Near Premium SUV Shootout, Ford Kills the F-150 Lightning, More NISMO Models on the Way
About this episode
A lively discussion kicks off with a detailed comparison of near-premium SUVs, featuring the Toyota Crown, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-70, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The Mazda CX-70 impresses with its upscale feel and performance, while the Santa Fe surprises as a family-friendly option. The episode also covers Ford's decision to discontinue the F-150 Lightning, the introduction of a new range-extender version, and Nissan's plans to expand its Nismo lineup. With insights into the automotive market and exciting new models, this episode is packed with engaging content for car enthusiasts.
Buick
"Buick straddles the line and where it's sort of premium, but sort of not."
Buick makes cars and SUVs that are comfortable and reliable, but they’re not usually as sporty or expensive as some luxury brands.
Buick is an American automobile brand owned by General Motors, known for producing mid-size and full-size cars and SUVs that blend comfort with a modest performance profile.
Toyota
"the crown signal from Toyota, the Hyundai Santa Fe"
Toyota makes cars that are dependable and affordable, with many models known for lasting a long time.
Toyota is a Japanese automaker celebrated for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and broad lineup of sedans, SUVs, and hybrids.
Hyundai
"the crown signal from Toyota, the Hyundai Santa Fe"
Hyundai cars are usually affordable, well-equipped, and come with a long warranty.
Hyundai is a South Korean automaker that offers modern design, advanced technology, and strong warranties across its lineup.
rear drive bias system
"the Mazda is a rear drive bias system, which is usually better"
Some cars send most of their power to the back wheels, which can make them feel more agile and better at cornering. This setup is common in sports cars.
A rear‑drive bias system refers to a drivetrain layout where more power is sent to the rear wheels, typically improving handling and traction in sporty or performance cars.
Kia CX70
"I really like the CX70 and it's funny because we've joked since this vehicle launched, like, oh, it's the point because it really is just a CX90 without the third row..."
The CX70 is a type of SUV made by Kia. It’s bigger than the small models but smaller than the big ones, and it can fit more people if you fold down an extra seat.
The Kia CX70 is a midsize crossover SUV that sits between the compact CX30 and the larger CX90, offering a spacious interior with optional third‑row seating. It is known for its modern styling and competitive pricing.
Nissan Murano
"[421.3s] the Nissan Marano when we can get a Marano, but I would like to take a moment to just talk about [426.8s] the Santa Fe, because for me, the Santa Fe was..."
The Murano is a type of SUV from Nissan that’s bigger than the Rogue but smaller than the Pathfinder. It’s known for being comfortable and having a good amount of space inside.
The Nissan Murano is a mid‑size crossover SUV that has been popular in North America for its blend of practicality and comfort. It sits between the smaller Rogue and the larger Pathfinder in Nissan’s lineup.
Kia Santa Fe
"[426.8s] the Santa Fe, because for me, the Santa Fe was the surprise in this because it didn't win, [431.6s] because both you and I talked so much about how nice the current Santa Fe is, it's spacious..."
The Santa Fe is a family SUV from Kia that gives you room for passengers and cargo, plus many useful gadgets inside. It’s a good choice if you need space and comfort for trips.
The Kia Santa Fe is a mid‑size crossover SUV that offers spacious seating, a comfortable ride, and a range of technology features. It competes with other family vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX‑5.
Subaru Outback
"but then there's the more rugged choices, like, the Outback, which you drove recently"
The Outback is a Subaru SUV that can handle rough roads and has good safety features.
The Subaru Outback is a rugged crossover SUV known for its all-wheel drive and off-road capability.
Subaru Forester
"but I need something bigger than a Forester"
The Subaru Forester is a small SUV that can drive on rough roads and has plenty of space inside.
The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV known for its standard all‑wheel drive and practical, boxy design. It’s a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Ford Maverick
"about the Ford Maverick to death on this podcast"
The Ford Maverick is a tiny pickup truck that can haul boxes and has the latest gadgets inside.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that offers a surprisingly large cargo bed, efficient powertrains, and modern tech features in a small footprint.
hybrid all-wheel drive
"more than once said, how much you like the hybrid all-wheel drive is your perfect one..."
Hybrid AWD means the car can send power to all four wheels using both a gas engine and electric motors, which helps it grip the road better in rain or snow.
Hybrid all-wheel drive (AWD) refers to a drivetrain that uses both an internal combustion engine and electric motors to power all four wheels, improving traction and handling in various conditions.
all-wheel drive system
"but being a truck, it's kind of expected that in a moment's notice, you can go down a dirt road, this now can tow the larger amounts because of the all-wheel drive system, which is another big thing"
AWD means the car can send power to all four wheels at once, which helps it go better on dirt or wet roads.
