Auto Buyers Guide Podcast

In this episode of the Auto Buyer's Guide, the team goes deep on today's most talked-about vehicles and market trends. First up, they put three compact EVs head-to-head — the Rivian R2, BMW iX3, and the new Volvo XC60 long-range — breaking down real-world range, charging strategy, software ecosystems, and which one actually wins for everyday drivers. They also take a close look at the Silverado EV before diving into the Infiniti QX65, Infiniti's would-be Lexus RX fighter, and debating whether its troubled VC turbo engine and missing hybrid option are too little, too late. Then, the conversation shifts to the booming Chinese auto market — from Geely's Guinness-certified hybrid engine to BYD's ultra-efficient systems — exploring why Chinese cars deliver jaw-dropping specs at a fraction of Western prices, and what that means for the global industry.

This week on Auto Buyer's Guide, we're digging into why nobody's making high horsepower hybrids anymore (blame Toyota's pragmatism and the ghost of the Lexus LS 600h), answering viewer questions on 12-volt battery woes and whether you actually need to flush your brakes, and debating why ventilated leather seats are really just a solution to a problem leather created in the first place. We've also got a look at the incoming tidal wave of 800,000-plus used EVs about to flood the market from lease returns, the dismal IIHS rear-seat safety scores that somehow managed to make every minivan in America look bad, GM's surprise resurrection of the Camaro and a Buick sedan on a platform that was already too small the first time around, Geely's absurd 1,100-kilowatt charging demo that puts everything stateside to shame, the $4,000-5,000 dealer markup you're paying whether you realize it or not, and a Chinese plug-in hybrid three-row with 858 horsepower that costs less than a loaded Camry — which really makes you wonder what exactly we're doing over here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

In this viewer/listener request episode, Alex and Travis explore a bit of confusion with the new RAV4's rowing numbers, whether a Corvette Stingray should get traded for a Lexus, and which new car features are over-engineered and unnecessary. They also deep dive into the controversial changes the president has made to the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards and why it isn't likely to change affordability much. Then the guys take a walk down memory lane with how MPG numbers are calculated, and a deep-dive into Nissan's new e-Power system. e-Power is Nissan's first major foray into hybrids... with a twist. The e-Power system is a series hybrid only, which is different from most "serial/series hybrids" sold in the USA so far from Honda and Mitsubishi's systems to GM's Voltec that was initially described as an "EV with a backup plan".

Does Jeep have too many EVs while Volvo has too few? Also, Honda gets a new hybrid system.

Travis and Alex wander across a bunch of topics today from the dual-charging port weirdness on the new Nissan Leaf, they question whether the Silverado EV TrailBoss might really be a trail intern, and why the Corolla Cross might or might not be the ultimate Corolla.

In today's episode, Travis and Alex discuss lease-end issues when you've gone over your mileage limit, luxury car maintenance costs, the death of the Nissan Ariya and the base Cybertruck. Also, Dodge's Durango continues for another year, but it loses the V6 and picks back up the 6.4L and Hellcat engines... Except if you're in CARB states where the 5.7 will be the only option. Is there a way around that? Not really. Lastly cash for clunkers did seem to cause increased used car prices, but the higher efficiency of the models traded in likely balances that out.

Here's what to do (and not do) when buying a new car and what you can expect. -Discounts -Invoice isn't the real cost -Financing works in your favor -Extended warranties -Shop around -Going out of state can go wrong

In this episode Alex and Travis take a deep dive into legroom. How it's measured, why you can't always trust the numbers, and why we always talk about legroom in a specific way. We also ask: is the Blazer EV SS the modern Grand National? -gasp- Oh, and Durango gets another year to live, standard V8s and a bonkers top-end price tag.