About this episode
Exciting discussions unfold around the latest automotive trends, including the new Volkswagen Tiguan and Genesis G80. The hosts delve into the evolving landscape of electric vehicles, highlighting Rivian's updates and the cancellation of GM's fuel cell program. They also explore the Tello urban electric truck, comparing it to the Slate, and address listener questions about BMW i3 issues and the future of EVs. With insights on market competition and consumer preferences, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the current state of the automotive industry.
Summary
In this episode, Robbie and Sam discuss various automotive topics, including a review of the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE, the luxurious Genesis G80, and the unfortunate discontinuation of the Kia Soul. They also touch on Rivian's upcoming R2 SUV, Audi's future design concepts, and Stellantis's innovative approach to infotainment systems. There are significant updates to the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, including its rebranding and pricing strategy aimed at competing in the mainstream SUV market. They also delve into the Chevrolet Bolt's return, highlighting its improved features and competitive pricing. The conversation shifts to the growing EV market, with insights on sales trends and the importance of charging infrastructure. Additionally, the hosts address the decline of fuel cell technology in favor of electric vehicles, and they respond to listener questions regarding automotive safety and reliability.
Links
Rivian R2 Launching in 1H 2026
Stellantis CUV Without Infotainment
Audi Considering Premium Off-roader
Ford and GM drop EV Incentive plan
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
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Volkswagen Tiguan
"The first one was the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE. So this is the third generation of the Tiguan, all new this year."
The Volkswagen Tiguan SE is a new version of a small SUV that has been redesigned for 2025. It looks different and has better features than the older models.
The Volkswagen Tiguan SE is a compact SUV that is part of the third generation of the Tiguan model, which has been redesigned for 2025. It features updated styling and improved technology compared to previous generations.
two-liter turbo four-cylinder engine
"...you can get that engine in various Volkswagen group vehicles from about 160-ish horsepower..."
A two-liter turbo four-cylinder engine is a type of car engine that has four cylinders and uses a turbocharger to boost its power. This helps the engine perform better while still being relatively small and efficient.
The two-liter turbo four-cylinder engine is a common engine configuration used in many vehicles, providing a balance of power and efficiency. Turbocharging enhances performance by forcing more air into the engine, allowing for greater power output without increasing engine size.
horsepower
"...from about 160-ish horsepower..."
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 output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, influencing a vehicle's acceleration and top speed.
Volkswagen Golf
"up to well over 300 horsepower in the Golf R. I think in the Golf R it was like 320, something like that."
The Volkswagen Golf R is a sportier version of the regular Golf. It has more horsepower and better handling, making it more fun to drive.
The Volkswagen Golf R is a high-performance variant of the standard Golf, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It typically features all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
EA 888 engine
"Still has the two liter EA 888 engine. It's actually listed here as EA 888 EVO 5."
The EA 888 is a type of engine made by Volkswagen that is used in several of their cars. The 'EVO 5' means it's a newer version with some improvements.
The EA 888 is a family of four-cylinder engines produced by Volkswagen, known for their efficiency and performance. The EVO 5 variant refers to an updated version with enhancements in power and emissions.
torque
"This year it's got 201 horsepower, 207 pound feet of torque"
Torque is a measure of how much twisting force an engine can create. It helps a car accelerate quickly, especially when starting from a stop.
Torque is a measure of rotational force that an engine produces. It is important for acceleration and pulling power, especially at lower speeds.
eight-speed automatic transmission
"and it's got an eight speed automatic transmission"
An eight-speed automatic transmission is a system that helps a car change gears automatically. More gears usually mean better performance and fuel economy.
An eight-speed automatic transmission is a type of gearbox that automatically changes gears in a vehicle, providing smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency compared to fewer gears.
GTI
"They have like a GTI or GTX version of it"
GTI is a sportier version of the Volkswagen Golf. It's designed to be faster and more fun to drive than regular models.
