This week, we’re recording from the back seat of Volvo’s smallest EV while diving into your latest car-buying questions. We break down the reality of buying a budget manual car in today’s market, unpack the growing frustration around subscription-based features in EVs like the Silverado, and take a hard look at whether reliability ratings (especially from sources like Consumer Reports) actually tell the full story. Along the way, we discuss the future of manuals, hybrids vs. turbos, and what’s really going on behind the scenes with automakers navigating EV strategy.

In today's episode, Alex, Travis and Mack Hogan from InsideEVs attempt to diagnose what exactly is wrong with Honda lately. From canceled EVs to joint ventures without a future, sagging Acura sales, and some products going stale, Honda is betting a great deal on their new large car platform, which is still a decent time away.

After we recorded this video, Acura announced that their new EV that was supposed to start production in just a few months, has been cancelled, so if you want an EV with an Acura logo on it... The ZDX is your only way to go. In this video Alex and Travis also talk digital air vents, all digital controls, GM's upcoming SuperCruise update, and we compare the EV "wagons" from Chevy and Subaru.

Return of the Jeep Cherokee as a hybrid, including its new drivetrain, design changes, and positioning in the SUV market. Comparisons between SUVs and crossovers, discussing features, pricing, and off-road capabilities across brands like Jeep, Toyota, and Subaru. Listener Q&A on car buying and upgrades, including tire choices, luxury SUVs, and family vehicle recommendations.  Electric vehicle trends and policy impacts, such as tax credits, EV adoption, and plug-in hybrid incentives.  Industry commentary on specific models, including the Tesla Cybertruck, upcoming hybrids, and future vehicle powertrains.

Today in our first on-the-road podcast we drive around in a Jeep Cherokee hybrid and talk about Jeep's newest hybrid, Subaru's EV lineup expanding to include a 3-row and the reality that Cadillac now has more EVs than gas models in their lineup. Also, is Lexus the new Acura?

Alex and Travis dive into the rapidly shifting automotive landscape, starting with the growing affordability crisis as average new vehicle prices surpass $50,000 and manufacturers like Toyota signal multiple price increases per year. We cover the all-electric 2027 Highlander, and how it stacks up against competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9. The discussion explores development timelines, EV charging speeds, third-row practicality, and whether Toyota can price the Highlander aggressively enough to disrupt the three-row electric SUV market. The episode also features an in-depth comparison between the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Grand Highlander, breaking down real-world interior measurements, child seat usability, and design trade-offs that sparked online controversy. Beyond SUVs, the hosts debate whether plug-in hybrids still make financial sense without federal tax credits, examine EV road-trip practicality for families, respond to listener questions about Volkswagen’s hybrid future, and touch on reliability concerns with the Chevy Blazer EV—along with a humorous fast-food detour to close things out.

It’s a packed Friday live show covering one of the biggest shake-ups in the modern car market: dozens of vehicles disappearing for the 2026 model year. We kick things off with a rapid-fire rundown of discontinued sedans, coupes, EVs, and SUVs—and what those cancellations say about where the industry is heading. From there, we dive deep into EV demand, plug-in hybrid realities, tariffs, pricing pressure, and federal incentives, plus honest answers to audience questions on everything from Kia and Toyota strategy to Volvo wagons, Stellantis indecision, and the real cost of owning modern EVs. We also cover: Why affordable $25,000 EVs are still a long way off Whether plug-in hybrids actually get plugged in Tesla’s robotaxi ambitions and CarPlay rumors Used EV buying advice (Lightning vs Rivian, Audi vs Mercedes) The future of minivans, wagons, and midsize trucks As always, this one blends industry analysis with real-world ownership experience and zero PR spin.   00:00 – Welcome & live show setup00:02 – Massive list of vehicles canceled for 202604:45 – Audience Q&A begins04:55 – Why there’s no 2026 Kia EV6 yet05:36 – Kia & Hyundai’s electric future in the U.S.06:21 – EV demand slowdown, tax credits, and pricing math07:06 – Toyota warns of multiple price hikes due to tariffs07:27 – Volvo wagons: why they stopped working in the U.S.08:17 – Refresh vs redesign: when automakers stretch platforms09:51 – Are plug-in hybrids dying in America?11:09 – Europe vs U.S. plug-in hybrid reality check13:20 – GM, Mary Barra, and plug-in hybrid data15:09 – Aston Vantage vs Porsche 911 ownership advice16:29 – When (or if) $25,000 EVs will exist18:09 – Used Mercedes EQ vs Audi e-tron reliability18:58 – Why minivan seats don’t fold flat19:43 – 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander refresh & warranty thoughts20:54 – Blazer EV ownership update (pros, cons, issues)23:46 – Solar, batteries, and Chinese subsidy changes26:01 – Why EVs cost more in the U.S. than Europe28:26 – Automakers writing off billions in EV investments29:14 – Grand Highlander vs Honda Pilot buying advice31:39 – 2026 Jeep Cherokee vs Dodge Durango33:47 – Volvo EX60 vs Rivian R2 expectations36:10 – Polestar 3 vs Volvo EX lineup overlap37:37 – Stellantis product delays and strategy confusion40:31 – Rivian R1T vs Ford Lightning for camping42:04 – Tesla CarPlay rumors & software strategy43:06 – Honda Accord Hybrid MPG limits explained46:00 – Tesla, robotaxis, and the future of carmaking48:02 – Frunks, crash safety, and real-world risks50:34 – Will the Accord ever get AWD?51:52 – RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid: worth the premium?53:36 – Wrap-up and sign-off

