New Lexus ES, Airbag Thefts on the Rise, Best Adventure Vehicles
Annotations will appear as you listen
Volkswagen Id
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric van. It’s designed to carry people and gear, and it has a distinctive, van-like shape. The podcast says it’s coming back for 2027, which matters if you’re waiting for an electric van.
range
For an electric car, “range” is how many miles it can go before the battery runs out. They’re saying the new version doesn’t go farther than before, which could hurt sales.
two-tone paint jobs
Two-tone paint means the van has two different colors instead of one. In this case, the host is saying you can get that look without paying extra.
base models
“Base model” just means the entry-level version of the car. Here, it matters because the nicer paint option is now available without upgrading to a more expensive trim.
Hyundai Santa
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV. It’s a regular family vehicle meant for everyday driving and road trips. In the podcast, it’s mentioned while talking about which Hyundai models are staying in the lineup.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a small SUV-like vehicle that also has a pickup-style bed for hauling. It’s popular with people who want some truck usefulness but don’t want a full-size pickup.
compact trucks
“Compact trucks” means smaller pickup trucks. They’re usually cheaper and easier to live with than big trucks, and the hosts are talking about that market segment.
Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick is a small pickup truck that’s known for being cheaper than most trucks. In this discussion, it’s mentioned as the reason the compact-truck market changed.
crossover with a pickup bed
This phrase means an SUV-like vehicle that also has a small pickup bed. It’s a way of describing the Santa Cruz’s mix of comfort and hauling space.
Auto Savvy
Auto Savvy is a used-car seller. They sell cars that insurance companies previously wrote off, then they fix them up and sell them again with special paperwork.
branded title
A branded title is special paperwork on a used car that tells you it had a major problem in the past. It’s basically the car’s “history label,” and it can affect resale value and insurance.
salvage title
A salvage title means an insurance company decided the car was a total loss. Even after repairs, the car’s paperwork still reflects that past damage.
fix the car yourself
The host frames buying these branded-title vehicles as requiring hands-on ownership—either repairing issues yourself or taking steps to keep the car running. This is a common reality with heavily damaged or previously written-off cars, where condition can vary widely.
airbag
An airbag is a safety cushion that pops out in a crash to help protect you. If someone steals it, the car can’t protect you the same way, and fixing it can cost a lot.
Honda Crvs
The Honda CR-V is a common SUV. The host says it’s showing up a lot in reports where thieves break in and steal the airbag.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a common Honda sedan. The host says thieves are breaking in and stealing the airbag, and that’s the main item taken.
black market
A black market is an illegal place where stolen items get sold. The idea here is that stolen airbags are being resold illegally instead of through normal repair parts channels.
out-of-pocket cost
Out-of-pocket cost is what you pay yourself. Here, it means the total bill for fixing the stolen/possibly damaged airbag and related damage can be thousands of dollars.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a very common Honda compact car. The hosts mention it to illustrate that if an older Civic needs an expensive repair, it might not make financial sense—especially if you’re not insured.
steering wheel lock
A steering wheel lock is a clamp that locks the steering wheel so the car is harder to steal. The hosts mention it as one of the anti-theft ideas people recommend.
anti theft window film
Anti-theft window film is a film you put on the windows to make them tougher to break. The hosts mention it as another possible deterrent against car break-ins.
serial number
A serial number is a unique tag that helps identify a specific part. The hosts say airbags don’t have one, so it’s harder for police to tell if a replacement airbag was stolen.
parts commonality
Parts commonality means different cars use the same parts. If thieves can steal one shared part that fits many cars, it’s easier for them to steal and sell.
