In Podcast #342, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew are back from a variety of first drives…from big to small utes and an all-electric hot rod! We begin with Nissan’s big ravamp to their full-size Armada. Then we shrink down to entry-level with the refreshed Volkswagen Taos. And we’ll cross the finish line in the next generation Dodge Charger…specifically the new all-electric Daytona models! Plus, our Lightning Round addresses the potential dangers of knockoff charging adapters and a few listeners were wondering why Jessica recently sold her Ford Maverick.
In Podcast #341, Jessica Ray fills in for John Davis on hosting duties. Her and the rest of the MotorWeek crew discuss the massive upgrade for the gas-powered Chevrolet Equinox. Along with Toyota’s helping hand to Mazda, lending them hybrid tech to put in their CX-50 utility. And finally we’ll finish off with the resurrection of the Scout name–yes, the one from International Harvester—as a new EV truck & SUV brand who recently debuted their first two models. Plus we have a Lightning Round on the recent resignation of the CEO of Stellantis—the company that owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, & Fiat—and what his departure might mean for the brand.
In Podcast #340, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew recap everything that’s new…and not so new from the 2024 LA Auto Show. We launch into the details of the 4th-gen Volkswagen Tiguan, the revamped Genesis GV70 SUV, a special fashion edition of the Fiat 500e, the 3-row Hyundai IONIQ 9, and Kia’s updates to the Sportage, EV9, & EV6. Plus, our Lightning Round brings up Jaguar’s controversial rebrand and a viewer has a question about Honda and Toyota’s recent influx of recalls.
In Podcast #339, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew have a wide array of cars and topics to talk about. We start off with saying goodbye to one of our latest long term vehicles, the affordable 2024 Nissan Sentra. Then we dive into the recent reveal of the 4th-generation of Honda’s 2-row utility, the 2026 Passport. We finish up with Brian Robinson’s recent experience behind the wheel of the 2025 Toyota GR Corolla, now available with an automatic transmission! Plus, our Lightning Round discusses what might be in store for the future of EVs in the U.S. with the outcome of the recent presidential election.
In Podcast #338, John Davis and the team have a little something for everyone. We’ll start with an update from “FYI” reporter Stephanie Hart on her upcoming featuring stories, including one showcasing a company using artificial intelligence to track traffic, respond to incidents and, ultimately, save lives. Writer Alex Kellum leads the discussion on the recently refreshed Honda Civic Si, made even more fun to drive thanks to some updates that go deeper than just bodywork. Then we’ll pass the mic to “Over the Edge” reporter Greg Carloss, recounting his First Drive experience with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, the all-electric people hauler that transports us back to a groovier time.
In Podcast #337, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew discuss three very different vehicles. First off, we spent two weeks with the V8-powered Jeep Wrangler 392 Final Edition (but it is really the FINAL Edition?). Then we dive into a first drive with the revamped Buick Enclave three-row crossover. And we finish up with some recent track time in the Subaru WRX tS, an almost STI-like model of the WRX. But before that, John sat down with TJ Campbell, TireRack’s Tire Information and Testing Manager, on what you need to know about winter tires!
In Podcast #336, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew are all over the place with their topics. First up is Hyundai’s budget econobox slash hot rod, the Elantra N. Then Ford aims to make the full-size Expedition more competetive for it’s 5th-generation with lots of new features. We shift on over to our Lightning Round which addresses Ford’s recent incentive for EV buyers that includes complimentary home chargers along with whether a recent recall over Wrangler 4xe’s will hinder PHEV sales. Then we’ll finish off with our honest thoughts on the most polarizing vehicle to come out this year, the Tesla Cybertruck.
In Podcast #335, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew gather to chat about a wide spectrum of utilities! We’ll launch with the launch of the refreshed 2025 Volvo XC90 3-row utility. Then it’s all about value and function with a first drive in the revamped Nissan Kicks. We go digital for this week’s Lightning Round as our own Jessica Ray had a recent tweet about a Mini Countryman’s circular touchscreen that went viral and then a viewer has a question about what happens when you drain the battery in a plug-in hybrid! Finally, we spent two weeks with the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser.
Podcast #334 brings John Davis and the MotorWeek team back into the studio to talk shop about three vehicles recently on the crew’s radar. First, a detailed rundown on the refreshed Ford Bronco Sport, arriving for 2025 with an available Sasquatch package. Then we’ll kick it over to Greg, regaling his time in Southern California with the Volvo EX90. We’ll spark up a Lighting Round about recent shifts in electric vehicle strategies, then Brian gets back on throttle with the exciting Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray. The team forgoes the typical Rant or Rave, concluding instead with a teaser of the upcoming 44th season of MotorWeek.