The GTI is a performance-oriented variant of the Volkswagen Golf, known for its sporty handling and turbocharged engine. It is popular among enthusiasts for its fun driving experience.
infotainment system
"The first versions of this infotainment system, you could start the car and drive down the street before it launched. Yeah, yeah, this is definitely a lot better than that."
An infotainment system is the technology in your car that provides entertainment and information. It usually includes things like music, navigation, and phone connectivity.
An infotainment system is a combination of information and entertainment features in a vehicle, typically including navigation, audio, and connectivity options. Modern systems often integrate with smartphones and provide various apps for enhanced functionality.
driver assist features
"All the usual driver assist features, you've got your blind spot monitors, lane keep assist."
Driver assist features are technologies in cars that help drivers stay safe and make driving easier. They can alert you to things like cars in your blind spot or help keep you in your lane.
Driver assist features are technologies designed to enhance vehicle safety and ease of driving. They can include systems like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane keep assist, which help the driver by providing warnings or taking corrective actions.
travel assist
"This one had the, what they call it, the travel assist, which is a hands-on level one system. So it does, does lane centering and adaptive cruise control, but you're not, you gotta keep your hands on the wheel, which is fine."
Travel assist helps you stay in your lane and can adjust your speed, but you still need to hold the steering wheel yourself.
Travel assist is a driver assistance feature that combines lane centering and adaptive cruise control, allowing the vehicle to help maintain its position in the lane while also adjusting speed based on traffic. However, the driver must keep their hands on the steering wheel, as it doesn't fully take over control.
adaptive cruise control
"So it does, does lane centering and adaptive cruise control, but you're not, you gotta keep your hands on the wheel, which is fine."
Adaptive cruise control keeps your car at a set speed but can slow down or speed up based on the traffic in front of you, making highway driving easier.
Adaptive cruise control is an advanced version of traditional cruise control that automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front. It uses sensors to detect the speed and distance of vehicles ahead.
rear cross traffic alert
"You got rear cross traffic alert, all that good stuff."
Rear cross traffic alert helps you see cars coming from the sides when you're backing up, so you don't accidentally hit something.
Rear cross traffic alert is a safety feature that warns drivers of approaching vehicles while reversing, helping to prevent collisions. It uses sensors to detect traffic coming from the sides when backing out of parking spaces.
V-tex
"the V-tex, you know, Volkswagen's V-tex and leather, you know, synthetic leather interior is nice."
V-tex is a type of fake leather used in Volkswagen cars that looks nice and is easy to take care of.
V-tex is Volkswagen's synthetic leather material used in vehicle interiors, designed to mimic the look and feel of genuine leather while being more durable and easier to clean.
Volkswagen Jetta
"We had it in our Jetta for years."
The Volkswagen Jetta is a small car that is comfortable to drive and has a lot of space inside. It's a good option for people looking for a reliable sedan.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan known for its practicality, comfortable ride, and efficient performance. It is popular for its spacious interior and advanced technology features, making it a strong choice in the compact car segment.
touchscreen
"So, I said the 12.9 inch touchscreen, you get digital instrument cluster, all the usual stuff."
A touchscreen is a screen that you can touch to control things, like music or navigation, instead of using buttons.
A touchscreen is a display that allows users to interact with a device by touching the screen. In cars, it is often used for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings.
destination charge
"You want to take a guess at the destination charge?"
A destination charge is an extra fee you pay when buying a car, which covers the cost of delivering the car to the dealership.
A destination charge is a fee added to the price of a vehicle to cover the cost of transporting it from the manufacturer to the dealership. This charge is typically non-negotiable and varies by manufacturer.
MSRP
"the MSRP on the one I drove was $32,295. It's now $33,045."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests the dealership should sell the car for. It's a starting point for negotiations when buying a car.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for the vehicle. It serves as a guideline for both dealers and customers during the buying process.
crossovers
"...it fits in with the current generation of compact-ish, you know, to mid-sized crossovers, you know, so CRVs, RAV4s and so on."
Crossovers are a type of vehicle that is a mix between a car and an SUV. They usually have more space and a higher seating position than regular cars, making them popular for families.