Acura Integra
The Acura Integra is a Honda-family car sold under the Acura brand. The host is saying thieves go after it because it shares the same airbag part with other cars, making theft and resale simpler.
platinum and palladium prices
Platinum and palladium are precious metals used in catalytic converters to help convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful emissions. When their market prices rise, catalytic converter theft becomes more profitable, which the host connects to the broader theft discussion.
catalytic converter thefts
Catalytic converter thefts are when criminals steal the catalytic converter from a vehicle, usually to sell the precious metals inside. The host notes that even though platinum and palladium prices are high, catalytic converter thefts are “down a lot,” suggesting thieves may be shifting to other targets like airbags.
spray painted their catalytic converters paint
Spray painting catalytic converters is a deterrence tactic: it can make stolen parts harder to resell because they’re visibly marked. The host suggests this behavior is one reason catalytic converter thefts are down.
mesh you could wrap around some of them
A mesh guard is a protective cover that makes it harder for thieves to get to the catalytic converter. The host is saying some people are using this kind of protection.
three grand
“Three grand” is shorthand for roughly $3,000 in repair costs, which the host says it can take to fix the damage from theft. This highlights that even if stolen parts sell for relatively low amounts, the replacement and labor costs can be very high.
club
A club is a lock device you put on the steering wheel to make the car harder to steal. It doesn’t guarantee safety, but it can slow thieves down enough that they choose another car.
ring doorbell
A Ring Doorbell is a consumer smart doorbell camera that records video when it detects motion or a person. In car-theft prevention, the value is evidence: it can capture the thief’s actions and identity even if it can’t stop the theft.
wireless
Wireless just means the camera doesn’t need a cable connection. That can make it easier to set up a camera to film the theft.
side impact
Side-impact means a crash where something hits the car from the side. Side-impact airbags are the airbags meant to protect you in that kind of crash, and the episode says thieves aren’t going after those ones.
2026 Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is a midsize family sedan. In 2026, Lexus is updating it so you can get it with different kinds of power—one version is hybrid and another is electric—while keeping the same basic car.
badging
Badging refers to the brand/model nameplates and trim identifiers on a vehicle’s exterior. In this segment, the host says the electric and hybrid ES look almost identical except for the rear badging and a front design detail.
grill
The grille is the front opening on a car. It helps bring in air to cool the engine and other parts that need airflow.
hybrid powertrains
A hybrid uses two kinds of power: a gas engine and an electric motor. It can switch between them depending on how you’re driving to help with efficiency and smoothness.
destination fees
Destination fees are the cost to ship the car from where it’s built to the dealership. It’s why the final price is usually higher than the base number.
horsepower
Horsepower is a number that describes how much power a car’s engine or electric motor can make. Higher horsepower usually means the car can accelerate more strongly, though it’s not the only factor.
instantaneous torque
Torque is the twisting force that helps the car accelerate. “Instantaneous” means the electric motor can deliver that force right away, so the car feels quick off the line.
front wheel drive
Front-wheel drive means the front wheels do the work of moving the car. That changes how the car grips and turns compared with cars where the power goes to more wheels.
Mercedes-Benz 500E
The Mercedes-Benz 500E is a luxury sedan with a strong performance focus. The podcast talks about how power is delivered, including that a related model (the 350e) would drive the front wheels. That helps explain how the cars may handle differently.
all wheel drive dual motor
All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to both the front and rear axles, which can improve traction and stability. “Dual motor” means there are two electric motors (typically one per axle), allowing the car to distribute torque between wheels more flexibly than a single-motor setup.
drivetrain
The drivetrain is everything that sends power to the wheels. If the car sends power to different wheels (like front-only vs all wheels), it can feel different when turning.
Toyota Crown
The Toyota Crown is a Toyota sedan that’s meant to feel more upscale than a typical family car. Here, the host is saying the new Lexus ES looks similar to it and even shares similar mechanical parts, even though it’s a Lexus.
Toyota Avalon
The Toyota Avalon is a Toyota sedan. The host is saying the Lexus ES used to be based on it, which helps explain why Lexus and Toyota cars can feel mechanically similar.
executive package
An executive package is a bundle of nicer comfort options. In this Lexus ES, it includes rear-seat features meant for relaxing—like a footrest, reclining, and even seat massage.
ottoman
An ottoman is a footrest. Here, the host is saying the rear seat has a built-in footrest that pops out so you can recline and relax.