In Podcast #333, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew are here to talk about some big family haulers! We’ll start with what GMC has done to their popular Yukon, including a new AT4 Ultimate trim. Then it’s over to the luxury side of the Blue Oval with a recently revealed new generation of Lincoln Navigator. We’ll merge off the highway briefly for a Lightning Round on how the latest RAM 1500 doesn’t have an oil dipstick and then a viewer has a question about why we haven’t seen ventilated steering wheels! Finally, the Kia Carnival sees some updates for 2025 which include a new hybrid powertrain option.
In Podcast #332, Jessica Ray subs in for John Davis as host this week to chat with the MotorWeek crew about a random assortment of cars we’ve been testing! First up is the high-voltage and game changing Hyundai IONIQ5 N…which might be the EV that wins over doubters. Then we shift our non-existent gears to the latest addition to our long term test fleet, the Honda Accord Hybrid. We finish off with a big reveal of a small truck, the updated Ford Maverick. Our Lightning Round addresses how Toyota is handling a massive recall on Tundra engines and a viewer has a question about how to keep touchscreens clean.
In Podcast #331, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew are back from! We begin with the latest updates from the Blue Oval’s flagship utility, the 2025 Explorer. Then we give an update on one of the latest members of our long term fleet, the 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Then we change lanes to our Lightning Round where we discuss potential legislation to combat speeding deaths. And then a viewer has a question about whether or not they should be worried when buying a used hybrid. We cross the finish line with Greg’s recent time driving Porsche’s revolutionary new hybridized 911.
In Podcast #330, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew are all about the Hondas the week! Jessica starts us off with her time driving the revived Honda Civic Hybrid while Brian goes off the beaten path with the Ridgeline TrailSport. Then we shift to our Lightning Round where a recent survey of EV owners has many asking if they want to stay all-electric. And a viewer has a question on whether or not they should buy or lease their next vehicle while in advanced age. We end with Stephanie’s recent experience in the refreshed Acura MDX.
In Podcast #329, Jessica Ray subs in for John Davis as host this week to chat with the MotorWeek crew about a first drive in the updated Porsche Cayenne GTS. Then our own Dave Scrivener is back from the racing experience of a lifetime, the 24 Hours of Le Mans! Plus our Lightning Round addresses how a recent cyberattack effecting thousands of dealerships across the country is impacting sales. And a viewer has a question about the rising popularity of SUV coupes.
In Podcast #328, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew are back from their travels to talk about a few new vehicles! Jessica starts things off with the reveal of the Jeep Wagoneer S. Then Alex switches gears to the recent updates to the Rivian R1T and R1S. And then we drive the Toyota Venza’s replacement, the Crown Signia! Plus, a Lightning Round about theft at electric vehicle charging stations and a viewer has a question about charging PHEVs.
In Podcast #327, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew are back from their travels to talk about a few new vehicles! Jessica tees us off with a first look at the return of a hybrid powertrain to the refreshed 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid. Then Alex explains how the Mazda CX-70 differs from the CX-90. And then we finally get seat time in Chevrolet’s $35,000 Equinox EV! Plus, a Lightning Round about the recent tariff hikes on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
In Podcast #326, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew talk an all-new digital-first segment as well as a couple of First Drives! Greg starts us off with some behind-the-scenes insights on the newest Overdrive installment, featuring a fun autocross competition with a lucky teenager. Then we head overseas with Jessica’s recent time driving the all-new Porsche Macan Electric. And then we’ll finish off with some track time in an impressive new Aston Martin Vantage! Plus, a Lightning Round about new laws regarding emergency braking systems and a viewer question on what to look for when test driving a car.
In Podcast #325, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew have been back and forth to the West Coast for some First Drives. First up, is the Hyundai IONIQ5 N…which we got our first taste of Hyundai’s answer to the enthusiast in the electrified age at Laguna Seca. Then we hit the highway in Acura’s first-ever all-electric, the ZDX…a familar nameplate with a very different mission. And we’ll round it out with our experience in two of Toyota’s most-iconic nameplates, the best-selling Camry sedan and the return of the off-road luxury Land Cruiser utility. Plus, our Lightning Round addresses the latest layoff news from Tesla and how it could impact Superchargers!
In Podcast #324, John Davis and the MotorWeek crew go into the details of the recently unveiled 6th-gen Toyota 4Runner…a huge deal for the brand and the first new 4Runner in almost 15 years. Plus, we’ll also talk about the refreshed RAM 1500. Then our own Alex Kellum has a question on what his next daily driver should be…with the requirements that it should be manual, a hatchback, and under $15,000. Then we’ll finish off with a discussion on the truths and myths on the current state of electrified vehicle sales.
In Podcast #323, Jessica Ray steps in as host to guide the MotorWeek crew’s discussions on the reveals of the 2024 New York International Auto Show! Like Genesis…who has some interesting new concepts that certainly look production-ready while INFINITI & Nissan take familiar but quite opposite name plates into their next-generation, Hyundai gives two of their models a tasteful refresh, while Kia brings out an all-new model to replace the compact Forte sedan, and the North American debut of the all-electric Polestar 4 crossover…that will eventually be built here in the US but won’t have a rear window.