Auto Buyers Guide Podcast

In this Almost-Christmas episode of the Auto Buyer’s Guide Podcast, we take a deep dive into the Cadillac Vistiq and the realities of GM’s Ultium EV platform, including charging speeds, battery design, and long-term ownership implications. We also debate whether buyers should skip the Mazda CX-70 entirely and just buy the CX-90, answer a listener question on Subaru vs Toyota vs Lexus AWD systems, and compare the Vistiq against rivals like the Volvo EX90, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Rivian R1S, Lucid Gravity, and Tesla Model X. Along the way, we discuss: Why Cadillac dropped Apple CarPlay — and why it still matters Dolby Atmos in cars and whether artists should control the mix Mercedes ditching glue for screws to improve repairability The strange case of the Fiat Topolino, a quadricycle that isn’t really a car Mazda’s confusing CX-70 strategy and real-world reliability concerns This episode blends real-world driving impressions, industry insight, and buyer-focused advice to help you decide what actually makes sense in today’s EV and SUV market. Episode Highlights Cadillac Vistiq charging & Ultium limitations Apple CarPlay vs built-in infotainment systems Mazda CX-70 vs CX-90: what Mazda got wrong AWD differences: Subaru, Toyota, Lexus explained Luxury EV SUV comparison breakdown Auto industry news you actually need to know

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".

In this wildly scatterbrained episode, we break down the biggest reveals from the LA Auto Show, including updates on Honda’s Prelude, the Jeep Recon, the redesigned Telluride, and Stellantis’ ever-confusing EV strategy. We also dive deep into Tesla’s shockingly high German inspection failure rates, and answer a listener's question about how much EV range you really need—especially if you live somewhere brutally hot like Phoenix. Topics Covered: LA Auto Show: What’s new, what’s exciting, what’s… confusing Jeep’s EV lineup and the puzzling brand strategy Honda Prelude: performance expectations & pricing concerns Kia Telluride engine updates Tesla’s poor showing in German TÜV inspections Real-world EV range needs in extreme climates BrightDrop, GM decisions, and future EV vans Nissan’s odd Rogue/Outlander plug-in hybrid mashup

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

In this episode Alex gets on his soapbox about affordable transportation and why a cheap new car is better than a used car, and why it's important for our economy that they exist. Travis talks about Toyota's all-hybrid RAV4 and how the new 324 horsepower GR Sport model compares against the competition. Rounding things out, the guys discuss what exactly is wrong with the Wagoneer S...