Lexus LS
The Lexus LS is Lexus’s top, most expensive luxury sedan. The host is saying that since the LS is discontinued, the newer ES is trying to give you some of that extra space and comfort.
infotainment system
An infotainment system is the car’s main screen and controls for things like music and navigation. Here, it’s also used to help plan EV charging stops.
route planning
Route planning is the navigation feature that helps you plan your trip. For an EV, it can suggest where to stop to charge and how long you’ll likely need.
charging stations
Charging stations are the public places you plug an electric car into to recharge it. The navigation can show them along your route and help you plan stops.
one pedal driving
One-pedal driving is when you can slow down mostly by just lifting off the gas pedal. The speaker is saying this car doesn’t do that, so you’ll likely use the brake pedal more.
charge port
The charge port is where you plug the EV’s charging cable in. They’re saying this car makes you turn the car off and get out to open it, instead of opening it from inside.
Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport is a smaller SUV designed for light off-road driving. It’s meant to handle rough roads better than a typical commuter SUV. The podcast also points out it’s related to the Escape, which helps explain how it’s built.
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV. It’s mentioned because the Bronco Sport is built on the Escape’s underlying design. The podcast also notes that the Escape is being discontinued.
platform
A platform is the car’s basic “skeleton” that engineers reuse across different models. If two cars share a platform, they’re built on similar underlying parts and layouts.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most famous off-road SUVs. In this segment, the host is basically saying it’s the obvious choice when you’re talking about off-roading.
Bronco
The Ford Bronco is a bigger off-road SUV than the Bronco Sport. The host is pointing out that it’s actually much larger than the Jeep Wrangler, even if people don’t realize it.
Nissan Amada Pro 4x
The Nissan Armada is a big SUV meant for carrying people and gear comfortably, and it’s built to handle tougher situations than a small crossover. “Pro-4x” is a higher trim that’s usually set up for more off-road use, and the hosts are saying it works both for trips and everyday driving.
good value
“Good value” here means the SUV seems worth the money for what it can do. The hosts are saying it’s a smart choice because it works for both weekend trips and normal daily driving.
truck-based SUVs
A “truck-based SUV” is built on a sturdier foundation similar to pickup trucks. That often makes it better at hauling and handling rougher conditions, which is why it’s popular for people who want one vehicle for both trips and everyday driving.
Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is a large SUV. It’s made for carrying people and gear, and it can be used for towing. It’s mentioned with other big SUVs because they’re similar in size and purpose.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is a big SUV made to fit more people and cargo. It’s built for families who need lots of space. It’s often discussed alongside other large SUVs because it competes on size and usefulness.
GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is a large SUV. They’re using it as an example of how expensive big SUVs have gotten—some are now around $100,000.
Toyota RAV4 Woodland
The Toyota RAV4 Woodland is a special version of the RAV4 made for people who want a little more adventure capability. They’re saying it’s the best choice because it’s efficient as a hybrid and still practical.
Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender is a tough, off-road-focused SUV. The hosts are saying it does especially well on trails because its shape helps it climb obstacles and drop down without scraping the front or rear.
Lexus Gx
The Lexus GX is a luxury SUV that’s meant to handle rough roads and trails. In this discussion, it’s being compared to the Defender to show two different ways to do off-roading.
approach and departure angles
These are measurements of how well a vehicle can handle steep bumps and dips. If the angles are good, the front and rear are less likely to hit the ground when you go over obstacles.
Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S is an electric SUV designed for outdoor/adventure driving. They’re comparing it to another electric off-roader and saying the results are very close.
Hummer Ev
The Hummer EV SUV is an electric SUV designed for off-road driving. It’s meant to be tough and capable on rough terrain. The podcast compares it to another similar Hummer EV to see how close their off-road results are.
energy efficient
Energy efficiency means how much driving you get out of the energy you put in. The host is saying a huge battery can mean you’re not using that energy as efficiently as you could.
monstrous battery
In an electric car, the battery is the heavy pack that stores electricity. The host is emphasizing that this one is extremely large and heavy.
