We Pick the Best Cars We Drove this Year - An AutoGuide Show Holiday Special
About this episode
The AutoGuide Show's holiday special features hosts Kyle, Greg, and Mike discussing their favorite cars driven throughout the year across various categories. From the thrilling Lamborghini Revuelto to the practical Kia EV4, they share insights on standout vehicles, including hybrids like the Honda Civic and the Dodge Charger. The trio also highlights SUVs like the Honda Passport Trail Sport and the Ford Maverick, while diving into the world of luxury with picks like the Mercedes E 53 and the Cadillac Lyric. The episode wraps up with a fun segment on the most ridiculous cars they've driven, showcasing the blend of performance and luxury in today's automotive landscape.
buyer protection
"And eligible vehicle purchases are backed by up to $100,000 in protection. This is what modern car buying looks like."
Buyer protection means if something goes wrong with the car you bought, the company can help fix it or give you money back up to a certain amount.
Buyer protection is a guarantee that covers the purchaser against fraud or defects, often up to a specified monetary limit.
Lamborghini Revuelto
"I'm going to go with the Lamborghini Revuel, though... it's a plug‑in hybrid version of a V12 Lambo supercar"
The Revuelto is a fancy sports car from Lamborghini that uses both gasoline and electric power to go fast but also be more eco‑friendly.
The Lamborghini Revuelto is a plug‑in hybrid supercar that combines a V12 engine with electric motors to deliver high performance while reducing emissions.
plug-in hybrid
"I'm going to go with the Lamborghini Revuel, though... It feels like a cop‑out, but I mean, you know, the wild thing to me is that... it's a plug‑in hybrid version of a V12 Lambo supercar"
A plug‑in hybrid car can run on gasoline, electricity, or both. You can charge it from a wall outlet to drive short distances without gas.
A plug‑in hybrid is a vehicle that uses both an internal combustion engine and electric motors, with the ability to recharge its battery from an external source.
V12
"...it's a plug‑in hybrid version of a V12 Lambo supercar, and yet it still has all the theater"
A V12 engine has twelve cylinders that make the car very powerful and smooth. It’s common in big, fast cars like Lamborghinis.
V12 refers to an engine configuration with twelve cylinders arranged in a V shape, known for smooth power delivery and high performance.
Toyota Camry
"like I will say. The Camry is great. The Camry is all the car most people n..."
Kia EV4
"and so capable and feels like a sensitive occasion, but I think the EV4 is so impressive"
The Kia EV4 is a small electric car that looks like an SUV. It’s cheaper than many other electric cars and has good features for everyday use.
The Kia EV4 is a compact electric SUV that debuted in 2023, offering a blend of practicality and modern tech at an affordable price point.
Kia EV6
"I really like the EV6. I like how the EV4 looks."
The Kia EV6 is a bigger electric car that can charge quickly and has plenty of room inside.
The Kia EV6 is a larger electric crossover introduced in 2021, known for its fast charging capability and spacious interior.
Revoto
"I have driven the Revoto, and yeah, it's pretty fantastic..."
Revoto makes small, fast cars that are fun to drive. They focus on making the car feel very responsive and close to the road.
Revoto is a niche automotive manufacturer known for producing lightweight, high-performance sports cars that emphasize driver engagement and handling.
eBay
"eBay has reinvented car buying. From click to curb, everything is covered."
eBay is a website where people can buy and sell cars online, and it now helps with all the steps needed to finish a purchase.
eBay is an online marketplace that now offers a full-service platform for buying and selling cars, handling everything from listings to payment and delivery.
Mini
"Oh, I was just going to say, you did drive every single Mini this year."
Mini makes small cars that are fun to drive and look cool, often with a distinctive design.
Mini is a British automotive brand known for its compact, stylish hatchbacks and SUVs that emphasize fun driving dynamics.
Honda Civic
"We were at the four doors of a car, but I just popped out and went back to our comparison test and the Civic. The Civic Hybrid is just so good."
The Civic Hybrid is a version of the Honda Civic that runs on both gasoline and electricity, which helps it use less fuel.
The Honda Civic Hybrid is a fuel‑efficient version of the popular Civic sedan that uses a combination of an internal combustion engine and electric motors to improve mileage.