Crossovers are vehicles that combine features of cars and SUVs, typically offering a higher ride height and more cargo space than a sedan, while maintaining better fuel efficiency than traditional SUVs.
Honda Crvs
"... you know, to mid-sized crossovers, you know, so CRVs, RAV4s and so on. VW doesn't offer, you know, an..."
Toyota Rav4S
"...it fits in with the current generation of compact-ish, you know, to mid-sized crossovers, you know, so CRVs, RAV4s and so on."
The Toyota RAV4 is another popular SUV that is known for being practical and comfortable. It's a great option for people who need a versatile vehicle.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that offers a balance of practicality, comfort, and efficiency, making it one of the best-selling vehicles in its class.
hybrid powertrain
"VW doesn't offer, you know, any sort of hybrid powertrain, which I think is probably the biggest letdown with this car because, you know, the top sellers in this segment, the CRV and the RAV4, do offer hybrids, very, very fuel efficient hybrids."
A hybrid powertrain is a system that uses both a gas engine and an electric motor. This helps the car save fuel and produce less pollution compared to traditional cars that only use gas.
A hybrid powertrain combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This technology allows vehicles to operate on electric power alone or in conjunction with gasoline, depending on driving conditions.
Nissan Rogue
"The Rogue is supposed to get a plug-in hybrid powertrain in 2026, basically the same system that's in the Mitsubishi Outlander."
The Nissan Rogue is a small SUV that will have a new version in 2026 that can use both gas and electricity, which will help it save fuel and be better for the environment.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact SUV that is set to introduce a plug-in hybrid powertrain in 2026. This model aims to enhance fuel efficiency and provide an eco-friendly option for consumers looking for a versatile SUV.
Mitsubishi Outlander
"...the same system that's in the Mitsubishi Outlander. And in fact, the 2026 RAV4, which I'm gonna be driving this week, is hybrid only."
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a small SUV that has a version that can run on both gas and electricity. This makes it a good choice for people who want to save fuel and reduce pollution.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact SUV that offers a plug-in hybrid variant, providing a balance of electric and gasoline power for improved efficiency. It's designed for consumers looking for versatility and eco-friendliness in their vehicle.
plug-in hybrid
"So it's hybrid and plug-in hybrid are the only options in the new RAV4."
A plug-in hybrid is a type of car that you can charge using electricity and also has a gas engine. It can drive on electricity for a while before needing to use gas.
A plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) can be charged from an external power source and typically has a larger battery than a standard hybrid, allowing for a greater electric-only driving range before switching to the gasoline engine.
Kia Sportage
"When we did the Sportage, the Kia Sportage Drive, they were pushing, they're like, this is a hybrid..."
The Kia Sportage is another small SUV that people like to drive. The newer versions come with hybrid options, which help save on gas.
The Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that has gained popularity for its stylish design and range of features. The latest models also offer hybrid variants, catering to the growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles.
Ford Escape
"For now, you can also still get a hybrid in the Ford Escape. You can get hybrids in the Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sportage."
The Ford Escape is a smaller SUV that you can get with a hybrid engine, which helps save on gas.
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that offers a range of powertrains, including hybrid options, making it a competitive choice in the market for those looking for fuel efficiency.
Hyundai Tucson
"You can get hybrids in the Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sportage. So, you know, all of the top sellers offer a hybrid or will shortly."
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV that looks nice and has modern features, and you can also get it with a hybrid engine for better fuel economy.
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV that has been well-received for its stylish design and advanced technology features. It is available with hybrid powertrains, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.
Ford Contours
"...eah. And just, you know, the rest of the overall contours, I think, look better too."
Genesis G80
"...the other vehicle that I had was the 2025 Genesis G80 3.5 T Sport Prestige all-wheel drive. So that is a lot of name for a lot of car."
The Genesis G80 is a luxury car that has a strong engine and comes with all-wheel drive, which helps with traction. It's designed to be comfortable and has many high-tech features.