Mazda MX-5 / Miata
The Mazda Miata is a small two-seat sports car. It’s designed to feel quick and fun to drive, especially in corners. It comes up in comparisons because it’s very light for its size.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck. The TRD Pro version is set up for off-road driving with more rugged equipment. It’s discussed because it’s one of the go-to trucks for people who want to drive on rough terrain.
Gmc Canyon
The GMC Canyon Crew Cab is a midsize pickup with a larger back seat area. It’s meant to carry more people while still being a pickup for hauling. The podcast includes it when talking about off-road-capable midsize trucks.
Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator is a pickup truck that’s designed to handle off-road driving. It has a truck bed like other pickups, but it’s built with off-road features. The podcast mentions it as one of the main options in the off-road midsize truck group.
Ford F150
The Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup truck. Here they’re talking about a visibility feature where part of the window can drop down so the side mirrors can be positioned lower, helping you see around them with fewer blind spots.
F-150 Raptor
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck. It’s available in different versions, including off-road-focused models. The podcast mentions it because some trims are specifically built for rough terrain.
blind spots
Blind spots are parts of the road around your car that you can’t see well from the driver’s seat. The hosts say the F-150’s mirror/window setup helps you see those areas better.
A-pillar
The A-pillar is the vertical metal support at the front of the car, near where the windshield meets the side window. The hosts mention it because the window feature they’re describing is near that front pillar area.
adjustable pedals
Adjustable pedals let you move the gas and brake closer or farther away. That can make it easier to drive comfortably and reach the controls without stretching.
Dodge Ram
The Ram is a full-size pickup truck. It’s built to haul and tow, and it can be configured in different ways depending on what you need. The podcast mentions it because it’s one of the main pickup choices being compared.
Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T is an electric pickup truck built with off-road driving in mind. Here, the hosts are saying it’s the best EV truck if you want to take it off the pavement.
Chevrolet Silverado EV
The Chevrolet Silverado EV is an electric pickup truck. It’s meant for people who want the usefulness of a truck but with electricity instead of gasoline. The podcast compares it to other electric trucks and focuses on how easy it is to live with.
Tucson Hybrid
The Hyundai Tucson is a popular compact SUV that comes in different versions, including a hybrid. Here they’re talking about it as a camping-friendly choice, mainly because of how much stuff you can carry.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is a bigger SUV meant for more passengers and more cargo. In this segment, they’re recommending it for camping because it has the space to carry what you need.
static and dynamic
When people talk about roof capacity, they mean two things: how much weight the roof can hold when you’re not moving, and how much it can safely handle while you’re driving. That matters if you’re carrying a tent or cargo on top.
Grand Highlander Hybrid
This is a Toyota SUV with a hybrid powertrain, meaning it’s designed to be efficient for trips. The hosts are talking about whether it has the right size and space for camping gear and sleeping in the vehicle.
Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a bigger SUV with room for more people. The hybrid version uses both a gas engine and an electric system to help with efficiency. The podcast mentions it because it’s a practical option for trips like camping.
Mazda Cx70
The Mazda CX-70 is an SUV. The podcast is talking about how its hybrid system feels when you drive—especially whether it feels smooth. This matters because some hybrids can feel different depending on how the power is delivered.
inline six
An inline six is an engine with six cylinders lined up in a row. People often say it feels smooth because it runs in a very balanced, even way.
plug-in hybrid
A plug-in hybrid is a car that uses both gas and electricity, and you can charge it from a plug. Since it can drive on electricity sometimes, it can feel different than a regular hybrid.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular SUV from Jeep. Here it’s mentioned as the person’s previous vehicle before switching to something they found smoother.
