Honda's Product Delays, The RAV4 Is The only PHEV That Makes Sense & Alex Is Still Car Shopping

The Volvo EX60 is a Volvo electric SUV that the hosts are discussing as a potential next family vehicle. It’s notable here because the episode frames it as Volvo’s major upcoming product launch, and they’re talking about getting access to drive it.

A “first drive global program” is an organized media event where automakers invite journalists to drive a new vehicle before it’s widely available. The goal is to generate early reviews and coverage across multiple regions.

The Blazer EV is Chevrolet’s electric SUV, and the hosts mention it in the context of a lease ending. That timing matters because it drives what they can realistically replace with next.

The BMW iX3 (G08) is an electric version of the X3 platform, discussed as part of the EV options people might consider. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as a possible choice compared with other EVs like a Polestar or a Blazer. That context makes it relevant to shoppers evaluating which electric SUVs fit their needs.

PHEV stands for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, which combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a battery you can recharge from an outlet. Charging speed and how often you can rely on electricity are key factors when comparing PHEVs for road trips and daily driving.

The Acura ZDX Type S is a performance-oriented version of Acura’s ZDX crossover, positioned as a sportier alternative within the brand’s lineup. In this segment, it’s discussed as a specific shopping target with particular trim and interior/color choices.

The Acura MDX is Acura’s three-row midsize luxury SUV, commonly used as a family hauler. Here it’s part of the comparison set against the ZDX, with the hosts discussing how charging and road-trip practicality would differ.

Cross-country shipping is transporting a purchased vehicle from one region to another rather than driving it home. The hosts weigh it against road-tripping, noting that while shipping can be less expensive than expected, it still may not be cheaper once you factor in travel time and lodging.

“Roll on effects” here means delays and problems in one part of a company’s vehicle lineup can spill over into other models and timelines. The hosts argue Honda’s EV development issues are causing broader schedule impacts across multiple nameplates.

The Honda Accord is a mainstream midsize sedan that’s historically been one of Honda’s core volume models. Here, it’s mentioned as part of a group of Honda vehicles whose updates are being delayed until after 2030, which is notable because sedans typically need frequent refreshes to keep up with competitors’ tech and efficiency.

The Honda MDX is Honda’s three-row luxury-leaning SUV, positioned as a family hauler with more upscale features than typical mainstream crossovers. The hosts connect delays to the MDX’s need to refresh its powertrain strategy, implying it may require a hybrid to stay relevant.

The Acura RDX is a compact luxury crossover from Acura, Honda’s luxury brand. The hosts say Acura isn’t building the RDX right now and expects changes in a couple of years, implying a powertrain shift—potentially toward hybrid—to keep the model current.

A hybrid powertrain combines an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor. The electric assist can improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, which is why the hosts focus on making the hybrid system more available.

A three-row vehicle has seating for three rows (typically 6–8 passengers), which is common in family-focused SUVs and minivans. The hosts use this to frame how the MDX competes as a family hauler rather than a pure performance car.

“Hellcat” refers to Dodge’s high-performance muscle-car branding, associated with very aggressive power and track-ready attitudes. Here it’s used as a comparison point to say the MDX’s performance isn’t that kind of extreme.

The Dodge Challenger is a two-door muscle car known for performance-focused driving. The podcast specifically contrasts it with a Hellcat-style setup, describing this version as a better fit for the kind of driving people want without going all the way to the most extreme performance. It’s mentioned in the context of choosing the right performance level.

All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to more than just the front or rear wheels, improving traction in low-grip conditions like rain, snow, or loose surfaces. The hosts mention the Odyssey lacks AWD as a reason it’s falling behind in the segment.

General Motors (GM) is the company behind Chevrolet and other brands. In this segment, the hosts are contrasting GM’s current hybrid/plug-in-hybrid lineup (or lack of it) against its ongoing focus on internal-combustion vehicles.