Hyundai Elantra
"...were going to take it, I would have then said the Elantra Hybrid, which in our comparison was just barely ..."
all-wheel drive
"...Subaru with all-wheel drive or Mazda trying to be sporty, like you can't compete right now."
AWD means the car can send power to both the front and back wheels at the same time, which helps it grip the road better in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain that sends power to all four wheels simultaneously, improving traction and handling in various driving conditions.
hybrid system
"but now that Subaru has a hybrid system, they should probably stick it in everything."
A hybrid car uses both a regular gasoline engine and an electric motor to help it use less fuel and produce fewer emissions.
A hybrid system combines an internal combustion engine with electric motors to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Dodge Charger
"...was new, but also new to me, which was the Dodge Charger six-pack with the Hurricane. I went with definit..."
Honda Prelude
"I also thought about the Honda Prelude. That was really cool, but you got to pick one, so that's how I went."
The Honda Prelude is a small, sporty car made by Honda that many people liked for its fun driving and cool looks.
The Honda Prelude is a compact sports coupe produced by Honda from 1978 to 2001, known for its sharp styling and performance-oriented engineering.
Honda Passport
"...ually wasn't. For me, it was forerunner or Honda Passport Trail Sport and I ended up going with the Honda. ..."
Ford Bronco
"...'s thinking, hey, I think I want a Wrangler or a Bronco, but I'm mainly just going to drive around with i..."
Jeep Wrangler
"... everybody who's thinking, hey, I think I want a Wrangler or a Bronco, but I'm mainly just going to drive a..."
Toyota 4Runner
"...d that's where I landed. You know, I thought the 4Runner is right in there too. You're seeing a theme her..."
Ford Maverick
"...ugh because it's also like, you know, I drove the Maverick Lobo. It's a truck."
Hyundai Palisade
"...But overall, I think I'm giving it to the Hyundai Palisade. But specifically, specifically here, I'm going ..."
Hyundai Genesis
"...d closer to these premium brands. If you stuck a Genesis badge on it, people actually probably wouldn't q..."
Volkswagen Id Buzz
"...s a smile. Sort of like a vehicle right now, the ID buzz, but even it, some people are like, Oh, that's m..."
Ford Mustang
"...ood modern takes. I mean, they did that with the Mustang so many years ago and that kind of, you know, ga..."
Chevrolet Blazer EV
"...f its main drug competitors and that's the Chevy Blazer EV SS that thing. I was really impressed."
Cadillac CT5
"...ves me a little bit everything, sort of like the CT5 black wing. I always go on about, I get performa..."
EV
"but this is my third straight year of having an EV"
An EV is a car that uses electricity from batteries to move, so it doesn’t need gas.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, a car that runs entirely on electric power stored in batteries instead of gasoline.
Nissan Leaf
"over the holidays. I have a leaf and last year had the buzz and the year before t..."
launch control
"the crazy launch control on those AMG versions is fine"
Launch control helps a car get off the line as fast as possible by automatically managing the throttle and brakes.
Launch control is a driver‑assist feature that optimizes throttle and clutch engagement to achieve the fastest possible start from a standstill.
crossover
"And it's, you know, they're pitching it as a crossover this year."
A crossover is like a car that has some SUV qualities, such as more room inside and higher ground clearance. It’s usually easier to drive than a full SUV but still gives you extra space.
A crossover is a vehicle that blends features of a car and an SUV, typically built on a unibody platform with higher ground clearance and more interior space than a sedan.
Hummer
"[1508.9s] I actually drove the Hummer last fall too."
The Hummer is a big, tough truck that can go off the road. It’s made by GMC and was popular in the 2000s.
The Hummer is a large, off‑road vehicle originally produced by GMC under the brand name "Hummer." It is known for its ruggedness and high ground clearance.
Lucid Gravity
"...e Vistick is a really great three row. The Lucid Gravity was probably the most all around impressive vehi..."
Mercedes-Benz EQS
"So, did we get Greg's? Yeah, for EQS, my six-figure Mercedes with beautiful interior. ..."