An all‑wheel drive (AWD) system distributes power to all four wheels, improving traction and stability on uneven or slippery surfaces.
adaptive cruise control
"the towing assist, and the other thing is the features that I think most people would want, namely adaptive cruise control, 360 camera, and the towing assist"
ACC lets the car keep a set distance from the vehicle in front, so you don’t have to constantly slow down or speed up.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is a driver‑assist feature that automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead.
360 camera
"the towing assist, and the other thing is the features that I think most people would want, namely adaptive cruise control, 360 camera, and the towing assist"
A 360 camera shows you a view from all sides of the car, so it’s easier to see obstacles when parking.
A 360‑degree camera system uses multiple cameras around the vehicle to create a bird’s‑eye view, aiding parking and low‑speed maneuvers.
towing assist
"the towing assist, and the other thing is the features that I think most people would want, namely adaptive cruise control, 360 camera, and the towing assist"
Towing assist helps the car stay steady and safe when you’re pulling a trailer or heavy load.
Towing assist is a system that helps drivers manage the forces involved when towing, often by adjusting engine power and braking to maintain stability.
XLT trim
"those are locked to the top lariat trim because I was in the XLT"
XLT is a middle‑level version of a Ford truck that has more features than the basic model but not as fancy as the top models.
XLT is a trim level offered by Ford on models like the F‑150, featuring more standard equipment than base trims but fewer luxury options than higher trims.
BMW X5
"I would argue that this is a better buy than a BMW X5 and I love the X5"
It’s a big luxury SUV from BMW that people often buy for its style and power.
The BMW X5 is a midsize luxury SUV known for its performance, comfort, and advanced technology.
12-volt outlet
"So there's the convenient 12 volts outlet right in the hatch. And you can run a cord up through the hatch and close it."
Cars have a little socket that gives 12 volts of electricity. You can plug in things like phone chargers or small lights to use that power.
A 12‑volt outlet, also called an accessory socket or cigarette lighter socket, is a standard power source in most cars that lets you plug in small electronics like phone chargers or LED light strips.
EVs
"that I've said with EVs is, you know, it's kind of a shame that something like a driving theater"
EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. They use batteries and electric motors to move.
EVs stands for Electric Vehicles, which are cars powered by electric motors and batteries instead of internal combustion engines.
driving theater
"that I've said with EVs is, you know, it's kind of a shame that something like a driving theater"
A driving theater is a car that people use like a movie theater or music studio, where they can enjoy shows or concerts while on the road.
A driving theater refers to a vehicle used as an immersive environment for entertainment, such as watching movies or listening to music while driving.
Volkswagen
"I joked with Volkswagen way back and it's never come"
Volkswagen is a big car company from Germany that makes many different kinds of cars, like small city cars and larger family vehicles.
Volkswagen is a German automotive manufacturer known for producing a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs and commercial vans.
camper version
"I said, like, this there should be a camper version of this because this would be the ultimate"
A camper version is when a regular car is turned into a tiny home on wheels, with beds and places to store stuff.
A camper version of a vehicle refers to a conversion or design that adds living space, such as beds and storage, turning the car into a mobile home.
ambient lights
"A lot of vehicles have ambient lights. A lot of vehicles have multiple color choice."
Ambient lights are soft interior lights that make the inside of a car feel cozy and can change colors.
Ambient lighting is interior illumination that creates a subtle, mood-enhancing glow inside the vehicle, often customizable in color.
two-tone patterns
"Some even have two tone, but this one allows you to pick I think six different two-tone patterns inside."
Two-tone patterns mean the lights inside use two colors at once, like red and green, to make a cool effect.
Two-tone patterns refer to interior lighting schemes that use two colors simultaneously, often switching between them for a dynamic effect.
Nissan Nismo models
"So apparently Nissan as part of its pre Nissan plan wants to double the global number of Nismo models."
Nismo is Nissan’s performance brand. Cars with Nismo are faster and have sportier parts.
Nismo is Nissan’s performance division that develops sportier versions of its production cars. Nismo models often feature upgraded engines, suspension, brakes, and distinctive styling cues to enhance driving dynamics.
charger
"you don't want to have to stop and figure out a charger that you can actually pull into with your trailer"
A charger plugs into a power source and sends electricity to the truck’s battery so it can drive again.
A charger is the device that supplies electrical power to a vehicle’s battery, allowing it to recharge after use.
Ram
"So I think they've maybe looked around or they already had the idea like Ram. And I think the naming is going to be important like lightning."
Ram is a line of trucks made by General Motors. Think of it as the big, strong truck brand that many people use for work or hauling stuff.
Ram is a brand of pickup trucks and commercial vehicles owned by the American automaker General Motors. It has been known for producing large, rugged trucks such as the Ram 1500.
EVA
"EVA has reinvented car buying. From click to curb, everything is covered."
EVA is a website where you can look at cars and buy them online, then pick them up in person.
EVA is an online car buying platform that allows consumers to search, compare, and purchase vehicles digitally before visiting a dealership.
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