Toyota is highlighted as the benchmark competitor in electrified vehicles. The hosts mention Toyota introducing a large number of new EVs, including one they plan to discuss, and they frame it as stronger execution than Honda’s current strategy.

Lexus is Toyota’s luxury brand, and the hosts tie it to Toyota’s EV expansion. Mentioning Lexus signals that the electrification push isn’t limited to Toyota’s mainstream lineup.

The Honda Prologue is Honda’s electric SUV offering, and the podcast mentions it alongside other upcoming or related models. The point in the episode is that Honda plans to continue the Prologue and also continue the ZDX, implying ongoing EV product development. That makes it relevant for buyers tracking what electric models Honda will keep supporting.

“Battery management” refers to the electronics and software that monitor and control a battery pack’s cells. It helps keep the cells balanced and operating safely, which is why it’s described here as part of the “expensive core stuff.”

A joint venture is a formal partnership where two companies collaborate on a project—often sharing costs, technology, and production. In this segment, it’s referenced as a structure Honda could have leaned on to continue developing vehicles and battery-related work.

“Battery factories” are manufacturing plants that produce battery cells and/or battery packs at scale. The host’s point is that a company with capacity issues could partner by supplying manufacturing capability, not just raw cells.

Formula 1 is the top level of open-wheel racing, where teams compete using highly engineered cars and tightly managed technical partnerships. The segment uses F1 as a lens to discuss Honda’s involvement and shifting priorities.

In Formula 1, an engine partner supplies the power unit used by a team’s car. The “engine partner” relationship is a technical partnership that can strongly affect competitiveness because engine performance and integration with the chassis are critical.

A technical partner in Formula 1 is a company that provides engineering support and/or major components that help a team build and run its car. These partnerships can include areas like powertrain integration, electronics, and other performance-critical systems.

The Honda CR-V is Honda’s compact SUV that’s selling strongly in China in this segment. The hosts discuss its sales volume and how it’s affected by Honda’s broader lineup strategy there.

EVs means electric vehicles—cars powered primarily by electricity rather than gasoline. The hosts argue that Honda’s lack of EVs is a reason its sales in China are under pressure, especially as consumer demand shifts toward electrified models.

The Honda Odyssey is a minivan built around family use—practical space, easy access, and comfort-focused packaging. In this segment, the hosts discuss whether Honda is effectively phasing out the Odyssey for the US market and how hybrid availability and competition could affect its future.

The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV positioned as a family-friendly alternative to the Pilot, typically with a more rugged, less minivan-like vibe. The hosts mention it in the context of Honda redesigning key family models, suggesting a strategic shift in what Honda emphasizes in the US lineup.

The Honda Pilot is a midsize three-row SUV that competes in the family-vehicle segment. Here, it’s mentioned alongside the Passport as having been redesigned, implying Honda is shifting attention toward SUVs rather than keeping the Odyssey as the main family play.

The Hyundai Staria is a people-mover/van that’s been discussed as a potential next-generation minivan entrant. The hosts frame it as a rumored product direction that could “join the minivan party,” which would increase competition for established minivans like the Odyssey.

The Toyota Sienna is a minivan known for being one of the most prominent hybrid minivan options in the US. In this segment, it’s called out as the toughest competition for the Honda Odyssey, highlighting how hybrid availability can drive minivan sales.

The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan, and the episode is discussing a future 2027 refresh. The host focuses on changes to the front-end styling (“new nose”) and branding, which can signal how the model is being repositioned even without major powertrain changes.

The Chrysler Voyager is a minivan nameplate that the host says was removed (“got rid of the Voyager”). In the episode’s context, the point is that Chrysler consolidated its minivan lineup under the Pacifica name, changing how many distinct variants exist.

Stellantis is the automaker group that owns multiple brands in the U.S. market, including Chrysler. In this segment, the host ties Stellantis to the Pacifica’s “e-REV” plan and product strategy.

The Wagoneer S is a Wagoneer-branded SUV model line. The host is comparing it to Chrysler’s lineup and questioning why a particular technology or strategy wasn’t applied to a Chrysler product instead.