Mercedes-Benz Eclass
"e-segment sedan, which I've always had a fondness for whether it's like the Mercedes E-Class or the BMW 5 series. And this just really struck a chord with me."
Mercedes-Benz CLS
"...the back, it makes it look like a more of a baby CLS even though it doesn't exist anymore. But that's..."
inline six
"The inline six as Greg will attest because a version of it is in the 53 is so insanely smooth when you want it to be."
An inline six is a type of engine that has six cylinders lined up in one row. It’s smooth and powerful, which makes the car feel very steady.
An inline six refers to an engine with six cylinders arranged in a straight line. It’s known for smooth power delivery and balanced performance.
Lexus LC 500
"...it. Similarly, I was really close to picking the LC 500 because I love that car."
CarPlay
"even with the lack of carplay"
CarPlay lets you use your iPhone inside the car so you can see maps, listen to music, and get messages on the dashboard screen.
Apple CarPlay is a system that lets iPhone users access apps, navigation, music, and messages on the car’s infotainment screen.
Android Auto
"and Android Auto Cadillac wins it for me"
Android Auto lets you use your Android phone inside the car to see maps, listen to music, and get messages on the dashboard screen.
Android Auto is Google’s equivalent to CarPlay, allowing Android phone users to access apps and services on the vehicle’s display.
Mclaren Artura
"...I have two. This was tough, but I was in McLaren Artura. I just drove it a few weeks ago, actually."
Lamborghini
"[2902.9s] Oh man, I hope Lamborghini is not listening."
Lamborghini makes fancy, fast cars that are famous for their sharp looks and powerful engines.
Lamborghini is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for high-performance vehicles and distinctive styling.
Mazda Miata
"it, which is really funny. It was the Miata. It just you know what every year the Miata is n..."
Porsche 911
"Surprise, surprise. The 911 Carrera T. Good choice because you know what?"
Porsche 911 GT3
"...t's the only manual 911 you can get outside of a GT3. But that's actually kind of the appeal is it's ..."
Toyota Prius
"...comeback player of the year car was probably the Prius, what it went from to what it became. Yeah."
Subaru Solterra
"...ut the same idea, but that's because I drove the Solterra and you drove the VZ. So yeah, Greg, you should ..."
Ford F-150 Denali
"Some of the stuff you get in it, you don't get in the regular train and I, and that was a difference maker. So I think you need to stick with Denali."
Denali is the fancy version of a Ford F‑150 truck, with better seats, more tech, and a stronger engine than the regular models.
The Denali is the top‑trim level of Ford’s full‑size pickup, featuring upscale interior materials, advanced technology packages, and a more powerful engine option.
Mazda 3
"It's just the regular Mazda 3 sedan. We, I had a manual hatchback earlier in the year and then we had the sedan in our comparison and it's smaller."
The Mazda 3 is a small car with a front‑door design that’s good for everyday driving and has a nice interior.
The Mazda 3 sedan is a compact car offering efficient engines, sharp handling, and a well‑designed interior.
Lincoln Aviator
"... split, I'll split this a little bit here at the Lincoln Aviator. I drove a black label one thought it was awesom..."
Buick Enclave
"...gn inside and out and I actually drove the Buick Enclave Sport to the again, another UP trip for me and I..."
facelift
"Yeah, we drove the, we drove the facelift against the Toyota Highlander"
It’s when a car gets a new look or some changes in the middle of its production run, like new headlights or bumpers.
A facelift refers to a mid-cycle update where a car’s exterior and sometimes interior design are refreshed without a full redesign.
Toyota Highlander
"...ve the, we drove the facelift against the Toyota Highlander, but yeah, we have driven the current version, b..."
Toyota Rav4
"...eal now because everyone goes to crossover, so a RAV4 feels overpriced for what you're getting, wherea..."
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
"engine. So I drove a Range Rover Sport addition to with over 600 horsepower and high pr..."
Land Rover Defender
"...nsane. And then last week I drove the Land Rover Defender Octa with an even more powerful, powerful versio..."
Porsche Cayenne
"...aven't even driven it yet. It's going to be that Cayenne because oh geez. Yeah, yeah, a Cayenne EV with o..."
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