage approach is not the same as the broader industry’s 400V implementation. The speaker suggests this affects how Tesla cars interface with charging standards and what changes are needed to support different charging systems.

“Charging time” is the practical duration needed to add a meaningful amount of battery energy at fast-charging power. In EV discussions, it’s often tied to voltage architecture (400V vs 800V) and the charging standard the car supports.

“Max chargers” refers to the highest-power DC fast-charging stations available. The speaker notes that even if the industry targets 800V vehicles, many real-world chargers may not be 800V-capable, creating a mismatch between vehicle capability and charger availability.

In EV charging, “standards” refers to the agreed technical rules for how chargers and cars communicate and deliver power. The speaker’s point is that the industry is transitioning between different charging/voltage ecosystems, which can complicate compatibility and expectations.

Solterra is Subaru’s electric vehicle model name, and the podcast references it as the automaker’s first EV. It’s brought up in the context of comparing “previous version” naming and positioning, which suggests the speaker is discussing how Subaru’s EV lineup has evolved. That makes it a key reference point for understanding where Subaru’s EV strategy started.

“Fast charging” is high-power DC charging that can add significant battery energy quickly. The speaker suggests that aggressive fast charging can stress the battery, which is why some early EVs limited how often or how intensely they could accept peak charge rates.

“Peak rate” is the maximum charging power (or charging speed) an EV can achieve at its best moment. The speaker notes the car could only reach that peak rate a limited number of times per day, implying thermal or battery-protection limits.

Eco mode is a driving setting that prioritizes efficiency over responsiveness. It often changes throttle mapping, climate control behavior, and regenerative braking strategy to maximize range.

Regenerative braking is how an electric vehicle slows down while turning some of its motion back into electrical energy. That energy is sent to the battery, which can improve range compared with using only friction brakes.

A driver profile is a saved setup that can include preferences like steering feel, throttle mapping, and sometimes regenerative braking levels. If regen resets every time, it suggests the profile isn’t controlling that setting (or the vehicle is ignoring it).

EPA testing refers to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s standardized procedures for measuring things like fuel economy and electric range. The speaker is saying the car may be using default settings (including AC off and a specific regen behavior) to better match the test cycle.

An AC off mode is when the vehicle disables the air conditioning to reduce electrical load. For EV range testing, turning off HVAC can increase efficiency and help the car hit higher measured range numbers.

Three drive modes (eco, normal, sport) are preset calibration profiles that change how the car responds to your inputs. Typically, eco emphasizes efficiency, normal balances behavior, and sport increases responsiveness and/or reduces efficiency aids.

An infotainment system is the car’s main touchscreen/controls for media, navigation, phone, and settings. It’s the interface you interact with while driving, so its layout and responsiveness strongly affect how “connected” the car feels.

“Toyota Connect” is Toyota’s branded connected-services and infotainment platform, typically tied to cloud features like navigation, remote services, and app integration. The host is using it as a reference point for the car’s infotainment feel and design language.

A squircle steering wheel is a steering wheel whose shape is between a square and a circle, with rounded corners. The host is criticizing it because it can feel awkward and may interfere with visibility compared with a traditional round wheel.

A digital dashboard is an instrument cluster displayed on screens instead of traditional analog gauges. It can be positioned differently in the cabin, which affects driver sightlines and how the steering wheel shape and placement feel.

“Driver focus” refers to driver-attention monitoring systems that watch for signs the driver isn’t paying attention. When the system thinks you’re distracted, it can trigger warnings like steering-wheel-hold prompts or “not paying attention” messages on the infotainment screen.

Beeping and chiming are the audible alerts used by modern cars to warn the driver about conditions like seatbelt status, proximity/parking alerts, or driver-assistance system prompts. The host is calling out that the car is constantly using these sounds, making it feel infuriating rather than helpful.

Safety features are driver-assistance systems designed to reduce crashes—such as alerts, braking assist, lane-related warnings, and other automated protections. Here, the host complains that some of these systems are annoying enough that they feel forced to turn them off.

A Level 2 charger is a home or public EV charging station that uses higher-voltage power than a standard outlet. It typically charges an electric vehicle much faster and more conveniently, reducing daily “range anxiety.”

In EV charging, a “dongle” is a small adapter or access device you may need to use certain public chargers. Some networks require it (or an app/account) to start charging, so the host is discussing how that can be annoying versus charging at home.

Cabin comfort refers to how pleasant the interior feels—things like reduced noise, smoother ride, and fewer distractions. The host argues the Miata hasn’t “ballooned in size” to chase more cabin comfort, instead keeping its focus on driver engagement. This is essentially a design philosophy tradeoff: comfort-focused cars tend to be heavier and more insulated.

Wind noise is the unwanted sound created by airflow around the car—especially noticeable with the windows up or with the top up on a convertible. In this segment, the host uses it as an example of what the Miata doesn’t try to eliminate by adding extra weight and insulation. That ties into the tradeoff between a lightweight, connected feel and a quieter cabin.

To insulate the cabin means adding materials and engineering measures to reduce how much outside sound and vibrations reach the interior. The host suggests the Miata hasn’t added enough mass/insulation to make the cabin quiet, which helps explain why it felt loud with the top up on the highway. It’s a common approach in comfort-oriented vehicles.

