Feb. 9, 2026 | Toyota Highlander goes electric; TrueCar founder Scott Painter on his comeback
About this episode
Toyota is making waves by announcing that the Highlander will go all-electric by 2027, a strategic move to revitalize a nameplate facing declining sales. Meanwhile, Kia is discontinuing the plug-in hybrid Nero, while Nissan is pivoting towards plug-in hybrids and extended range EVs in response to market shifts. The episode also features Scott Painter, founder of TrueCar, discussing his return to the company and plans to refocus on its original mission of saving consumers time and money in car buying, amidst a challenging financial landscape.
The Toyota Highlander nameplate is going all-electric for 2027. While Kia is stepping back from plug-in hybrids, Nissan is doubling down on them. Plus, TrueCar founder Scott Painter talks about his return to the company and how he plans to turn it around.
Toyota Highlander
"...the Toyota Highlander is going all-electric. Kia drops the plug-in hybrid Nero..."
The Toyota Highlander is a large SUV that can carry families and their gear. It's becoming fully electric, meaning it will run on batteries instead of gasoline, which is better for the environment.
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. The mention of it going all-electric indicates a shift towards more sustainable vehicle options.
Kia Niro
"...Kia drops the plug-in hybrid Niro, and Nissan doubles down on plug-in hybrids..."
The Kia Niro is a small SUV that can use both gasoline and electricity to run. It's being discontinued as a plug-in hybrid, which means it won't have a version that can be charged from an outlet anymore.
The Kia Niro is a compact crossover that has been offered in various powertrains, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. Its discontinuation as a plug-in hybrid suggests a shift in Kia's strategy towards other forms of electrification.
plug-in hybrid
"...Kia drops the plug-in hybrid Niro, and Nissan doubles down on plug-in hybrids and extended range EVs..."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can use both electricity and gasoline. You can charge it by plugging it into an outlet, which helps save on gas for short trips.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and can be charged from an external power source. This allows for driving on electric power alone for short distances, while still having the gasoline engine for longer trips.
extended range EV
"...Nissan doubles down on plug-in hybrids and extended range EVs. Plus, true car founder Scott Painter talks about his return..."
Extended range EVs are electric cars that can also use gasoline to help them go further when the battery runs out. This means you can drive longer distances without worrying about finding a charging station.
Extended range electric vehicles (EREVs) are designed to operate primarily on electric power but include a gasoline engine that acts as a generator to extend the vehicle's range when the battery is depleted. This offers the benefits of electric driving with the reassurance of a backup fuel source.
all-electric
"The crossover is going all-electric in 2027. The automaker released an 11-second teaser video showing the Highlander nameplate with battery electric and all-wheel drive badges."
All-electric means the car runs only on electricity and doesn't use any gas. This is better for the environment because it produces no exhaust fumes.
All-electric vehicles are powered entirely by electric batteries, eliminating the need for gasoline or diesel fuel. This shift is part of a broader trend towards sustainability in the automotive industry.
all-wheel drive
"...showing the Highlander nameplate with battery electric and all-wheel drive badges. A full reveal is expected within days."
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power, which helps it drive better on slippery or uneven surfaces like snow or mud.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, improving traction and handling in various driving conditions.
Toyota Grand Highlander
"...d 37% to just 56,000 last year. While the larger Grand Highlander saw sales jumped 91% to nearly 137,000. The elec..."
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a big family car that can fit more people and stuff than the regular Highlander. It's popular because it has lots of room and comes with features that help keep families safe while driving.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger version of the popular Highlander SUV, designed to accommodate more passengers and cargo. Its recent sales surge indicates a growing preference for larger family vehicles, and it offers a range of features that appeal to families, including advanced safety technology and spacious interiors.
e-power technology
"Nissan will expand its e-power technology to include Phev and e-rev versions. A rogue plug-in hybrid launches in the US this year with about 40 miles of electric range."
E-power technology is a way Nissan makes cars that can run on electricity while also using a gasoline engine to keep the battery charged. It lets the car drive like an electric vehicle without needing to plug it in.
Nissan's e-power technology is a hybrid system that uses an electric motor to drive the wheels while a gasoline engine acts as a generator to charge the battery. This setup allows for an electric driving experience without the need for external charging.
Nissan Rogue
"... technology to include Phev and e-rev versions. A rogue plug-in hybrid launches in the US this year with..."
