Auto Buyers Guide Podcast

ABG Pod Live Show - Alex Does Q&A!


Listen Later

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 setup

    00:02 – Massive list of vehicles canceled for 2026
    04:45 – Audience Q&A begins
    04:55 – Why there’s no 2026 Kia EV6 yet
    05:36 – Kia & Hyundai’s electric future in the U.S.
    06:21 – EV demand slowdown, tax credits, and pricing math
    07:06 – Toyota warns of multiple price hikes due to tariffs
    07:27 – Volvo wagons: why they stopped working in the U.S.
    08:17 – Refresh vs redesign: when automakers stretch platforms
    09:51 – Are plug-in hybrids dying in America?
    11:09 – Europe vs U.S. plug-in hybrid reality check
    13:20 – GM, Mary Barra, and plug-in hybrid data
    15:09 – Aston Vantage vs Porsche 911 ownership advice
    16:29 – When (or if) $25,000 EVs will exist
    18:09 – Used Mercedes EQ vs Audi e-tron reliability
    18:58 – Why minivan seats don’t fold flat
    19:43 – 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander refresh & warranty thoughts
    20:54 – Blazer EV ownership update (pros, cons, issues)
    23:46 – Solar, batteries, and Chinese subsidy changes
    26:01 – Why EVs cost more in the U.S. than Europe
    28:26 – Automakers writing off billions in EV investments
    29:14 – Grand Highlander vs Honda Pilot buying advice
    31:39 – 2026 Jeep Cherokee vs Dodge Durango
    33:47 – Volvo EX60 vs Rivian R2 expectations
    36:10 – Polestar 3 vs Volvo EX lineup overlap
    37:37 – Stellantis product delays and strategy confusion
    40:31 – Rivian R1T vs Ford Lightning for camping
    42:04 – Tesla CarPlay rumors & software strategy
    43:06 – Honda Accord Hybrid MPG limits explained
    46:00 – Tesla, robotaxis, and the future of carmaking
    48:02 – Frunks, crash safety, and real-world risks
    50:34 – Will the Accord ever get AWD?
    51:52 – RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid: worth the premium?
    53:36 – Wrap-up and sign-off

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Auto Buyers Guide PodcastBy Auto Buyers Guide

    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9

    4.9

    62 ratings


    More shows like Auto Buyers Guide Podcast

    View all
    Freakonomics Radio by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher

    Freakonomics Radio

    32,264 Listeners

    Planet Money by NPR

    Planet Money

    30,679 Listeners

    CarCast by Bleav, Carcast

    CarCast

    2,422 Listeners

    The Smoking Tire by Zack Klapman, Matt Farah

    The Smoking Tire

    2,717 Listeners

    Everyday Driver Car Debate by Everyday Driver

    Everyday Driver Car Debate

    2,042 Listeners

    Talking Cars (MP3) by Consumer Reports

    Talking Cars (MP3)

    414 Listeners

    Making Sense with Sam Harris by Sam Harris

    Making Sense with Sam Harris

    26,393 Listeners

    Electrek by 9to5Mac

    Electrek

    534 Listeners

    Fall of Civilizations Podcast by Fall of Civilizations Podcast

    Fall of Civilizations Podcast

    5,245 Listeners

    TFL Car Chat by www.allTFL.com

    TFL Car Chat

    328 Listeners

    TFL Talkin' Trucks by www.tfl-studios.com

    TFL Talkin' Trucks

    335 Listeners

    InsideEVs Plugged-In Podcast by InsideEVs - Electric Vehicle News

    InsideEVs Plugged-In Podcast

    162 Listeners

    Dwarkesh Podcast by Dwarkesh Patel

    Dwarkesh Podcast

    551 Listeners

    Hard Fork by The New York Times

    Hard Fork

    5,553 Listeners

    The Carmudgeon Show by Hagerty Media

    The Carmudgeon Show

    330 Listeners