The Jeep Recon is a Jeep-branded electric vehicle concept/near-future model that’s discussed here as part of Jeep’s plan to offer two EVs. The host is using it to illustrate how Jeep is structuring its electric lineup versus other brands.

The host is emphasizing that tire choice can be one of the biggest “bang for the buck” handling upgrades. Even without changing the car’s suspension or powertrain, tires affect grip, steering response, and how confidently the car can corner.

Dunlop is a tire brand, and “SP Sport” is a model line focused on road-going performance and grip. The host uses it as an example of a non-extreme tire that can still noticeably improve handling.

Michelin is a major tire manufacturer known for performance and motorsport-developed tire technologies. In this segment, it’s mentioned as a reference point for “sport cup” tires that are more extreme than what the host is recommending.

EV range is how many miles a plug-in vehicle can drive using only its electric motor and battery before the gas engine has to take over. The host cites real-world EV range numbers and compares them to how the car is rated.

The Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid is a compact luxury SUV that combines an electric driving mode with a gasoline engine. The host groups it with the RAV4 plug-in hybrid as one of the few plug-in hybrids in the U.S. that they think makes sense, largely due to how it’s positioned and priced.

The Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid is a larger luxury SUV that, like other plug-ins, can run on electricity for short-to-medium trips and then uses its gas engine when needed. In the segment, it’s mentioned as one of the few plug-in hybrids the host believes actually makes sense in the U.S., alongside the RAV4 plug-in hybrid and XC60.

The Kia Sportage is a compact crossover that can be offered with plug-in hybrid variants depending on the model year and market. The podcast mentions it in relation to tax credits and suggests that, “before times,” the plug-in version had relatively little compromise. It’s included as part of a discussion about what buyers can get for the money when incentives apply.

Turbocharged engines use a turbocharger to force more air into the engine, allowing higher power output from a smaller displacement. In this segment, “base turbocharged CX-50” is used as the non-plug-in-hybrid baseline for comparing cost and features.

The RAV4 is Toyota’s popular compact SUV, and the podcast specifically discusses the base plug-in hybrid version. It’s compared against other vehicles by price and notes that the plug-in hybrid RAV4 can be close in cost to a base turbocharged alternative. That’s why it’s a key reference point for buyers weighing electrified versus conventional power.

The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck known for being durable and practical for everyday driving plus light work. It often comes up in discussions of “truck” options alongside other Toyota SUVs because buyers compare size, capability, and fuel economy. In this episode, it’s mentioned in the context of EPA numbers and which vehicles are realistic for buyers to consider.

EPA numbers are the fuel-economy or efficiency ratings published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency based on standardized test procedures. The hosts argue that some Toyota hybrid configurations don’t achieve those figures in real-world driving, even if they’re not “worlds apart.”

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size SUV built for long-distance comfort and serious off-road capability. It’s frequently discussed as a “go anywhere” vehicle, and it can be compared to other Toyota models when talking about how their fuel economy ratings stack up. In the podcast, it’s referenced alongside the Tacoma and other Toyota nameplates in the context of EPA numbers.

The Toyota Prius is referenced as part of the group of Toyota models that tend to exceed EPA fuel-economy expectations. In this segment, it’s used to contrast with other Toyota hybrid configurations that don’t achieve their advertised numbers.

The Corolla Cross is mentioned as one of the smaller Toyota crossover models that, according to the hosts, can exceed EPA efficiency numbers. It’s used to support the broader point that some Toyota hybrid configurations translate better to real-world driving than others.

The Tesla Model 3 is used here as a benchmark because it’s widely recognized and discussed in the EV market. The comparison is about how the RAV4 plug-in is becoming a default recommendation in its category, similar to how the Model 3 is for EVs.

Destination charge is the fee a car buyer pays to cover shipping the vehicle from the factory to the dealership. When the hosts quote a starting price “with destination,” they’re using a more realistic “what you’ll pay” figure than the base MSRP alone.