Genesis GV70
The Genesis GV70 is a luxury SUV. It’s meant to feel more comfortable and refined than many non-luxury SUVs. The podcast mentions it as an upgrade for smoother driving.
GMC Yukon XL
The GMC Yukon XL is a big SUV with extra room inside because it has a longer wheelbase. The host recommends it for camping because it has space for gear and people.
Hyundai Ioniq
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an electric SUV, meaning it runs on electricity instead of gasoline. It’s described as good for camping because it has a lot of space for gear and enough driving range for trips. The podcast is using it as an example of a practical EV SUV.
power take-offs
Power take-offs are built-in power outlets for running gear outside the car. For camping, that can help you power things like lights or chargers without bringing extra equipment.
Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival is a minivan that’s built for hauling people and gear. The host recommends it for camping because it has practical space for luggage and supplies.
pro-power on board
“Pro Power On Board” means the truck can supply electricity from built-in power outlets. For camping, that can run lights or charge devices without bringing a separate generator.
GMC Sierra EV
The GMC Sierra EV is an electric version of the Sierra pickup. The hosts are saying it works well for camping because it can provide power and still feels like a real truck.
Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu is a regular midsize car (a sedan). It’s meant for comfortable everyday driving. The podcast brings it up in a discussion about how the inside of the car feels compared to other vehicles.
Kia K5
The Kia K5 is a regular, everyday midsize sedan. Here it’s suggested as a good car for road trips because it’s pleasant to drive and practical.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid car, and hybrids are designed to use less fuel. The hosts like it for road trips because it gets great gas mileage and the hatchback shape gives you more room for luggage.
hatchback design
A hatchback has a rear door that lifts up, like a big door for the trunk area. That often makes it easier to pack luggage and other stuff for road trips.
Toyota Corolla
The Corolla hybrid is a Toyota that uses a hybrid powertrain, like the Prius. The hosts are basically saying you might not need a Prius if you can get similar hybrid benefits in a Corolla.
Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV. People like it for road trips because it’s compact enough to drive easily, but still has room for gear.
cargo space
Cargo space is how much stuff you can fit in the car. For road trips, it’s the area where you put bags and gear.
fuel economy
Fuel economy is how far the car can go on a gallon (or how much fuel it uses). Better fuel economy usually means fewer gas stops on a trip.
Kia Niro
The Kia Niro is a small SUV that’s designed to be efficient. They’re talking about the hybrid version versus the electric version, and how it’s roomy enough for trips even if it’s not the prettiest.
Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Hybrid is a small SUV that uses both gas and electricity. That usually helps it use less gas, which is handy for long drives.
Hyundai Palisade Hybrid
The Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is a larger family SUV that uses both gas and electricity. The idea is to get better fuel economy without giving up the space of a mid-sized SUV.
CX-90 plug-in hybrid
The Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid is a family-sized SUV that uses both gas and electricity. The idea is better fuel economy, especially for trips where you can take advantage of the electric part.
cupholders
Cupholders are the built-in spots in the car where you set drinks so they don’t tip over. Here they’re talking about how useful they are when you’re using the car for camping.
Skoda Yeti
The Skoda Yeti is a compact SUV. The podcast is talking about whether it fits what you need for road trips, like space for luggage and people. It’s brought up because it’s considered practical for traveling.
Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade is a large luxury SUV. It’s designed to feel upscale and comfortable, with more premium features than a typical SUV. The podcast brings it up as a more discreet option compared with other large vehicles.
Hyundai Ioniq 9
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is an electric SUV meant for road trips. They’re comparing it to the Kia EV9 and saying it felt like the EV9, but in an earlier “version” that’s closer to what they want.
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 is an all-electric SUV with three rows of seats. It’s built to carry families and still be practical for longer drives. The podcast mentions it because it’s often compared closely with other electric SUVs.
Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is a family minivan that’s known for good gas mileage because it uses a hybrid setup. The hosts are saying it’s one of the only minivans you can get with both hybrid and all-wheel drive together.
Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is a pickup truck. The hosts say it’s good for road trips because it balances efficiency and interior space, and they mention that the diesel option isn’t available anymore.
fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is how far you can drive on a certain amount of fuel. The hosts use it to compare which vehicles are cheaper to run, not just which ones are efficient on paper.
diesel
Diesel is a type of fuel used in many cars and trucks. The hosts are saying that when diesel costs a lot more than gasoline, the savings you’d normally get from diesel can disappear.
Stellantis
Stellantis is a big car company that makes lots of different brands. Here, they’re changing how some of their engines are assisted by a mild-hybrid system.
mild hybrid system
A mild hybrid uses a small electric system to help the gas engine, mostly during starting and low-speed moments. It’s not meant to replace the engine completely.
eTorque system
The eTorque system is a small electric assist that helps the engine at low speeds. It can make starts smoother and can also help the car get moving with less strain on the gasoline engine.
belt driven system
In a belt-driven hybrid setup, a belt connects the electric motor to the engine. That lets the motor help the engine at the right times, like when you first start moving.
belt assist system
A belt assist system is a small electric help that connects to the engine using a belt. It gives the engine a little extra push at key moments, like starting to move.
General Motors
General Motors is another big car company. They previously used a similar kind of mild-hybrid belt assist system, which is why the hosts say this idea has been around before.
crankshaft
The crankshaft is the main spinning part inside the engine. It’s what turns the engine’s internal motion into the rotation that ultimately moves the car.
autostop start
It’s a feature that turns the engine off when you’re stopped (like at a red light) and turns it back on when you’re ready to go. The goal is to save fuel and emissions, but some people dislike the feel or sound.
EPA numbers
The EPA is a U.S. agency that publishes official fuel-economy ratings for cars. People use those numbers to compare cars, and features like start/stop can affect the rating you see on paper.
Lincoln Navigator
The Lincoln Navigator is a big SUV. The host is talking about how its start/stop feature felt—he says it was smooth enough that he wouldn’t want to disable it.
Subaru
Subaru is the car brand. The host is saying that, in his experience, Subaru’s start/stop feature doesn’t work as smoothly as it does in some other cars.
G-Class Gwagon
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a luxury SUV with a very recognizable, boxy shape. It’s known for looking rugged and standing out from other SUVs. The podcast brings it up as a top example in their list.
Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima is a midsize car (a sedan). It’s designed for everyday driving like commuting and errands. The podcast mentions where it’s built, which can matter for understanding how cars are produced and sold.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a big family SUV with room for passengers and cargo. The hosts are talking about which factory it was built in, which can vary by model year and production run.
Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne is Porsche’s mid-sized crossover that helped popularize the “premium SUV” idea. The hosts mention it being built in Bratislava, Slovakia and highlight that, at launch, Porsche emphasized off-road capability—something that later got less attention as the model became more mainstream.
off-road capability
Off-road capability means how good a car is at driving on dirt, gravel, or rough ground. The hosts are saying the Cayenne was originally sold with that kind of ability in mind.
Bratislava
Bratislava is a city in Slovakia. The hosts are saying a big Volkswagen factory there builds several models, including the Cayenne.
Porsche Cayenne Coupe
The Cayenne Coupe is a Cayenne with a sportier, coupe-style shape. Here, the hosts mention it because it’s built at the same factory in Bratislava.
Audi Q8
The Audi Q8 is a luxury SUV with a sportier, sleeker shape. The hosts mention it because it’s also built at the Bratislava factory.
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is a large luxury SUV. The hosts are saying it’s built at the same big factory in Bratislava as other SUVs.
Lafayette, Indiana
Lafayette, Indiana is a place in the U.S. The hosts are discussing whether Subaru builds the WRX there.
Subaru Wrx
The Subaru WRX is Subaru’s more performance-oriented model. Here, they’re talking about where it’s manufactured.
Subaru Impresa
The Subaru Impreza is a smaller Subaru model. The hosts are saying the WRX is the sporty version of the Impreza.