Brembo is a performance brake brand known for high-friction braking components used on many enthusiast cars. The host says they could smell the Brembo brakes at the bottom of the hill, which is a common sign of heavy braking and brake pad/rotor heat.

Traction control is an electronic system that reduces wheel slip by cutting engine power and/or applying brakes when the tires lose grip. Turning it off lets the car slide more freely, which is why the host can notice sideways movement when accelerating or braking.

“Under throttle” means the car is being driven with the accelerator pedal—typically when torque is being applied to the wheels. The host notes unexpected sideways movement under throttle, which points to grip limits and weight transfer affecting traction.

“Under braking” means the car is slowing with the brake pedal, which shifts weight forward and can change tire grip. The host pairs it with “under throttle” to describe how the car can move sideways when traction is disturbed during deceleration.

Weight balance describes how the car’s mass is distributed between front and rear (and left/right) as conditions change. The host ties it to the Miata’s sensitivity—when weight shifts during throttle/braking or over ruts, traction and handling can change quickly.

AC here refers to the air conditioning system. The host notes that with the AC on at idle, the engine was rattling and “was not happy,” which suggests the compressor load and idle control can change how the engine sounds and smoothness feels.

The Scion FR-S is a compact sports coupe known for a lightweight, driver-focused feel and a simple, enthusiast-oriented design. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in a practical way—about a small notch/feature that can be “useless” in a specific situation—showing how owners notice everyday usability details. That kind of comment is typical when discussing how a car fits real life rather than just specs.

Electric power steering (EPS) uses an electric motor to assist the steering effort instead of relying on a hydraulic pump. The host is arguing that, on “current cars,” the steering feel is worse than older systems—typically because of differences in how assist is tuned and how much feedback the driver feels.

An infotainment screen is the main display used for media, navigation, phone integration, and vehicle settings. The host says they could do without it, preferring simpler controls and more traditional instrumentation.

Analog gauges are traditional needle-and-dial instrument displays (speedometer, tachometer, etc.) rather than fully digital screens. The host contrasts them with modern screens, implying the analog layout feels more straightforward and “sports car” to them.

An SD card is a removable flash-memory card used to store data like maps for some factory navigation systems. Here, the Miata’s navigation screen falls back to requiring an SD card with map data when Android Auto isn’t active.

Android Auto is Google’s system for projecting an Android phone’s apps and navigation onto a car’s infotainment screen. It typically uses a phone-to-car connection (often USB and/or Wi‑Fi) to provide maps, music, and calls in a safer, dashboard-friendly interface.

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology used in cars for phone pairing, audio streaming, and certain control handshakes. In this segment, the hosts debate whether Android Auto can run over Bluetooth versus requiring another connection method for the initial setup.

A navigation system is the in-car feature that shows your position on a map and provides route guidance. In this discussion, the host is pointing out a mismatch: the car has the hardware for navigation, but the maps aren’t provided in the way you’d expect for a brand-new vehicle.

In modern connected cars, an “account” is a user login tied to the vehicle’s services, such as navigation access. The host contrasts requiring sign-in to use navigation with the idea that the feature should be available even if you don’t have an account.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) means the engine sends power to the rear wheels. That layout often helps balance handling feel and steering response, which is why it’s commonly associated with driver-focused cars like the Miata.

A two-seater is a sports-car seating configuration with only two seats, typically emphasizing weight savings and a more focused driving experience. The host is contrasting this with the broader market shift toward larger, more practical layouts.

The Pontiac Fiero is a mid-engine sports car that became well known for its compact size and unusual layout for its era. The podcast context mentions it alongside other sports cars and GM “twins,” pointing to how GM created multiple related models. It’s discussed because it’s a recognizable piece of sports-car history.

The Honda S2000 is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster famous for its high-revving engine and driver-focused feel. Here it’s mentioned as an example of older sports cars that were more affordable and less focused on extreme performance specs.

The Pontiac Solstice is a sports car that was part of GM’s lineup, known for being a more affordable, driver-focused two-seat roadster/coupe style. The podcast context compares it to another GM “twin” sports car, highlighting shared platform ideas. It comes up because it represents a time when sports cars were more accessible to enthusiasts.

The Toyota Tercel is a compact car nameplate that the host references as a base that later got “sports” variants. In this context, it’s used to illustrate how older affordable cars sometimes spawned fun derivatives.

The Toyota MR2 is a mid-engine sports car line known for being relatively affordable and for its compact, driver-focused packaging. The host mentions it as part of a past lineup of cars that were fun without requiring super-expensive performance hardware.

A mid-engine sports car places the engine near the center of the vehicle, typically behind the front seats and ahead of the rear axle. This layout can improve balance and handling feel, which is why mid-engine cars are often associated with “driver’s car” dynamics.

“Third gen” refers to the third generation of the Miata, and the host is summarizing a common enthusiast opinion that it was a downgrade versus earlier versions. This kind of generational debate usually comes down to changes in feel, design, and how the car compares to what fans expected.

“Miata” refers to the Mazda MX-5 Miata, a lightweight roadster known for its balanced, driver-focused handling. In this segment, they discuss how the Miata has multiple generations (including the ND generation) and that early production years had specific issues.