The Nissan Rogue is a type of car called a compact SUV, which means it's a bit bigger than a regular car but smaller than a full-size SUV. It's known for being comfortable and having good gas mileage, and now it will also come in versions that use electricity to help save on fuel.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV that has gained popularity for its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and fuel efficiency. The introduction of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) versions highlights Nissan's commitment to electrification and meeting consumer demand for more environmentally friendly options.
PHEV
"Nissan will expand its e-power technology to include Phev and e-rev versions. A rogue plug-in hybrid launches in the US this year with about 40 miles of electric range."
A PHEV is a type of car that can use both gasoline and electricity. You can plug it in to charge the battery, and it can drive on electric power for a while before switching to gasoline.
PHEV stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, which combines a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. PHEVs can be charged from an external power source and can operate on electric power alone for a limited range.
EREV
"A rogue plug-in hybrid launches in the US this year with about 40 miles of electric range. The move supports Nissan's broader restructuring plan aimed at cutting costs and improving profitability without relying on volume growth."
An EREV is a car that mainly runs on electricity but has a gasoline engine to help it go further when the battery runs out. It’s like a backup power source for electric driving.
EREV stands for Extended Range Electric Vehicle, which is a type of plug-in hybrid that primarily operates on electric power but has a gasoline engine that can generate electricity to extend the driving range when the battery is depleted.
Cadillac
"just three automakers, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Cadillac ran spots during the big game down sharply from the heyday..."
Cadillac is a brand of luxury cars from America, known for making high-quality vehicles with lots of features.
Cadillac is a luxury vehicle division of General Motors, known for its high-end cars and innovative technology.
Toyota RAV4
"...promote the staying power of the RAV4 nameplate with a little generational story of a grandfather and grandson going back in time..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that many people like because it's practical and reliable. It's good for families and can handle different types of roads.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has been popular for its versatility and reliability since its introduction in the mid-1990s. It is known for its spacious interior, good fuel economy, and all-wheel-drive options, making it suitable for a variety of driving conditions.
Volkswagen Jetta
"...It was sort of a montage-y spot. I had all kinds of models in it, everything from the Jetta to the Tiguan to the ID Buzz..."
The Jetta is a small car made by Volkswagen that is good for everyday driving and has a lot of space inside.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that has been popular for its practicality, comfort, and performance. It is known for its spacious interior and efficient engines.
Volkswagen Id Buzz
"..., everything from the Jetta to the Tiguan to the ID Buzz. And it was basically one of the lines in the ad..."
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a new electric van that looks a lot like the old VW buses people loved in the past. It's designed to be good for the environment and offers a fun, spacious way to travel, making it appealing to families and those who want to drive an eco-friendly vehicle.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an all-electric van that pays homage to the classic VW Microbus while incorporating modern electric vehicle technology. It represents Volkswagen's shift towards sustainable transportation and aims to attract both nostalgic customers and new buyers interested in eco-friendly options.
Volkswagen Tiguan
"...It was sort of a montage-y spot. I had all kinds of models in it, everything from the Jetta to the Tiguan to the ID Buzz..."
The Tiguan is a small SUV made by Volkswagen that is great for families and has a lot of features for comfort and safety.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that combines practicality with a sporty design. It offers a comfortable ride and a variety of features, making it a popular choice among families.
F1
"...the whole purpose of the ad was to debut Cadillac's new F1 team and the actual vehicle. They used the ad to debut the race car delivery..."
F1 stands for Formula 1, which is a type of high-speed car racing. It's known for its fast cars and exciting races held on special tracks.
F1, or Formula 1, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
race car
"...to debut the race car delivery. And they chose to do that by sort of comparing it to America's Moonshot..."
A race car is a car made specifically for racing. They are built to be very fast and handle well on race tracks.
A race car is a specially designed vehicle built for competitive racing. These cars are engineered for high performance, speed, and handling, often featuring advanced technology and lightweight materials.
MSRP
"...when you have an anchor price on a new car an MSRP new cars love it or not are mass produced and they're an appliance they're a commodity..."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests the dealer should sell the car for. It's like a guideline for how much you might expect to pay for a new car, but the actual price can be different.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends that the dealer sell the vehicle for. It's a starting point for negotiations and can vary significantly based on dealer pricing strategies and market demand.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.