Neutral Reviews

For this , we’re throwing it back to our review of the 7th-generation Subaru Outback! 🚙💨

​With our full review of the all-new Subaru Trailseeker dropping on August 1st at 7 AM ET, we’re looking back at a different flavor of Subaru wagon. While the Trailseeker is gearing up to carve out its own path, the Outback is the ultimate, refined road-tripper we know and love.

​Watch our full Outback review to see how it compares before the new kid on the block arrives! 🎬👇

🔗 https://youtu.be/5zSZv81aBRM?si=P1CFDeyf362LE7t7

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OUTBACK WORTHY? | 2026 Subaru OutBack Review Chris and I have the keys for the all new 2026 Subaru OutBack!We ...

For this , we are diving back into the archives! ⏪ SUV styling has come a long way, but if you want to see where Volkswagen really perfected that upscale, premium drive, you need to check out this classic comparison episode. 🎬🚙

We recently called the all-new Tiguan's interior "Audi Light" because of its real wood dash, beautiful contrast-stitched leather, and high-end tech. But VW has been borrowing luxury DNA from its premium siblings for years to offer major luxury without the luxury price tag. 🇩🇪✨

Head over to YouTube and revisit this matchup to see how VW bridges the gap between everyday utility and premium refinement! 🍿👇

🔗 https://youtu.be/yt2kVoAqowg?si=JNtBIPoUUhZjIsvA

Fast, Fun, and Worth the Upgrade! | 2025 Audi SQ5 Review Luxurious people hauler playlist:https://youtube.com/playlist?list...

Honda has officially confirmed development of the third-generation Honda Ridgeline, releasing a dark teaser image that hints at a significantly more rugged, squared-off silhouette set to arrive within two years. Designed in Southern California and engineered in Ohio, the next-gen truck will continue to be manufactured at Honda's Alabama plant, with current 2026 model production pausing later this year to prep the facility. Despite persistent calls from traditionalists to switch to a body-on-frame layout, Honda is firmly sticking to its guns by doubling down on its proven unibody architecture. Rather than chasing extreme rock-crawling stats, the brand remains committed to delivering superior daily ride comfort, sharp handling, and practical bed utility—now wrapped in a much tougher, boxier skin. Early speculation also suggests this platform will finally accommodate a high-efficiency hybrid powertrain, further cementing Honda's pragmatic approach to modern truck building. By refusing to bend to traditional truck orthodoxy, Honda proves once again that it prioritizes real-world daily usability over spec-sheet posturing.

​Are you glad Honda is sticking to its guns with the smooth-riding unibody setup and bolder styling, or do you still wish the Ridgeline would finally adopt a traditional body-on-frame chassis to fight the Tacoma and Ranger head-on?

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Honda and Acura are delivering a bitter pill for manual gearbox fans, officially announcing a production pause for both the Civic Si and the manual-equipped Acura Integra A-Spec 6MT at the end of the 2026 model year. Built at Honda Canada Manufacturing in Alliston, Ontario, Civic Si, along with its Integra cousin, share a 200-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired strictly with a six-speed manual gearbox. Evolving EPA emissions certification requirements for 2027 have forced Honda to temporarily freeze production of this specific powertrain combination while compliance strategies are finalized. Crucially, this is not a permanent cancellation; both nameplates are officially planned to return for the 2028 model year, with the Si arriving as a high-performance trim level of the all-new 12th-generation Civic platform. Meanwhile, the higher-tier, 2.0-liter turbocharged Civic Type R and Integra Type S remain completely unaffected by the hiatus and will continue rolling off assembly lines uninterrupted. Even though existing 2026 dealer stock is expected to stretch into early 2027, taking these two attainable three-pedal cars off the line temporarily leaves two fewer manual options on new car showrooms for the 2027 model year.

​With two fewer manual transmission options on showroom floors for 2027, are you worried tightening emissions rules are making affordable stick shifts an endangered species, or will you patiently wait it out for the 12th-gen Civic Si and Integra 6MT to return for 2028?

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Filming day with the 2026 Mazda CX-5 GT Premium! 🎬✨

​We’re diving deep into Mazda’s staple crossover today—what do you want to see tested or answered in the video?

​Comment your questions below! 👇💬

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If you were to cross-breed a fierce tiger with a nimble iguana, you might just end up with something like the newly redesigned 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan Highline Turbo R-Line. While the name itself conjures up a wild hybrid super-animal, the real magic of this compact crossover is how it fuses the spirit of a hot hatch with everyday family utility. During our week testing it, we set out to see if this redesigned model could truly step up its game in one of the most competitive segments on the market.

Under the hood, this utility player sheds any slow-moving iguana traits thanks to Volkswagen’s tried-and-true EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Generating a healthy 258 horsepower and 268 pound-feet of torque, the powertrain feels incredibly peppy. Paired with a traditional, smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission instead of a droning CVT, the Tiguan responds with an expressive engine note and satisfying wastegate sounds that you simply don’t expect in a family crossover.

To see what that powertrain could do, we lined it up for our signature Traffic Light Grand Prix acceleration test. Slipping the crossover into sport mode—essentially transforming it into a "lifted GTI"—the Tiguan dug in and launched down the road with surprising force, backed up by strong, confidence-inspiring braking performance that earned an immediate pass. On the winding back roads, the driving dynamics continued to impress. The chassis handles corners with very little body roll, offering a well-planted, stiff rear suspension and a steering wheel pulled straight from a GTI, giving it an agile feel that its hybrid rivals just can't match.

