Surprises and Disappointments
About this episode
Exploring the automotive landscape, this episode dives into the surprises and disappointments of 2025, from the underwhelming Ford Mach-E frunk to the end of the Nissan Versa. The hosts discuss unique car features, like the Chrysler steering wheel cigarette case and the traction-in-a-bottle option from the '69 Camaro. They also touch on the evolving EV market, with insights on the Polestar and Cadillac Lyric, while addressing listener questions about car choices and experiences. A mix of nostalgia and current trends keeps the conversation lively.
This week, Nicole continues her stint with the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and her family was wondering if it was ok when they heard the sound it makes. Sam had the opposite end of the scale with the Lexus TX 550h+, a 3-row plug-in hybrid crossover.
The team discusses the EVs that InsideEVs is looking forward to in 2026 and what they are expecting and then devolves into the biggest surprises and disappointments of 2025 (at least in the automotive space). Buying a car used is generally a better financial decision than buying new, but there are segments you should stay away from. Consumer Reports suggests the best all-season tires for winter driving. It turns out that just because a car costs millions of dollars, not all of the parts are bespoke. VW launches a very cool new electric crossover in China. Car buyers looking for a cheap ride with a warranty no longer have a choice under $20,000. There are some fascinating options that used to be available on cars and TFL puts their 1927 Model T on the dyno. Finally, we discuss some more suggestions about what car Nicole should buy next and why Ford is making the Mach-E frunk optional.
Links
The cars InsideEVs is looking forward to in 2026
7 Cheap Used Cars That Aren't Worth The Trouble - Jalopnik
Best All-Season Tires for Winter Driving - Consumer Reports
These Supercars Save Money Using Parts From Boring Everyday Cars - Jalopnik
Volkswagen Unveils a 450-Mile China-Only Electric SUV With 800V Fast Charging - Autoblog
America Loses Its Last Subcompact Sedan as Nissan Kills the Versa in 2026
Options to Remember, or Maybe Not
Putting Our 100-Year-Old Ford Model T On The Dyno!
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Toyota Corolla Cross
"So I'm really, really living with the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid, which after two weeks with it, I have my thoughts."
The Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid is a small SUV that uses a hybrid engine, which means it runs on both gasoline and electricity to save fuel.
The Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid is a compact SUV that combines the practicality of the Corolla with hybrid technology for improved fuel efficiency.
hybrid
"So I'm really, really living with the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid, which after two weeks with it, I have my thoughts."
A hybrid car has two types of engines: one that runs on gas and another that runs on electricity, helping it use less fuel.
A hybrid vehicle uses both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
mash the gas
"You do feel like when you mash the gas on this,"
When someone says 'mash the gas', they mean pushing the gas pedal down really hard to make the car go faster.
'Mashing the gas' refers to pressing the accelerator pedal down hard to quickly increase speed.
CVT
"...it has a CVT that sounds every bit like a CVT and it has 196 horsepower."
A CVT is a type of car transmission that can change gears smoothly without the usual steps you feel in other automatic transmissions. This helps the car accelerate more smoothly and can save fuel.
CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission. Unlike traditional automatic transmissions that have fixed gear ratios, a CVT can change seamlessly through a continuous range of effective gear ratios, providing smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency.
horsepower
"...and it has 196 horsepower. It's just not a lot."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower an engine has, the faster and stronger it can make a car go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive terms, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, affecting acceleration and overall performance.
XSE
"So there's the SSE and the XSE. I actually have the XSE."
XSE is a special version of a car that usually has more features and a sportier look than the regular model. It's like a fancier option you can choose.
XSE is a trim level designation used by Toyota for some of their vehicles, indicating a sportier or more luxurious version compared to the base model. It typically includes upgraded features and styling enhancements.
destination charge
"That does not include the destination. I want to take a guess on destination on this, guys."
The destination charge is an extra cost you pay when buying a car. It's the fee for getting the car delivered from the factory to the dealership, and it's usually not included in the main price you see.
The 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 fee is typically not included in the MSRP and can vary based on the distance and logistics involved.
digital instrument cluster
"There's a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster. So it has a nice digital instrument cluster."
It's a screen that shows important information about the car, like speed and fuel level, instead of using old-fashioned dials and gauges.
A digital instrument cluster is a display that replaces traditional analog gauges with digital screens, providing drivers with customizable information about the vehicle's performance and status.
infotainment screen
"There's a 10.5 inch infotainment chest screen, which weirdly does feel a little small."
It's a touchscreen in the car that lets you play music, get directions, and connect your phone.
An infotainment screen is a central display in a vehicle that integrates entertainment, navigation, and communication features, allowing drivers to control various functions through a touchscreen interface.
EPA rating
"It is EPA rated at 46 city, 39 highway, 42 combined. So you're getting great fuel economy."
The EPA rating tells you how far a car can go on a gallon of gas. It helps you understand how fuel-efficient a car is, based on tests done by the government.
The EPA rating refers to the fuel economy estimates provided by the Environmental Protection Agency, which indicate how many miles a vehicle can travel per gallon of fuel in different driving conditions. These ratings help consumers compare the efficiency of different vehicles.
four-cylinder engine
"...but it's the four-cylinder engines that Toyota uses in their hybrids they don't sound great."
