Unnamed Automotive Podcast · Unnamed Automotive Podcast

Episode 432: 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2026 Toyota Camry XLE AWD

·46 min·3 clips

Ben says the CR-V is behind the Tucson hybrid, which he found more powerful, more spacious, and cheaper in Canada.

1. Unnamed Automotive Podcast compares the 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid and the 2026 Toyota Camry XLE AWD. 2. Sami Haj Asad hosts with Benjamin Hunting, and both are automotive journalists who frame the comparison from a reviewer's perspective. 3. The episode asks whether Honda’s CR-V Hybrid still makes sense and whether Toyota’s Camry AWD hybrid feels more complete. 4. Sami says the CR-V hybrid is now available in four of seven trims, instead of only the top trim level. 5. Ben notes that his CR-V is the Touring in Canada and the Sport Touring hybrid in the United States. 6. Ben argues that the CR-V has “no exterior design” and little emotional pull from any angle. 7. Sami compares the CR-V’s early rugged image with the current model’s wagon-on-stilts look. 8. Ben says the Hyundai Tucson hybrid is more powerful, more spacious, and more affordable in Canada. 9. The conversation expands to the RAV4 hybrid, Kia Sportage hybrid, Mazda’s hybrid plans, and a possible hybrid Forester. 10. Sami and Ben contrast Honda’s limited hybrid rollout with Toyota’s broad hybrid lineup across many nameplates. 11. Ben says Honda’s first hybrid efforts came early but then stalled for roughly 20 years. 12. They revisit Honda’s hybrid Civic and hybrid Accord as examples of later expansion. 13. The discussion also touches Honda’s Clarity, the Civic GX, and hydrogen-focused products that saw limited adoption. 14. Ben describes Honda’s next-generation large-size hybrid system and expects it to matter for larger vehicles. 15. On the Camry, Ben says the XLE interior uses a quilted dashboard and door panels with gray seating surfaces. 16. He says the Camry hybrid can be quiet on battery power, then suddenly loud when the gas engine comes in. 17. Ben finds the Camry’s all-wheel drive useful only occasionally in winter, while tires still matter more. 18. He says Toyota’s lane-centering is not especially refined and its front radar sensor can clog with slush. 19. The episode sounds conversational and comparative, with long back-and-forth explanations, repeated self-corrections, and model-by-model references. 20. Listeners who track mainstream hybrids and crossovers will get the most from it; shoppers wanting a pure Camry or CR-V sales pitch should skip it.

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