When you aren't canyon-carving, shifting the dial into Eco mode softens the vehicle's edges and reveals its beautifully serene side. At highway cruising speeds, the cabin transforms into a quiet and refined sanctuary. Even more impressive is the fuel economy; when keeping your foot out of the turbo, the engine proves to be quite efficient, delivering fuel consumption numbers on flat ground that frequently hover between 5 to 7 liters per 100 kilometers—putting it squarely into compact car territory.

Stepping inside the cabin is where the 2026 Tiguan truly earns its "Audi Light" nickname. Volkswagen has completely raised the bar with premium materials like genuine quilted Nappa leather seating, real wood trim, and extensive customizable ambient lighting cascading through the door panels. The tech experience feels just as upscale, anchored by a massive 15-inch center touchscreen and a gorgeous, anti-glare digital cockpit. This customizable gauge cluster even revives Audi’s classic full-map display trick, proving that high-end luxury has officially trickled down to the mainstream lineup.

The luxury features don't stop at the dashboard. Both front seats boast three-position memory, heating, ventilation, and a staggering list of ten different massaging seat programs. It feels like sitting in a high-end living room armchair. Despite all of the premium touches, there was still space available for some healthy cupholders and a wireless charging slot, a pass for our Bare Essentials Test. Volkswagen has also clearly done their homework on safety tech, updating their lane-keeping and semi-autonomous driving assists to be smooth and cooperative without shouting at you constantly to reposition your hands on the wheel.

Rear passengers are treated to a surprisingly luxurious second row that maintains the premium quilted leather stitching from the front. Comfort is top-tier with dedicated rear climate controls, a digital screen, heated rear seats, dual USB-C ports, and expansive headroom despite the panoramic sunroof. To prove its family-hauling credentials, we subjected the rear row to our Moose Baby Seat Test, and the Tiguan swallowed the seat effortlessly, ensuring your most precious cargo rides securely.

Moving further back, we triggered the hands-free power tailgate for our Canadian Cargo Test. While the rear seats need to be folded down via the handy trunk levers to accommodate longer gear, the cargo area excels in practicality with integrated D-rings, storage pockets, a 12V plug, and useful grocery hooks. Lifting the load floor reveals another huge practical victory: a real spare tire with the premium subwoofer neatly mounted inside it, ensuring you aren't left stranded on a road trip.

Before wrapping up, we put the crossover through our Moose Baby Parking Test to evaluate its close-quarters maneuverability. While the automated parking system didn't quite register our test pylons, the crystal-clear backup camera, dynamic gridlines, and front-facing camera views provided incredible visibility. Edging closer to our targets, the parking sensors chimed in with sharp warnings, ensuring safety first and proving this footprint is still perfectly sized for tight city parking.

Ultimately, priced under the Canadian national vehicle average in the low $50,000s, the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan delivers a staggering amount of value. It manages to seamlessly combine the heart of a peppy tiger with the everyday adaptability of an iguana. By offering a genuinely engaging driving experience, a massive suite of upscale features, and an undeniable "Audi Light" premium atmosphere, this redesigned crossover successfully punches well above its weight class.

For this , we’re throwing it back to our review of the 2025 VW GTI Mark 8.5! ⏪🚗

​We recently called the all-new Tiguan a "GTI on stilts," and looking back at this episode, it's easy to see why. The iconic EA888 turbo four-cylinder and that sharp, engaging German handling are what make the GTI the absolute king of the hot hatch segment. 👑💨

​While we will forever harp on losing the manual transmission, the GTI spirit—being livable, practical, and most importantly, incredibly fun—is still very much alive. And it's that exact same DNA that makes the new Tiguan Highline Turbo R-Line so surprisingly dynamic to drive.

​Want to see where that "GTI on stilts" personality comes from? Go back and watch our full review of the Mk 8.5 GTI on YouTube now! 🍿👇

​🔗 https://youtu.be/6KkxkkdQm3c?si=NyeB5QvGqsjcp1t7

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King of the Hill | 2025 VW GTI DSG Review Today Chris and I have the keys for the refreshed 2025 VW Golf GTI!...

Volkswagen is sending shockwaves through the automotive world following reports that the German giant plans to drastically pare down its global portfolio by up to 50%. According to a preliminary "hit list" leaked by Germany's Bild newspaper, both the long-running Jetta sedan and the subcompact Taos crossover will apparently not live to see another generation. While the struggling Taos has faced declining sales and fierce competition, axing the Jetta marks a devastating blow to the brand's identity. The affordable compact sedan has been a staple of the company's North American portfolio for nearly 40 years, serving as a entry point to German engineering for generations of drivers. This consolidation is part of a massive corporate cost-cutting campaign aimed at tackling severe financial headwinds, effectively leaving only profitable heavy-hitters like the Tiguan and Atlas to carry the brand's high-volume mantle. Pulling the plug on these affordable mainstays signals a pivot toward a leaner, SUV-dominant future.

​Losing a legendary nameplate like the Jetta—which still maintains a massive, deeply passionate cult following—feels like the end of an era. Do you think killing off a 40-year icon like the Jetta is a necessary sacrifice to save VW's bottom line, or is the brand completely alienating its most loyal fans by abandoning affordable passenger cars?

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