A four-cylinder engine is a type of engine that has four small chambers where fuel burns to create power. They are often used in smaller cars because they are lighter and use less gas.
A four-cylinder engine is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders. It is known for being compact and fuel-efficient, commonly used in smaller cars, including many hybrids.
RPM
"When you got to rev it up to 4,000 RPM"
RPM means how many times the engine's parts spin in one minute. When the RPM is high, the engine is working harder and can be louder.
RPM stands for revolutions per minute, a measure of how fast an engine is running. Higher RPMs typically indicate more power output but can also lead to increased engine noise.
miles per gallon (MPG)
"The Corolla Cross Hybrid is rated at 42 miles per gallon combined and that's all-wheel drive only."
Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how far a car can go on a gallon of gas. The higher the number, the less gas the car uses for each mile.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of fuel efficiency that indicates how many miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. Higher MPG values mean better fuel efficiency.
all-wheel drive (AWD)
"and that's all-wheel drive only. The front-wheel drive Corolla Cross is rated at 32 combined."
All-wheel drive (AWD) means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine, which helps it grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, providing better traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
front-wheel drive (FWD)
"The front-wheel drive Corolla Cross is rated at 32 combined. That's a pretty big drop."
Front-wheel drive (FWD) means that the front wheels of the car get the power from the engine, which can help with fuel efficiency and handling.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a drivetrain layout where the engine's power is directed to the front wheels, which can improve fuel efficiency and handling in certain conditions.
30 miles per gallon
"So the all-wheel drive gas Corolla Cross is 30 miles per gallon combined. So that's a pretty significant drop."
Miles per gallon tells you how far a car can go on one gallon of gas. The higher the number, the less gas you need to drive a certain distance.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of fuel efficiency, indicating how many miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. A higher MPG means better fuel economy.
JBL
"...it has an audio upgrade. It's a JBL Premium audio, which is a 9-speaker with a subwoofer and an amp."
JBL is a brand that makes high-quality speakers and sound systems. In cars, they provide better sound for music and other audio.
JBL is a well-known brand that specializes in audio equipment, including speakers and sound systems. Their premium audio systems are often used in vehicles to enhance sound quality.
subwoofer
"...which is a 9-speaker with a subwoofer and an amp."
A subwoofer is a special speaker that makes deep sounds, like bass, in music. It helps make the music sound fuller and richer in a car.
A subwoofer is a type of loudspeaker designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds, typically bass. In a car audio system, it enhances the overall sound experience by providing deeper bass tones.
amp
"...which is a 9-speaker with a subwoofer and an amp."
An amp, short for amplifier, makes the sound in your car louder and clearer. It helps the speakers produce better sound quality.
An amp, or amplifier, is an electronic device that increases the power of audio signals. In car audio systems, it boosts the sound quality and volume of the speakers.
Honda Hrv
"Okay, fair enough. Alright, anything else on the Corolla Cross? No, that's it on the Yieldy Corolla Cross. Yeah, next week I'll be talking about the Honda HR-V, which is kind of like Honda's direct competitor,"
The Honda HR-V is a small SUV that offers a lot of space and flexibility for passengers and cargo. It's designed to compete with other small SUVs like the Toyota Corolla Cross.
The Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover SUV known for its versatility and spacious interior. It competes directly with models like the Toyota Corolla Cross in the growing small SUV market.
Lexus TX 550h+
"Well, I had the Lexus Texas plug-in hybrid, which is the official name, of course, for this particular variant, which is the Lexus TX550H Plus all-wheel drive. So the TX is the Lexus variant of the Toyota Grand Highlander."
The Lexus TX550H Plus is a type of SUV that uses both gasoline and electricity to run, which helps save fuel and reduce emissions. It's designed to be comfortable and luxurious while also being more environmentally friendly.
The Lexus TX550H Plus is a plug-in hybrid SUV that offers all-wheel drive capabilities. It represents a blend of luxury and efficiency, making it suitable for those who want a spacious vehicle with eco-friendly features.
Toyota Highlander
"So that means that it's a little bit longer than the Highlander, actually has enough, it's got enough extra length..."
The Toyota Highlander is a family-friendly SUV that has a lot of space for passengers and cargo. It's designed to be comfortable for long drives and is popular with families.
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. It offers a comfortable ride and various engine options, making it popular among families.
V6 engine
"...instead of a little four-cylinder engine, it has a 3.5-liter, excuse me, 3.5-liter V6."
A V6 engine is a type of car engine that has six cylinders arranged in a V shape. It provides a good mix of power and fuel efficiency, which is why many cars use it.
A V6 engine is a six-cylinder engine with the cylinders arranged in a V configuration. It offers a balance of power and efficiency, making it a popular choice for many vehicles.
turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine
"You can get a 2.4-liter gas four-cylinder, turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine. You can get that same engine with the Toyota Hybrid System..."
A turbocharged engine is one that has a special device called a turbocharger that helps it produce more power. This means it can go faster and use fuel more efficiently than a regular engine of the same size.
A turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine is an internal combustion engine that uses a turbocharger to increase its power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This allows for better performance and efficiency compared to a naturally aspirated engine of the same size.
torque
"...Toyota does not list a total max torque for its hybrids. They only list the total max power, but not a torque value."
Torque is how strong the engine is at turning the wheels. More torque means the car can accelerate faster and pull heavier loads.
Torque is a measure of rotational force in an engine, indicating how much twisting force is available to turn the wheels. It's a crucial factor in determining a vehicle's acceleration and towing capacity.
electric range
"is 33 miles of electric range. It's been kind of cold here, mostly just above freezing..."
Electric range is how far an electric car can go before it needs to be charged again. It's important to know this so you can plan your trips without running out of power.
Electric range refers to the distance a vehicle can travel on electric power alone before the battery needs to be recharged. This is a critical metric for electric vehicles (EVs) as it determines how far you can drive without using gasoline.
Toyota Prius
"...with most of the Toyota plug-ins, particularly the RAV4 and the Prius,..."
The Toyota Prius is a well-known hybrid car that uses both gas and electricity to drive, making it very fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly.
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid car that has been a pioneer in fuel efficiency and eco-friendly technology. It combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor to optimize fuel consumption.
Toyota Rav4
"...ith most of the Toyota plug-ins, particularly the RAV4 and the Prius, I have beat or exceeded the label ..."
Volvo XC90
"...t less than what you get, for example, from Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid, which is a similarly sized vehicl..."
American Motors Corporation (Amc) Matador
"...in, let's see what do they call this color. It is Matador Red Micah, which is very bright red, which is not..."
Toyota Land Cruiser
"...ed to, like, if you look at a Lexus LX, the Lexus Land Cruiser version. That, you know, is much more, you know, ..."
Toyota Grand Highlander
"...ly quite a bit more than what you would pay for a Grand Highlander. The grand total came to $84,795."
Rivian R2
"...he's got the Rivian R2, the Honda Zero Series, which also includes the,..."
The Rivian R2 is a new electric car that will be less expensive than Rivian's other models. Rivian is a company that makes electric trucks and SUVs.
The Rivian R2 is an upcoming electric vehicle from Rivian, a company known for its electric trucks and SUVs. The R2 is expected to be a more affordable model compared to Rivian's R1T and R1S.
Jeep Recon
"...ou know what I'm kind of interested to see is the Recon. Yeah?"
Jeep Wrangler
"...s and stuff. Like, is it going to feel like an EV Wrangler? What's it going to feel like?"
Ford Maverick
"...this a more expensive truck. And then it's just a maverick. Now you're just making..."
Mercedes-Benz GLC
"The biggest surprise? Oh, the GLC on the sand. That was bonkers."
Honda Passport
"...prises would be, the first one would be the Honda Passport because we took it off road."
Nissan Leaf
"...d me for totally different reasons was the Nissan Leaf because the old Leaf was just sort of fine."
Ford Bronco
"they'd be in big trouble. And they have the Bronco. And then everything else just feels like"
Tesla Cybertruck
"as a company, you're looking at Tesla with the Cybertruck, which obviously was also a misstep by that compa..."
Lincoln Navigator
"... kind of Lincoln as a brand. But particularly the navigator. They were doing so well."
Lincoln Nautilus
"...n they're like, eh. And then they brought out the Nautilus last year and then the navigator this year."
Subaru WRX
"...eplace wintery or not. I've done all seasons on a WRX up to Tahoe where the snow here is apparently sli..."
Lotus Esprit
"...n part of GM, working on the Lotus Elan and Lotus Esprit ABS systems, I got to spend a lot of time in thos..."
Lotus Elan
"... Delco, which was then part of GM, working on the Lotus Elan and Lotus Esprit ABS systems, I got to spend a lo..."
Pontiac Firebird
"...sprit looks exactly the same as the one from that Firebird over there. So, you know, it's not uncommon to ge..."
Lamborghini Diablo
"Yeah. Well, like, yeah, the Lamborghini Diablo is another good example."
Mclaren F1
"So, yeah. And the McLaren F1, the tail lights, came from a bus. I mean, if it ..."
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"Yeah. You can buy an S-Class or a five series. Yeah."
Mitsubishi Mirage
"little cars in America, because the Mirage went away, Mitsubishi Mirage went away last year."
Volkswagen Golf
"...hatchback in Transmission? I'm like, you know the golf is still there, it's still a car."
Mazda Miata
"... a magical car. Gosh, if they ever get rid of the Miata, then I just quit."
Volkswagen Id Buzz
"Yeah. It's all the things that the ID buzz should have been. Poor ID"
Chrysler Fifth Avenue
"a package called the Special Fifth Avenue Ensemble which"
Chevrolet Camaro
"tires. This was offered on the Camaro in 1969. So you had a little, you had a bottle"
Ford Model
"TFL has a 1927 Ford Model T and they took it"
Ford F150 Lightning
"dedicated owners have done is purchased an F-150 Lightning key fob on eBay and programmed it to the Mach-E"
Polestar 3
"...id there are Boston area lease deals to be had on Polestar 3 and 4. I think Nicole should consider"
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.