The Genesis G80 3.5 T Sport Prestige is a luxury sedan that features a powerful 3.5-liter turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, offering a blend of performance and comfort. It's known for its high-quality interior and advanced technology features.
twin-turbo V6
"It's got their 3.5 liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower..."
A twin-turbo V6 is an engine with six cylinders that uses two turbochargers to make it more powerful and efficient. This helps the car go faster and use fuel better.
A twin-turbo V6 engine uses two turbochargers to increase the engine's power output and efficiency. This setup allows for quicker acceleration and better performance compared to naturally aspirated engines.
Genesis G90
"... car, you know, this is not nearly as large as a G90, but, you know, it's still a good-sized car."
Genesis GV80
"...ncepts, I think it was, may have been before the GV80 was launched. And they had this concept that was..."
Genesis G70
"... you know, you know, obviously not as small as a G70, but, you know, I think it's a good balance of, ..."
Hyundai Genesis
"...is car has come so far from the original Hyundai Genesis sedan. You know, I remember, you know,"
Genesis GV70
"...lling a lot more of the utilities, the GV80, the GV70. So you don't see these very often,"
Hyundai Kona
"... little bit less? The same setup that was in the Kona, yeah, the Kona and the Nero."
Rivian R1S
"... who really likes the Rivians. I really like the R1S. I really like the R1T."
Rivian R1T
"I really like the R1S. I really like the R1T. I'm like, oh, these are great."
Honda Ridgeline
"They're mid-sized. The R1T is essentially the Ridgeline. Like, the R1T is the mid-sized truck"
Honda That Honda
"Like, the R1T is the mid-sized truck that Honda should have built. And the, but this just sort o..."
Tesla Model 3
"..., yeah, it was funny because there was, when the Model 3 came out, Tesla kept trying to tell me, they're ..."
Mercedes-Benz Cclass
"To compete against the new? Electric three series and Mercedes C-Class. I like these sort of like really slick looking vehicles."
Mercedes-Benz Gclass
"The other one that AutoCar had is a new SUV, a premium SUV to challenge the Mercedes G-Class and Land Rover Defender."
Land Rover Defender
"...to challenge the Mercedes G-Class and Land Rover Defender. And they're speculating that this could be"
Citroen C3 Aircross
"Stalantis models in Europe. The Citroen C3 Aircross is also available. Don't make things confusing."
Citroen Ami
"Don't make things confusing. And of course, the Citroen AMI is, you know, this little quadricycle thing is,"
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
"...that we do get here in North America is the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which is getting an update for model year 2026."
Jeep Grand
"...icle that we do get here in North America is the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which is getting an update for model y..."
Cadillac Escalade
"...'re no longer looking at stuff like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigators?"
Ford Expedition
"...h is, you know, the Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, you know, that's, you know, and so they've pric..."
Buick 27 Model
"...probably come, most likely it'll be just for the 27 model year. So or late in 26,"
Nissan Leaf
"...s a couple thousand dollars less than the Nissan Leaf. It's a little bit less range than the Leaf,"
Chevrolet Silverado
"...ome, they're gonna use that factory to build the Silverado, which at the time was over $100,000"
Genesis GV60
"...350s across the board. But that, I had a Genesis GV60, which of course can charge at like 230 some kil..."
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
"I liked it back in the day. I liked the Bolt EUV. Hopefully they haven't like messed it up."
Hyundai Ioniq 5
"..., I think about Hyundai cutting the price of the IONIQ 5, the Model Year 2026 IONIQ 5 by an average of $9..."
Chevrolet Corvair
"Yeah. You know, this was a Corvair van back in 1967 that, you know, GM had been dev..."
Subaru BRZ
"...echanism failure. I had the spring pop out of my BRZ one morning, I was getting ready to go to it on ..."
Ford Bronco
"...ment about it. But is it the excitement with the Bronco where people actually go out and buy it?"
Volkswagen Id Buzz
"...ly go out and buy it? Or is it excitement of the ID Buzz where people just don't buy it?"
Tesla Cybertruck
"...laimed they had two million reservations for the Cybertruck. And so far, they've sold about 55,000."
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