Payback time is the estimated period it takes for the extra upfront cost of a plug-in hybrid to be “earned back” through lower operating costs. Here, they’re comparing the RAV4 plug-in’s gas savings versus the Mazda to estimate it takes just over four years.

Zero to 60 mph (0–60) is a common performance metric measuring how quickly a car accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph. The hosts are using it to argue the RAV4 plug-in is quicker than the CX-50 Turbo by “more than a full second.”

Independent rear suspension means each rear wheel can move somewhat independently, helping the tire maintain contact with the road over bumps. The hosts credit this setup for better handling compared with the CX-50 Turbo.

The “A3 e-tron” is mentioned as a prior plug-in experience with a short electric-only range, which shapes how some buyers perceive plug-in hybrids. The hosts contrast that with the RAV4 plug-in’s higher EV usefulness for a 35-mile-a-day commute.

The Mitsubishi Outlander is referenced here as a comparison point for plug-in hybrid efficiency. The hosts specifically contrast its hybrid-mode efficiency against the Toyota RAV4’s EV-mode efficiency.

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a measure of battery capacity—how much electrical energy the battery can store. In this segment, the hosts tie an 18 kWh battery to an estimated electric range, using it as a practical way to judge how far the car can go on electricity.

A Level 2 charger is a home or public charging station that uses higher-voltage power than a standard outlet, allowing faster charging. The hosts argue that the car’s electric range is enough that many drivers won’t need to rely on Level 2 charging for daily use.

Charging from a regular wall socket means using a standard household outlet (often called Level 1 charging) instead of a dedicated EV charging station. The segment highlights accessibility—if the plug-in hybrid can be charged this way, more people can realistically plug it in at home.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) means the car’s driven wheels are the rear wheels, which can change how the vehicle feels during acceleration and cornering. The hosts contrast it with many economy EVs being front-wheel drive, arguing the RAV4’s EV-mode layout is more engaging.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) means the front wheels are the ones receiving power. The segment uses FWD as a baseline for many economy EVs, then suggests that FWD can be less engaging than an EV-mode RWD setup.

EV usually means “electric vehicle,” a car powered primarily by an electric motor and a battery. In this segment, it’s used to contrast Toyota’s battery-electric offerings with its hybrid and plug-in hybrid lineup.

The Ford Mustang is a well-known sporty car that’s often discussed in terms of performance and powertrain choices. In the podcast, it’s referenced in a context that includes plug-in hybrid possibilities, suggesting buyers are looking at electrified versions rather than only traditional gas power. That’s why it appears in a list of vehicles people are considering.

The Toyota Crown is a long-running Toyota nameplate that’s offered in different body styles and market positions over the years. In this segment, the host says the Crown feels a bit “weird” for this particular market, implying it doesn’t match buyer expectations as well as other options.

“Hellcat” refers to Dodge’s high-output supercharged V8 performance package, and the Durango is the Dodge three-row SUV. Pairing Hellcat power with a family SUV is a big part of why it’s used as a benchmark for “higher performance” in this discussion.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mainstream SUV that’s offered in a wide range of trims, including performance-focused variants. Here it’s mentioned as another “higher performance” option that the plug-in hybrid Grand Highlander can’t match.

“Twin turbo” means a setup with two turbochargers feeding the engine, typically to improve boost response and overall power. It’s often used on performance engines to make more torque across a wider range of speeds.

The Toyota RAV4 is being discussed as the standout plug-in hybrid option in its segment, with the speaker emphasizing a “wide gap” versus the next best alternative. The key point is that it combines practical SUV packaging with hybrid efficiency and enough power to make it feel competitive.

The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan, and the speaker is speculating about fitting the same hybrid/plug-in hybrid “system” into it. The point is whether that would preserve everyday usability like trunk space and rear-seat room.

The Hyundai Sonata N Line is a sportier trim of the Sonata, aimed at buyers who want a more dynamic feel than the base models. In this segment comparison, it’s mentioned as a non-plug-in-hybrid alternative that still could be “whipped” (driven enthusiastically) compared to the RAV4’s niche.

