Episode 451: 2026 Land Rover Defender Octa, 2026 Buick Encore GX, Hankook Tire Test

Episode 451: 2026 Land Rover Defender Octa, 2026 Buick Encore GX, Hankook Tire Test

Author: Unnamed Automotive Podcast May 31, 2026 Duration: 49:24

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast gets deep into it this week, with a "review" of the impressive and high end 2026 Land Rover Defender Octa, a performance oriented version of the off road SUV. While Jaguar and Range Rover get the SV treatment for their high output models, Defender gets an Octa badge, though it features the same BMW sourced turbo V8 and 6D suspension as the Range Rover Sport SV. Which JLR super SUV camp do you belong to? What makes a six figure SUV special? What differentiates this from a G63 AMG?

Then Benjamin checks out the 2026 Buick Encore GX, a subcompact crossover that used to represent the growth of the American premium brand, but now seems a bit dated compared to other Buick vehicles. Benjamin explains it all with careful perspective of where the Encore stands with the impressive Envista sitting next to it.

Then the show introduces a new concept: tire testing! Benjamin throws on some new summer rubber on his Daily Driver and can't wait to tell you the results. Thanks for listening!

Links:


You’re probably used to car reviews that stick to horsepower figures and trim levels, but Unnamed Automotive Podcast takes a different exit. Each week, automotive journalists Benjamin and Sami sit down to tear apart the latest models and the industry at large, but they do it with a blend of genuine expertise and unscripted humor that feels more like a conversation in a garage than a formal critique. They get into the weird quirks of car culture, share honest opinions that often bypass the usual press kit talking points, and aren’t afraid to laugh at the absurdities they encounter. This isn’t just specs and performance data-though that’s in there, too-it’s about the stories, the personalities, and the unexpected moments that happen when you’re truly passionate about cars. Tuning into this podcast feels like hanging out with two friends who happen to know everything about automobiles, making it a perfect mix for anyone who loves cars, comedy, or just hearing a fresh, unfiltered take. You’ll find their chemistry drives the discussion, turning each episode into a ride that’s as entertaining as it is informative.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Unnamed Automotive Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 462: 2026 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport, 2026 Subaru Trailseeker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:51
The show starts with Sami reviewing the 2026 Toyota 4Runner, with his tester featuring limited equipment and the entry-level powertrain. How does this impact his impression? Quite a bit, it seems! Then the show pivots to…
Episode 461:  2026 Kia EV5, 2026 Honda Civic Sport Hybrid Touring [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:03
Ladies and gentlemen, Sami is BACK! Our dedicated host has returned after witnessing the birth of his child, and is here to talk about cars, toddlers and EVs! This week's show begins with Benjamin's review of the 2026 Ki…
Episode 459: 2026 Nissan Pathfinder, Towing Test [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:45
When a three-row crossover advertises big towing figures, you just know that the Unnamed Automotive Podcast will have something to say about it. This week, Benjamin reviews the 2026 Nissan Pathfinder, which promotes a 6,…
Episode 458: 2026 Lotus Eletre, 2026 Ford Bronco Sport [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:41
The Unnamed Automotive Podcast gets its first taste of Lotus this week as Benjamin test drives the new Eletre. This large electric SUV might not be the most Lotus thing you could think of, but it represents a new chapter…