In this episode of the Auto Buyer’s Guide podcast the hosts catch up after travel and dig into major industry moves: Mercedes’ luxury and AMG sales surge despite an overall decline, Acura’s supplier crisis that pauses RDX production for up to two years, and why that threatens Acura’s sales trajectory.They discuss Honda’s new Prelude — its driving feel, hybrid drivetrain limitations, and missed opportunities like a plug‑in version or an Acura-branded variant — and ask whether low-volume sporty coupes can justify their premium pricing.The conversation covers General Motors’ public comments on plug‑in hybrids and the broader debate over whether owners actually plug them in, comparing U.S. data to European trends and noting how OEM strategy and messaging shape the market.Other highlights include Tesla moving advanced driver assists to subscription, the Polestar 4’s awkward market positioning, the Chevy Bolt’s limited return, and Volvo’s all-new EX60 with ultra-fast charging (claimed 10–80% in about 18 minutes) and up to a projected 400‑mile range on later trims.The hosts wrap up by weighing how these moves affect affordable cars and charging infrastructure in the U.S., and ask listeners for feedback and questions for future episodes.

In this episode of the Auto Buyer’s Guide, Alex and Travis take a deep, data-driven dive into 2025 U.S. auto sales for the manufacturers that have reported so far. They hit brand-by-brand analysis, covering highlights and concerns: Ram’s bold moves (TRX/SRT and a diesel Power Wagon), GM’s large truck volume and growing EV portfolio, and Toyota’s strong hybrid adoption across its lineup. The discussion contrasts manufacturers that are leaning into hybrids and plug-in options with those focusing on expensive premium trims, and explains how the new-car buyer is trending wealthier and favoring pricier models and SUVs. Other topics include Ford’s strong truck and Maverick performance, Stellantis’s mixed results, Hyundai–Kia’s rapid rise with turbos and tech, and challenges for Honda, Acura, Nissan, Subaru, Mazda, Volkswagen and Audi. The hosts also cover luxury growth at BMW, Mercedes and Genesis, Tesla’s global sales decline and a safety debate over electronic door releases, and the long-term environmental and market implications of hybrid versus full-EV strategies. Throughout the episode they evaluate lineup strengths and weaknesses, sales drivers, and what manufacturers should change to meet shifting buyer preferences, finishing with a New Year sign-off and a look ahead to the 2026 model-year impacts.

Welcome back to Auto Buyer’s Guide! In this jam-packed episode, Travis returns from travel and we’re joined by Jared from CarBuzz to break down the biggest car stories, hottest debates, and most questionable opinions in the auto world.   Rumors around the next-generation Chevy Silverado The rising cost of new cars The controversial electric Dodge Charger Extended-range EVs and hybrids Changing regulations in the U.S. and Europe Kia’s expanding (and possibly confusing) lineup And a series of deliberately absurd debate games At a deeper level, however, the show revolves around one central tension:Most loud opinions about cars come from people who don’t buy new cars—while the industry is built almost entirely around people who do. That tension explains nearly every disagreement discussed in the episode. 2. Silverado Rumors: Bigger V8s, Familiar Philosophy The first substantive topic is the Chevy Silverado, specifically a new patent filing that hints at the next generation of GM’s full-size truck. The hosts note that it’s unusual for this information to surface via the patent office rather than the usual leak channels, which lends credibility to the rumors. Key points on the next Silverado: Expected to remain evolutionary, not revolutionary Likely to share much of its structure with the outgoing model Rumored new V8 engine family with larger displacements (5.7L and possibly 6.6L) Continued reliance on pushrod architecture, which GM engineers favor for cylinder deactivation There’s a recognition that while enthusiasts may crave radical redesigns, GM’s success with the Silverado comes from refinement, not reinvention. The 5.3-liter V8, while not universally beloved, is efficient, durable, and deeply embedded in GM’s manufacturing ecosystem. A recurring theme emerges here:Car companies don’t abandon proven hardware unless they’re forced to. 3. “What Have You Had It With?”: Bad Comparisons and Internet Brain Rot One of the most animated segments is the “What Have You Had It With?” discussion, where frustration spills over about how cars are compared online. The core complaint is simple:People constantly compare cars that are not meant to compete. Examples include: Comparing a Dodge Charger EV to a Tesla Model 3 Dismissing large sedans or SUVs because a smaller car is “better in every way” Ignoring fundamental differences in size, purpose, and use case The hosts argue that this kind of commentary is intellectually lazy. A Model 3 may be quicker, cheaper, and more efficient—but it does not: Seat adults comfortably in the back Offer the same interior volume Deliver the same highway presence or ride character This leads directly into the electric Dodge Charger, which becomes a lightning rod (pun intended) for this kind of flawed comparison. 4. The Electric Dodge Charger: Dumb, Brilliant, and Very Dodge The electric Dodge Charger is described as simultaneously ridiculous and perfectly on-brand. What the Charger EV is: Enormous (over 207 inches long) Extremely heavy (approaching three tons) Fitted with absurdly wide, expensive performance tires Shockingly capable on a skidpad and figure-eight test Able to drift, do donuts, and behave like a traditional muscle car What it is not: A Tesla Model 3 competitor A minimalist efficiency exercise An enthusiast “purist” vehicle The hosts emphasize that Dodge didn’t try to make a sensible EV. Instead, they asked:“What would Dodge do if it were electric?” The answer was: Make it huge Make it loud (via synthesized sound) Make it fast Make it impractical Make it unmistakably Dodge In that sense, the Charger EV is compared favorably to the original Hellcat—a car that was never logical, but deeply aligned with its brand identity. 5. The Bigger Problem: Who Actually Buys New Cars? This discussion leads naturally into one of the most important points of the episode:Car companies do not design cars for the used market. N