“Miles per gallon” (MPG) is a fuel-economy measure that estimates how far a car can travel using one gallon of gasoline. Even when a car is a hybrid, MPG is still used to describe efficiency when you’re not running purely on electricity.

The Nissan Rogue is a mainstream compact crossover SUV that’s often used as a benchmark for what buyers expect in a daily driver. In this segment, the hosts discuss delays affecting the Rogue’s timeline, tying it to Nissan’s powertrain readiness.

Nissan’s e-Power system is a hybrid setup where the wheels are driven by an electric motor, but a gasoline engine acts mainly as a generator to supply electricity. That design can feel like an EV at low speeds, while still using fuel for longer range.

The EPA cycle is the standardized test procedure the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency uses to estimate fuel economy and emissions. Because it follows specific driving patterns, real-world results—especially at steady high speeds—can differ from the label.

“Fuel economy numbers” are how efficiently a hybrid or plug-in hybrid uses fuel, usually reported as miles per gallon (MPG) or miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) for electrified vehicles. City and highway figures are measured under different driving conditions, so they can differ a lot.

DC fast charging is a way to recharge an electric vehicle using direct current at high power, which can dramatically reduce charging time. The host is arguing that plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) often don’t need this speed because their electric range is relatively short.

Charging etiquette refers to the unwritten social rules around using shared charging stations—like not occupying fast chargers longer than necessary. The host frames the PHEV/DC fast charging debate as a “policy” issue tied to how EV charging infrastructure is shared.

Level 2 charging is an AC charging setup that uses a dedicated home or public charger (typically 240V) and delivers more power than a standard outlet. It’s common for plug-in hybrids and EVs because it can recharge the battery in a few hours depending on the charger and battery size.

Kilowatts (kW) measure charging power—how quickly energy can be delivered to the battery. Higher kW generally means faster charging, though the car’s onboard charging limits and battery state of charge also affect the real-world charging speed.

The TX is mentioned in a comparison that points to a Lexus TZ as an alternative, with the podcast noting it’s now the Highlander/getaway comparison. In other words, the episode is using the TX name as a reference point while discussing how Toyota/Lexus-style crossovers are being positioned. It’s included because it affects how buyers interpret the lineup and what models are comparable.

The Lexus Highlander is referenced as a comparison point for the Lexus TZ, implying the TZ is being sized/positioned similarly to the Highlander. That matters because the Highlander is typically a three-row family SUV, so listeners can infer the TZ may target that same buyer need.

“How much power does it have?” refers to the vehicle’s output, typically expressed as horsepower or kilowatts for EVs. Power affects acceleration feel and how strongly the vehicle can respond under load.

A “three-row EV” is an electric vehicle designed with three rows of seats, typically to fit more passengers and enable family-style seating. It’s a practical packaging category because it impacts weight, range, and interior space tradeoffs.

Lexus BZ is referenced as part of the brand’s EV lineup, and the hosts later talk about Toyota’s “original formula” being tweaked with the BZ and Solterra. That implies the BZ platform/strategy had early issues that were addressed in later updates.

The Toyota C-HR (often written as C-HR) is a compact crossover that’s included in the podcast’s list of vehicles being discussed for their availability and electrified options. It’s mentioned alongside other Toyota models like the BZ and Highlander, suggesting it’s part of a broader lineup comparison. In this episode, it’s mainly a reference point in the “what’s on the list” sense.

The Lexus RZ is named as part of the brand’s EV lineup. The hosts’ broader point is that Lexus (and Toyota) are rapidly expanding EV offerings, and the RZ is one of the models in that push.

The Subaru Solterra is an electric SUV that’s discussed as part of a “tweak the original formula” theme, referencing how it relates to another EV platform. The podcast suggests there were issues with the earlier approach and implies the Solterra is part of that evolution. It’s mentioned to highlight how EV designs can change over time.